Some call it optimism.  Some call it ‘Polly Anna’.  I call it choosing to see the beauty.

I was reminded today how each situation God gives us is a time to learn something He wants us to know.  With my eyes open, I set sail with my hubby and father-in-law … literally.  I have a concert here in North Carolina on Friday, so Travis and I conveniently scheduled some time to see our family here this week.  Tonight it was a sail on Greg’s sail boat.

Greg used to sail often, and Travis has apparently got it in his blood too.  Me, on the other hand, though I love the water and boats, I typically have to plan on taking some Dramamine to offset the interesting things my tummy experiences on the ocean!  I forgot that medicine today.  So I sat on the boat and had to focus, focus, focus on that horizon.  We went 7 and a half miles … lots of focusing.

Now, while I could have been complaining, God reminded me that it’s all about focus.  As I focused on that horizon, my tummy trouble wouldn’t seem so large.  And you know, it’s like that all around us every day!  We can choose to look at the storms around us, the rocky water, or how terrible we feel about something OR we can choose to see the incredible beauty that we otherwise so often miss. 

At the end of our sail, God gave me a lovely sunset (and two wonderful men to enjoy it with) as a reminder … though things sometimes appear to be bad, He’s got the beauty there for us to experience and uncover.  All we have to do is focus!

It was a warm afternoon Sunday, July 27th … yet a GREAT one for a concert at Mahaffey.  This concert was the conclusion of a week and a half of their Family Camp, filled with activities, speakers and special guests.  I had the privellege of closing the camp with my Once Upon A Time concert, and it went very well … thanks for the prayers, people!  What blessed my heart the most was Pastor Tom and Dee Henrety surprised me by returning to Mahaffey for the concert, after already returning home earlier that morning.  They pastor the church in Brockway who suffered the tragic house fire (check out my blog ‘Tragedy In Brockaky’ to learn more) a few weeks prior to my concert visit in April.  They came bearing SUCH good news of the surviving husband/father, Doug Peterson.  God is working so remarkably in his life since that tragedy.  Doug hasn’t missed a Sunday morning, evening or Sunday school since and regularly gets together with Pastor Tom, at that.  God is working, and I feel so honored to have played such a small part in that.  All your prayers sure have worked!

… it was an experience, to say the least! God blew me away with an offer to be the musical guest for CTV’s Focus 4 LIVE broadcast this past Thursday evening. The entire week of Focus 4 shows had a special evangelism focus, so I chose a few songs from my current Once Upon A Time concert program that ended up fitting perfectly with the guest speaker, Jonathan Shuttlesworth. God had this orchestrated so perfectly.

I showed up at the TV station early for the sound check, make up (you taught me well, Candy … the make up artist couldn’t believe how little she needed to do – you’re awesome, girl!), a quick run down of the show structure with the producer and the countdown was on ’til the cameras rolled.  It was pretty informal … pretty laid back.  Without much instruction, things just seemed to ‘happen.’

Ron Hembre opened the show, introduced me and this was it … LIVE TV! I was praying so much!!! The cameras came from all directions and seemed to constantly move while the bright lights flooded the scene. It was cool on the set, which now makes sense in retrospect … with all those lights and how the camera operators and producers were moving to and fro. What was the strangest to me was singing to an audience whom I couldn’t see! I’ve done this before, yet it felt so awkward this time. Here I was, in view of probably more people than I’ll ever personally be in front of, yet I couldn’t make eye contact with any of them! I recall praying God would make that connection, although I couldn’t tangibly see or feel it … I’m seeing how that’s been a real lesson in trust and faith. So through my human frailties, my mess ups and discombobulations, I did my part and the prayers were heard … God showed up, I have no doubt.

It was a different experience than I’m used to; yes, out of my ‘norm’. And God knew I needed that. Obviously he didn’t need me … he could have used a bunch of other just as talented and gifted folks, yet for some reason, I was chosen. I saw this as an honor, a blessing, an amazing opportunity, and now I see it as a way God was teaching me too. When Travis and I returned home from the evening at the studio and then visiting with an employee of the the station and popping by my parent’s house too, we plopped our exhausted bodies on the couch and watched the DVD of that night’s show to just ‘unwind’ a little. And as an artist, it’s like I have this innate critic inside me, so while watching it I noticed every petty (in retrospect) thing, how I meesed up there, ew I looked so gross there, why aren’t I skinnier like I was just a year ago, etc. And at that moment, forgetting how thankful I was and that God uses our weaknesses and shortcomings as a tool for His purposes, and HE DID that night … that very show.

I cried. I know that sounds silly, yet I was so disappointed in myself, feeling like I was a failure and could have done so much better. I was embarased, for here I am with a record label and all; shouldn’t it have been better? It’s like Satan was trying his best (and succeeding at that moment!) to tell me I am worthless, that what I did wasn’t important, blah, blah, blah.  I’m not dumb … I knew what was true. I did not want to believe the lies before me, and yet as I tried to keep the tears from coming, I felt so horrible. Now migrating up to bed I thought to myself, “God, why? I know who I am in You. I know You called me to this, and deep down I am grateful! I know YOU had a specific plan and purpose in all this. I know YOU worked in the hearts and lives of people all over the world through this show, and will as it’s re-aired.” Was I trusting in me ‘needing’ to see with my own eyes to judge whether or not God was working?  I didn’t think my focus was off or that I was trusting in myself.  What was going on here? 

A good night’s sleep sure put me in a better frame of mind to process all this.  I watched the second time the show was re-aired, and God spoke to my heart.  He illuminated His truth of who He’s created me to be, who I am in Him, how He works in me – problems, pain, weaknesses and all, and how this is a time to rest in His promises that HE who has created good things in advance for me to do … HE who began a good work in me WILL complete it.  And HE was the one who was working on the show that night.  God knew how the typical ‘TV evangelist’ and their sometimes ‘bad repoir’ is something that I soooooooooooo wanted to stay away from.  I hate manipulative situations and control … I so wanted God to do the working, not ‘me’ in my own efforts.  This TV show was all part of His plan … me (though a visual person/learner through and through!) remembering to trust when I cannot see, and believe Him for great things.  It sounds so elementary … it’s something that seems to come so naturally most of the time, yet for some reason Thursday night, it wasn’t the case.  God, help me … help us all!.. when (as I ironically sing in So In Need) it’s hard to trust and the fear wells up within me to hold on to the ONE who gives me hope – to cry out to You … Jesus, how I need You.  I am so in need of You.

I received a note in the mail last week from Bob, a dear Vision Team Member.  It read:  “Judy, Thought that maybe you and Travis would enjoy this program.  Won the tickets recently, and thought of you both.  Enjoy your evening out.  Your friend, Bob.” 

That was a special gift from God … It was a wonderful show, and some great time to just ‘be’ with my hubby.

I don’t know about you, yet Travis and I have our moments of finding it difficult to balance the demands of life, specifically when it comes to ministry and family, that when something like this comes along, we know that it’s God’s way of saying, “This is for your good … a gift for your health.”  Each day, we’ve gotta remember our priorities and learn to say “No” to things that aren’t the best, meanwhile saying “Yes” to the most important things, such as this needed night out … together. 

As things were a bit chaotic in getting out the door to make it to the show on time, I reminded myself how this is a special gift from God … and coming home hours later, that proved to be true.  Thank you, God.  And thanks for letting Him use you to be such a blessing, Bob!

What a unique privellege Saturday’s concert at Benner’s Meadow Run Campgrounds was!  Marylou contacted me last September for this special evening.  Benner’s Meadow Run is this fantastic campground up in Chalk Hill, Pennsylvania.  Once a year they have a week designated as ‘Gospel Week’ where they have events, craft times, and a special concert to bring Jesus to campers who may never think of stepping foot into a church.  Saturday evening came; it was a gorgeous day outside.  As Travis and I arrived, Marylou and her son met us as we set up equipment.  People walked by and curiously looked to see what was going on.  The sound check brought more onlookers, and when the music began 30 minutes prior to the concert, people gathered around the benches provided, cozy in their own lawn chairs, or simply stood until things began.  The first rush of excitement came from a bunch of little girls, running up to my table and talking with me of how they love to sing, dance, act, etc.  One little gal snapped a picture of my story book prop, others looked wondering what was about to take place.  At 8pm the concert began and many people gathered around.  Little girls, teenagers, Moms and Dads, and Grandparents too all made their way to where they could experience what was going on.  Some campers even vegged outside in their camping spots too, onlooking from a distance.   This wasn’t the ‘typical’ church audience, so I prayed and prayed as each song was sung, each word was spoken and each person I made eye contact with.  Two gentlemen in particular I seemed to be drawn to while communicating this message.  One was a biker whose attention was fixed on the music and another was a gentleman from another country who looked and listened so intently.  Yet what blessed my heart the most was when several people slipped their hands up when I asked if they’d like for me to pray for them as they give their stories to Jesus.  God worked big time!  I’m not surprised … yet I’m continually humbled and so very thankful for this special way He chose to meet with the precious people He’s created. 

What a special and significant concert at the TV station today!  Only three days ago did I received the invitation, and I’m so glad I accepted!  God was really present, and though mornings aren’t typically my preferred part of the day, that sure wasn’t the case this morning - thanks to all the prayers! )  Travis and I were ready and left home at 7am to be 75 minutes later greeted by the friendliest and most welcoming folks upon our arrival.  Laurie … I love you so much, girl!  Evelyn too puts a smile on my face, as this woman not only gives the best hugs, but was so powerfully alive for Christ and deeply impacted by the concert.  Following the concert, her words, “You were here today specifically for me!” said it all.  God is good!  I have to say, doing this concert on the set of a TV show sure was fun and I felt so honored to have met such endearing folks and been blessed in return in so many ways.  That professional sound was a joy indeed - thanks, Bob!  Will you be there Thursday night for the live broadcast … hint, hint???  And I even met another former Chicago-land dweller too.  That was fun.  And Travis and I even were able to share in the excitement of special life happenings of one of Travis’ ministry partners who works at the station too, resulting in another booking on my behalf!  God amazes me time and time again.  His faithfulness and goodness is often more than I can fathom.  And where He leads … it’s quite the adventure to say the least!

Here’s some pictures from today … thanks Trav! 

God blew me away yesterday with two special invitations above and beyond my ‘already planned’ July concert engagements. I’d covet your prayers, if you would. The first is for Cornerstone Television’s Chapel Service this coming Friday, July 18th at 9am. As their special guest, I’ll be doing my Once Upon A Time concert program for the station’s employees that morning.  There will be many different folks of all varying ages, backgrounds, hearts and churches represented … please pray God shows up in the best fitting way.  The second opportunitiy is for Cornerstone Television’s Thursday, July 24th’s FOCUS 4 7pm – 8pm LIVE Program at the station (go to http://www.ctvn.org to watch the show as it takes place online!) where I will be their featured musical guest, singing four fitting songs from my current concert program for their evangelism focused theme.  Please pray that God would mesh these songs with the message of that evening’s guest speaker and use His message to mend wounded hearts and draw them to Himself.  God continues to blow me away with the seemingly ‘random’ opportunities He puts in front of me, yet I know they are all BUT random.  He’s so good … He’s doing something sweet!

I ask you to please pray for my Songwriting Coach and Producers, Leon and Sheryl Olguin. Sheryl (pictured here) has been in and out of the hospital, test after test, which begain with her severe back and abdominal pain. They have now determined that she has lymphoma. At this time, they do not know how aggressive the cancer is, yet I ask you to please pray for complete healing in Sheryl’s body and peace for Leon and their family. And if you’d like to send them a word of encouragement, please contact me and I’ll let you know how to do so. Thanks, Team.

It’s raining outside at the moment … yet a great break in how HOT it’s been these past couple days here in Cincinnati, Oh. Travis and I were blessed to be able to come to Kings Island this latter part of the week, and attend the Spirit Song Music Festival held at the park. We didn’t make it to Creation this year, so this has been extra special. We went with my sister and a friend of hers, and Ty joined us for the final concert too. During the early part of the day, we’ve enjoyed getting refreshed in the water park and rode a couple rides. Beginning at 3pm until the park closes are concerts, concerts, a speaker and more concerts! ) Needless to say, it’s been very refreshing to my artist’s soul, although I’m rather sunburned and it’s been more than hot.

Today’s the last day of the festival – David Crowder and Toby Mac closing out the event. Since it’s raining now, Travis, Linda and myself are getting ready to enjoy some fruit salad here at home before we head out to the park. We hope the rain subsides! At any rate, this has been such a gift from God … even this rain today, coming at JUST the right time. I love how He does that! 

I had a concert in Mars, Pennsylvania this past Sunday.  People from Mars sure are the greatest!  It was a muggy morning, and due to the 4th of July weekend, there were several families unable to attend.  The Pastor was on vacation too, (glad I could give you some time off, Pastor Norb!), and yours truly took the stage.  This tiny crowd sure had huge hearts and were so moved by the concert program.  It was so touching to see the tears, hear the sniffles, and experience the absolute JOY after the service as people, one by one, hugged me and shared what God was doing in their lives. 

I think of one gentleman in particular right now.  His name is Bob.  Bob was the first fella (other than the sound person, Travis and I) to show up that morning.  With eagerness, and before he even heard me mind you, he gave me a donation of the few dollars he happened to have in his pocket so he could take one of my former Demo CD’s home with him.  He then proceeded to chat a bit as I was getting the stage ready, and he was setting up the chairs for this church service, which met in a gymnasium.  The concert began, and he sat himeslf toward the back.  I wondered if God was speaking especially to him as I sung, spoke and conveyed this message.  Sure enough, God did, and this fella proceeded to thank me immensely after the concert, write down my website information, and give me a special love offering as a way of thank you.  THEN, the very next day, Bob contacted me through this website and said that he wanted to become a Vision Team Member!  Oh, I’m tickled, to say the least.

Just when Satan tries to throw his darts of discouragement or frustration begins to set in about something or another, God has a wonderful way of reminding me that HE began a good work in each one of us … and HE will be faithful to COMPLETE it!  Thanks, Woodland Valley for your love, care, receptiveness and tremendous support.  Thanks to all of you who gave incredible donations and took a Demo CD home with you.  Thanks, Vision Team, who so selflessley and passionately support this ministry so it can go to places the Lord clearly leads.  And thank you, God, for always remaining faithful!