After regaining my voice (thank you, Jesus!) which momentarily decided to leave me as a result of last weekend’s lack of sleep from the ministry with teenagers, ministry at church this weekend was sweet and God spoke to each service in such a special way.  As Pastor Donn is tackling some difficult questions many of us have in his “Questions For God” series, the subject of suffering has been discussed these past three weeks.  The connection with suffering, pain and fear all tie in tremendously to this ministry of helping people with the pain in their past.  I was honored to be part of leading worship this Saturday and Sunday with such a topic so close to home.  God really put on my heart to focus our musical aspect of worship on simply being still and resting in God’s presence. 

When was the last time YOU were really still?  With all the every day chaos and added political tensions at this time, on top of our every day madness from simply keeping on top of things at home, work, school and ‘life’ in general, God’s been reminding me about being STILL.  His scripture tells us to be still and know that He is God.  That’s such an encouraging thing – that HE is God amidst the madness and our hurting, yet how often are we really being still before Him?  I believe, especially when we are hurting, being still is extremely VITAL.  God longs to meet us in our hurting and wounded parts, yet we often miss hearing His leading, encouragment and experience His needed love when we are not being still.

I encourage you, this very moment, to stop and make a commitment to God – asking Him to remind you to take time out of your crazy day to make the discipline of being still a priority.  Mark it as an alarm/event reminder on your cell phone.  Fill it in with marker on that calendar!  Like you check that email or log onto your favorite website, make the time to find a quiet place to read His Word and think about what He is saying to you.  Find that time to sit in the quiet and dwell on HIM, not forgetting all He’s done for you … (with journal in hand!)  Perhaps linger alone somewhere while some of your favorite worship music is playing and let God love on you.  Or to go somewhere aesthetically pleasing and just admire the beauty God’s put around you.

When we are still, we can really know God.  He speaks deep to our hearts when we are still.  We can hear him better in that resting.  And He can renew our strength so we can walk and not faint under the demands of life.  Will you take time to be still today?  If you are, and you’d like me to pray for you, let me know! 

For those of you who don’t know, singing isn’t all that this girl’s about!  My heart on and off the stage really beats for those who have been hurt in their pasts, yes.  But that doesn’t have to take place only through concerts.  As my husband, I too have a special place in my heart for teenagers, so this weekend was full of just that – teenagers!  Travis had two See You At The Pole events Teens For Christ was hosting, so in-between attending those awesome events, Hanna, Elizabeth and Hannah (check out the funny video in my last blog, if you haven’t already!) kept me full of sugar, caffeine and life, though I was rather sleep deprived!  Hanna and I stayed up all night Friday making special shirts to support another teen, Lia, as she sung for a community festival that next day.  Elizabeth and Hannah met us there and came home with me to attend the first of two SYATP events, meanwhile stay up almost all night connecting and making some good memories.  Sunday concluded with the second SYATP event and then us giggling some more about that silly music video.  Laughter is good medicine for the soul! 

So, now that I’m ‘recouperating’ from the sleep deprivation, I’m reminded how greatly it was worth it, as I watch that video again and look at these pictures. Friendships sure bless the heart and one awesome way God brings his healing love and joy!  I’m thankful for you girls! )

Who needs a concert to still do ministry? And where can you mix the silliness in and it be all the more powerful? Two sleep deprived nights with three AMAZING teenagers is my answer! Albeit this isn’t my typical means of concert ministry, and I typically stay away from all that caffeine and sugar, this past weekend was a special one orchestrated only by the sense of humor and blessings of God! What started out as one 14 year old staying overnight Friday night, turned into THREE staying up almost all night Saturday night too.

This way more than 14 year old gal (with lack of sleep and help from the fashion stylings of these amazing teenagers!) joined the ranks of teenage ‘hood’ and quirkiness as we spontaneously filmed a music video in my office 2-4am Saturday night. These girls found all my concert jewelry paraphernalia and we purposely dressed to look rather silly, and filmed this to Barlowgirl’s song ‘Mirror’. Quite ironic as you look at the message/how we look, and such the topic that battles with all our feminine hearts; teen aged and into the adult years. Watch this to have a good smile … if anything. ) And hopefully it’ll be a reminder to you too that God is at work and wanting to do ministry in and through you even in the ‘not so planned’ moments of our lives!

Last Sunday’s concert was extra special in another way too!  I received an email from a dear woman who was present that morning.  Here is some of what she said: 

“Thanks for the concert today at the Calvary church. That was my first time there. I was not supposed to be there but it was nice.  I wanted to go to another church, but we ended up at the Calvary. I do not go to church but saw one on TV and decided to go. Thanks for singing the last song, about coming out with everybody and not being alone.  I really enjoyed it and also the song with you playing the piano.  I can relate to that because I am alone and very, very, very shy. I wanted to tell you that you did a great job and thank you at church but I am too shy so I am witting you instead. Thanks for the great music. I know  Jesus is out there somewhere, I just have to find him. He is somewhere or in some body or at some church. I am trying to over come my fears to find him.”

God does answer prayer!  Countless people have been praying for this ministry … that this message would reach deep into hearts of those gripped by fear and pain.  Because of your prayers, God led this woman to this concert specifically to hear His heart and message.  That is no small thing! 

And as far as she being shy … I think it took a whole lot of courage for her to come to church, yet alone email me!  Let’s keep praying for her and for the many others whom God has and will continue to touch.  He is a work!  He is answering prayers!

This past Sunday’s concert was an opportunity not of the ordinary … an opportunity in which God was able to reach deeply to hearts who perhaps hurt because of trauma they have experienced that is rather unfamiliar to you and I.  And this was a special opportunity for many people who wouldn’t even necessarily even go to church, but did this day as the service was specifically for them. 

Calvary Assembly has begun a tradition since 9/11 when the terrorist attacks hit home.  Each year, they designate that Sunday in September to Honor the Local Heroes – Firemen, Police Officers, EMT, and those serving our country in the Military.  Pastor Todd asked me to share this concert program at this special service, after the Mayor welcomed and recognized each hero in attendance.  After the concert, Pastor Todd had a special time outside around each public safety vehicle to pray for God’s blessing and protection upon these heroes.

To see each hero, who is so strong and without a second thought stand in harms way every day for me and you, sitting in the pews Sunday morning with such captive gazes, teary eyed and even with their elbows on their knees listening to what God had to say to them during the concert, was such a joy to me.  I prayed God would meet each person in the wounded places of their hearts.  And He did!  From the raised hands during the pivotal part of the concert, to them shaking my hand afterwards in gratitude, to them humbly bowing their head during the prayer outside afterwards – GOD was seen.  It was such a treasure! 

Here are a few pictures from this special concert:

Hi Team!  Remember Misty, that gal I talked about in my Featured Testimony section from the OBX concert August 1st?  Well, I heard from her a few more times since I wrote about her story in that section of this site, and I wanted to share more of her amazing story with you.  YOU are the ones who have made this ministry possible to reach HER!  (And just think of the many others who just haven’t spoken up and talked about how God’s working in their lives too … they are out there for sure!)

Misty is doing so well and blowing me away each and every day with her example to us all.  Here’s a little bit of what she shared with me today: “Hey Judy!  Things are going well and God is continuing to manifest himself in my life.  I love him more and more everyday.  I was able to get my 6 yr old son on Sunday and when I would raise my hands to praise the Lord, he would raise his too.  He said, ’Mommy, when you praise the Lord, I do it too’, and I told him that we were telling Jesus we loved him.  I tell him everytime I talk to him or see him to say his prayers because Jesus was gonna bring us back together.  He loves Jesus so so much too, and has a sweet spirit when we talk of His love for us.  Dakota is with his dad right now, the abuser I had to leave.  His last tempts of control is withholding my son.  Hahaha, little does he know God is in control.  hahaha God is so good.  You continue to bless my life Judy.  I go to your website everytime I’m on the computer.  Continue to do the awesome work you are doing for God cause he uses your life to touch so many hurting souls like me.  I am gonna get to one of your appearances somehow before this year is up.  Still gonna give to your ministry soon as im able to make some money.  LOVE YOU-Misty”

I share this, not to ‘gloat’, but to encourage you that GOD IS WORKING POWERFULLY because of your prayers and gifts which enable this ministry to get out there in the hearts and lives of so many hurting who have been searching for answers but just can’t seem to put their finger on it (for lack of a better way to put it!), but God shows them His truth so powefully through this ministry.  God knows what He is doing, and it blows me away to see Him so vividly at work through what was once severe pain in my life – now a ministry where HE can do so much! 

Thanks for your love, your prayers and support, and please take a minute to pray for Misty today too … and that sweet son Dakota.  I’m sooooooooooooooooo looking forward to see the vast blessings He continues to bring to her life, and will keep you posted too! )

Comments from Ultrafest have ‘popped up’ in all shapes and sizes today!  I was on the phone with a few touched folks who shared with me how they have friends who are now interested in coming to church (yay!) because of last Saturday’s event.  And I received this surprising note in the mail today from a sweet Vision Team Member.  It made me smile!  Then, Travis and I traveled to church tonight and I decided to surprise one of my sweet teen ‘fans’ with a hat like the one I wore on Saturday which she absolutely squealed over as wanting one just like it.  He, he …Surprise, Lia!

You know, it’s the little things in life that sometimes make the biggest impacts.  What kind of surprises has God plopped on your lap lately?  Has he caught your attention?  What’s he sayin’??? …

Ultrafest, for those of you who don’t know, was a very special and unique opportunity for me.  God has used Cornerstone Ministries to bring me from a place of deep pain and woundedness, to a now healed and deeply loved human being!  Cornerstone has been my home church for many years now, so I was honored to be able to give a glimpse of this music ministry to many folks who see me on stage from week to week as part of the worship team, but aren’t even aware that this music ministry is my full time thing! 

As something fitting and special, the record label allowed me to give a limited number of my soon-to-be-released single away to interested folks who came to this Ultrafest event (and to see me personally at my table throught the day), so that was something very exciting and fun!  I met lots of little girls, teenagers, moms, dad’s, grandparents, visitors, and dear folks simply blessed by God through this music.  I’m on the phone and sending emails to many of those individuals who shared with me that they are interested in learning more of this ministry too, and God is blowing my socks off, reminding me that HE is working in people’s hearts and have planned each of these ‘introductions’ as I met people last Saturday, and am continuing to connect with them now.  Please pray for each touched person who signed up for my free single, asked me to pray for them, communicated their encouraging words, and those who want to remain in touch.  Please pray God would work in their lives in a mighty way and really use this ministry and yours truly each connection that is made.

Here are a few pictures of special people in my life whom stopped for a picture prior to my concert set, a few from the concert itself, and many from the ministry moments before and after my time on stage – touched folks, new friends, and some wonderful Vision Team members who came to lend their love and support too! 

Travis and I woke early Saturday morning to heavy rain here where we live.  Logging onto weather.com showed us that it should rain the noon hour, 3pm hour and 6pm hour at the church for Ultrafest.  “Oh God, we prayed and prayed and prayed and prayed it wouldn’t rain?  What are You thinking?  This is such a huge thing for the church and an outreach to the community.  What do you mean, rain?”  Though we were not understanding why today it would rain … of all days this week … we got ready and hopped in the car to head to the festivities, one hour away. 

To our surprise, not a drizzle of rain had hit the Ultrafest grounds that morning!  As a matter of a fact, the radar showed it was raining all around the area, yet not where the church was.  Now THAT is like our God!  It was an overcast day, yet that too ended up being a lovely provision of God, as any warmer or increase in humidity would have been unbearable.

The day took it’s shape … hour by hour.  The excitement was in the air as the first sound check took place on the Main Stage, food vendors made their temporary homes, inflatable games blew up, and volunteer after volunteer took their places in the numerous areas around the church.  Travis unloaded his information table for the ‘Understanding Your Teenager’ seminar coming up this November.  I took my concert attire up to the changing room and set up my information table in the brand new lobby, while mingling with person after person.  Time to get changed and head over to the ‘holding area’ behind the stage too.  It was just about time for my concert set to begin!

One by one, each team member showed up behind stage, and more and more onlookers filled the chairs, hillside, upper lot, and surrounding areas.  We had a last minute chit-chat and prayed while folks in the audience grabbed a bite to eat, Dad posed for a picture with a cow!, and Travis snapped a few pictures of my band and I before we headed to the stage.  With moments to spare, I was greeted by sweet Jessica and her mom (see blog http://judydeans.com/blog/?p=245) and had a special chat with her while the stage was being set and sound checks were happening.  Pastor Donn and Barb took their seats too.  Oh no … it began to drizzle … prayers, prayers and more prayers … okay, it’s dry again!

David announced me and we were off!  What a FUN time and what a GREAT crowd!  Guy and Becca seemed to be having a blast doing their filming magic (while we too had so much fun on stage!),  people snapped pictures, and more and more folks gathered to the stage as the music was heard.  Even the police officer at the grounds the entire day payed close attention to our set, meanwhile devoted friends and ‘fans’ clapped, danced (oh yeah Lita and Melanie!), and even cheered, “Judy, Judy, Judy, Judy, Judy … we love you, Judy!”  Little girl after little girl sat all attentive beside their mommies, teenagers danced and did the wave, older folks (even when they’d prefer the music to be softer!) sat up front with full attention and encouraging smiles.  No wrong note or lack of sound in my monitor would stop the energy and hope in that place nor my heart rejoicing to share this message to such an attentive and numerous group!

Once the set concluded, the fun sure didn’t stop!  Though we as a band could have gone on forever, we had to make way for the next group up, so I headed to my table in the lobby and greeted folks who came to sign up at my table and simply say “Hi!”  How rewarding to hear person after person exclaim how God touched them, to hear the giggles and awe of the little girls and the giddyness of the teenagers too.  Even the folks in the wheelchairs and walkers came up, one by one, blessing my heart with their words, smiles and even ministry donations.

As each band played and each activity took place, there was never a dull moment.  The day culminated with a special church service at that main stage.  Pastor Donn shared with us how there were 4,000 people present for this historical and monumental day!  Worshipping God that night had such a deeper meaning and was so special as we literally sat at the foot of the cross.  After the service finished and folks stuck around to help clear up the grounds, we ended with a handful of worship songs in full joy as we jumped up and down and sung out hearts out!

God is so good.  Yes, I feel like a truck ran me over yesterday and a little bit today as all the days leading up to Ultrafest was more than the typical work load, to say the least.  Yet I’d take feeling like this any day, as long as it’s God doing the amazing work that only He can!  Thanks to all of you who gave financially, sacrificially, and of your prayers to make this day even possible.  Because of YOU lives were changed and impacted for Christ.  Great is your reward in Heaven … that I KNOW!

***Since there’s soooooooooooooooooo many pictures from the day, I’ll begin this week by sharing some artistic photos Angie Shaw took from the concert set itself.  Enjoy!

Hi Team!  Would you take a moment to pray for Ultra Fest today? 

Please pray for all involved.  Along with my concert set and worship leading that day, there will be many other bands, games, food vendors, etc. present working very hard to make this celebration and community outreach possible.  Click here for Ultra Fest Schedule of Events  Please pray for our stress levels as Saturday is approaching – especially for Cornerstone Ministries’ staff members!

Due to the hurricanes, the weather people say there’s a chance of rain.  Please pray God would choose to hold the rain off on Saturday, as the majority of the happenings are taking place outside, including yours truly’s concert set at 2pm!

Please pray for each person who attends.  God has a huge heart for the people He’s created, and we know this event should reach out to the people of this city, many whom don’t know the Lord.  Please pray God would draw people to himself through each thing that goes on that day, and that HE would be glorified to the fullest.

Thanks, Team.  You are the greatest!