Travis and I went to see the movie ‘Fireproof’ with good friends, Aaron and Lynn this past weekend.  Yeah, we look pretty goofy here in this pic, yet our hearts were profoundly impacted by the amazing movie.  Marriage is hard, and we sure do need reminders on how to love each other in our brokenness and all.  While embracing this story through and through, it stirred up some past and present hurts in my heart.  These past few weeks have been challenging ones, and the movie (and time to simply have fun with good friends!) was definitely a God sent.  Things, for  reasons unbeknownst to me, have been very hard lately; marriage, the pain in my body, our work schedules and it’s demands, monitor problems at church Sunday … you name it.  And each new time I go through it, I’m learning to embrace Jesus all the more.  When I choose to (after I cry a bit and let it out!) worship HIM amongst the hard times, He transforms my heart and brings about His healing even more.  What hard times are you going through right now?  How can you embrace them instead of running away from them?  I dare ya.

As I sit here today, I’m reminded how God’s given all of us an AMAZING story – pain and all.  My sweeeet friend, Tara McRoberts, has got such a story herself.  I met Tara in my first couple years of college and we became instant friends; you know, that ‘kindred spirit’ kind of thing.  I specifically recall my final days at Mid-America Bible College in Oklahoma City, as I was transferring to Moody Bible Institute in Chicago just a few short months thereafter.  Tara and I, crammed in her tiny little dorm room, listened to some of our favorite music by Cindy Morgan and Amy Grant, and looked at pictures while laughing and crying the night away those final moments before I was off to several states away. 

As many of you know, I’ve lessened my concert schedule demands these next few months to dive more into my songwriting and rejuvenate my artist’s soul.  While away from the stage, one of my delights was to visit Tara, so that I did!  We have kept in touch over the years, went to the Grand Ole Opry for the GMA Music Awards most recently, and we keep in touch as Tara’s a part of my Vision Team and my Facebook Judy Deans Music Group.  She and Jason live in Kentucky and have the most BEAUTIFUL family in the world!  Travis and I had time to visit with them this month, enchanted by their sweetheart of a princess eldest daghter and meeting their newest daughter too.  The hours went waaay too fast, and it was so hard to say goodbye again.  As I left, I handed her a rough DVD copy of one of ny first Once Upon A Time concerts.  She delightfully took it home and watched it that evening, email waiting in my Inbox to greet me the very next day.  She said: 
 

“Judy Beauty, I just finished watching your concert and I loved it, truly I did. I enjoyed all the songs, especially #3.  One of my favorite parts was when you sat at the piano.  You sang beautifully. And your performance felt genuine, your love for the Lord really came through, and your Judy Beautiness.:)  But while I loved the music, I really appreciated the message you brought. I truly feel as though it can resonate with just about anyone, as most people have painful experiences in their past that they get stuck on. I loved when you sat behind your giant storybook, it felt like the audience could get to know a little of your life and where you’re coming from and it was sweet, funny, cute, touching, etc.  When you had everyone close their eyes and picture their own storybook and then they got to the page where the memories weren’t that great I immediately thought of my [painful] experience in college with [an influential leader] there. I definitely still get stuck on this very painful part of my past at various times throughout my life.  So what you had to say really spoke to me, I feel as though I still hold on to some bitterness regarding this whole situation. I love my life, I am happy in my marriage and my two precious girls and wouldn’t change my life for anything, but sometimes I still wonder what if.  What if [this leader] had encouraged me instead of have been discouraging, what if I had pressed on despite this disappointment (like you did, brave woman), where would I be now?  Would I be singing, making a living somehow with music?  So, keep doing what you are doing because the Lord will definitely use you and bless others through your ministry.  What you had to say really did touch me, also thanks for your Mission Statement and Free Article [you give out at your concerts and have now] sent to me.  They were helpful.”

God is a great God.  His plan for us, far exceeds our wildest expectations … even when there’s a bunch of pain involved – IF we let His plans come into fruition!  We can stand in the way by letting that pain and anger turn into bitterness, meanwhile getting ourselves ’stuck’ from living out all we’ve been meant to be.  When we’re hurt, we have a choice how we’ll respond to that pain.  Tara is very much so a brave woman, as I’ve watched her over the years walk hand in hand with God through the pain that happened many years ago.  She has walked such a beautiful road with her Savior, as He’s given her a beautiful life and ministry there in Kentucky with her family and those she’s in contact from day to day.  I know she impacts more people through her love and life as a wife, mom, friend and the gifted singing she provides each opportunity that is presented to her.  I know God has and is using her in more ways than she probably even realizes, just like most of us.  And she’s one who, though hurt badly in her past, continually allows Jesus to heal her more and more each day while following Christ each step of the way.  She is beautiful, and I’m so honored to be her friend. 

I sit here on this Sunday evening, feeling like I was hit by a truck; but HEY, I have come to learn that this is common after ministry.  Each time I’ve got a concert or worship and ministry engagement, I always come home thereafter and feel 20 years older than I truly am!  (Uh oh … what’s it gonna be like 20 years down the road?  Gulp!)  Anyway … Travis gave a message and taught on anger this morning, and I accompanied him with some fitting music from the piano; a song from an artist instrumental in my college days especially.  All in all, God managed to convict and teach us in the midst of ministering.  He’s so faithful like that!  And in my somewhat comatose state at the moment, I find it ironic how Jesus gives us His amazing strength, like we could be a superhero while we’re doing His work, yet once we take the time to rest thereafter, He reminds us how we so desperately need Him and it’s because of HIS work and presence in our life that we even have the energy and story to do this thing in the first place.  I’m so thankful to be His, and ministering along side my hubby today was a joy.  And I’ll ‘recover’ any day He gives me to!

*If you’d like to hear the original recording of the song I shared this morning by the song’s writer and performer, click on this link: Cheri Keaggy – Lay It Down, and if you’d like to hear a copy of Travis’ message, let me know and we’ll see what we can do to get it to ya!

Yes, this is a silly picture from a recent Renaissance Festival I was privileged to attend this month.  I was told to eat barbarically, like they did in medieval times, yet as I look at this picture today, the expression reminds me of something else – determination with laughter too.  Here’s the deal …

A dear Vision Team Member and Friend of mine who is battling (and winning, Praise the Lord!) cancer, sent me an email with these jokes.  I just feel like I’ve gotta pass them along!  Our pasts (and our present!) often contain difficult situations and hard steps to take and work through.  That heaviness can weigh us down – if we let it, that is.  Through those heavy times, God not only gives us HIS grace and strength, but He gives us things like these jokes to provide laughter to give us a breather through it all.  And learning to laugh also helps us put things into proper perspective; trusting in God and taking things one moment at a time.  Laughter IS good medicine!  Of that, I am convinced!!!  Enjoy these, no matter what you are going through today! )

Attending a wedding for the first time, a little girl whispered to her mother, ‘Why is the bride dressed in white?” The mother replied, ‘Because white is the color of happiness, and today is the happiest day of her life.’ The child thought about this for a moment then said, ‘So why is the groom wearing black?’
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A little girl, dressed in her Sunday best, was running as fast as she could, trying not to be late for Bible class. As she ran she prayed, ‘Dear Lord, please don’t let me be late! Dear Lord, please don’t let me be late!’
While she was running and praying, she tripped on a curb and fell, getting her clothes dirty and tearing her dress. She got up, brushed herself off, and started running a gain! As she ran she once again began to pray, ‘Dear Lord, please don’t let me be late…But please don’t shove me either!’
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Three boys are in the school yard bragging about their fathers. The first boy says, ‘My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a poem, they give him $50.’  The second boy says, ‘That’s nothing. My Dad scribbles a few words on piece of paper, he calls it a song, they give him $100.’ The third boy says, ‘I got you both beat. My Dad scribbles a few words on a piece of paper, he calls it a sermon, and it takes eight people to collect all the money!’
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An elderly woman died last month. Having never married, she requested no male pallbearers. In her handwritten instructions for her memorial service, she wrote, ‘They wouldn’t take me out while I was alive, I don’t want them to take me out when I’m dead.’
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A police recruit was asked during the exam, ‘What would you do if you had to arrest your own mother?’ He answered, ‘Call for backup.’
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A Sunday School teacher asked her class why Joseph and Mary took Jesus with them to Jerusalem . A small child replied, ‘They couldn’t get a baby-sitter.’
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A Sunday school teacher was discussing the Ten Commandments with her five and six year old children. After explaining the commandment to ‘Honor thy father and thy mother,’ she asked, ‘Is there a commandment that teaches us how to treat our brothers and sisters?’ Without missing a beat, one little boy answered, ‘Thou shall not kill.’
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At Sunday School they were teaching how God created everything, including human beings. Little Johnny seemed especially intent when they told him how Eve was created out of one of Adam’s ribs. Later in the week his mother noticed him lying down as though he were ill, and she said, ‘Johnny, what is the matter?’ Little Johnny responded, ‘I have pain in my side. I think I’m going to have a wife.’
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Two boys were walking home from Sunday school after hearing a strong preaching on the devil. One said to the other, ‘What do you think about all this Satan stuff?’ The other boy replied, ‘Well, you know how Santa Claus turned out. It’s probably just your Dad.’

It’s not often Travis and I get to take a few days to venture away from typical concerts, worship leading, speaking and Teens for Christ engagements, but this past week we DID!  And God certainly used it as a time of refreshment and creative encouragement to my soul! 

What began as a visit to celebrate my nephew’s Senior Night soccer game, turned into a whole bunch of other things too!  Earlier the day of Ty’s game, my Mom, Aunt, Sister and I experienced something rather different than my norm – Tea Time at an elegantly local tea place.  What a new experience … and one where my mom especially was experiencing such joy!  Who would have thought tea time could do such a thing!?! 

That evening, time with my sister Linda and her son Ty was certainly special as Ty, captain of the soccer team, led his team to the winning victory of the game – numerous times, especially when there were seconds to spare at the game’s end!  Rejoicing and celebrating with him and many other family members created such a sweet and healing memory to me, where fear and pain once lived in my Once Upon A Time.  God is soooooo good and knows exactly how to reach us!

I was blessed to soak in the creative expressions, worshipful spirits and even ministry through the pain in life at the Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith concert the evening following Ty’s game.  Oh, there are simply not enough words in the English language to express how God communicated to my heart in those dear three hours!  I laughed, I cried, my heart was challenged and awakened to God’s working in my life (and that which He wants to yet do!), and the songwriter in me was greatly encouraged to press on.

The day following the concert, a special treat was in store.  I was able to visit a dear friend from college; a kindred spirit whose visits with mean more to me than just about anything!  Although our GPS took us to the wrong address and doubled out travel time(!), that didn’t hinder the absolutely wonderful afternoon with Jason, Tara, their children Greta and Megan, and Jason’s folks.  And little did I know how God was going to use a video recording of my current concert which I gave to Tara that day, to really minister to her heart too.  More on that in another blog days to come … God is so good!

Our final day in Cincinnati ended up being a spur of the moment decision to take my family to the Renaissance Festival following church!  (Yup, it was Travis’ idea!)  Oh, to see my 82 year old Aunt hold a midieval sword put such a smile in our hearts and joy in knowing that this ‘new’ experience for my 73 and 74 year old folks too was something special.  Needless to say, Travis was certainly in his element, perked up like a little kid on Christmas morning with each sword fight, jousting battle, and suit of armor he witnessed.  Another sweet memory as God continues His healing process in my very own life.

May this blog challenge you to look around at all the sweet memories God sometimes seemingly ‘out of the blue’ places in your lap!  And if you’re hiding behind your work, think about taking care of yourself and giving your life some room to breathe so that God can touch you, heal you, give you new energy for the day, and even use you in a whole new way too! 

And if you’re a picture nut like me, and would like to see more pics, visit my Facebook site for a whole slew of ‘em! )  src=”http://badge.facebook.com/badge/668255034.1644.1475734864.png” border=0 alt=”Judy Deans’s Facebook profile”></a>

As I soak in all the political drama and it’s accompanying attacks leading up to November’s election, I wonder what God sees and thinks of it all.  What does Christ feel as he watches not just our presidential candidates, but US?  Yes, we need to be knowledgeable.  We need to know what’s going on and pay attention.  And we need to most assuredly vote.  But why do we fight?  Why do we participate in the petty attacks?  And why does this become more about US than about what GOD wants? 

I think we often act the way we do because of much hurt that took place in our past.  But just like we need to ask Jesus to show us how our past is effecting us TODAY and invite Him to teach and heal us from that pain, we need to ask Jesus how HE wants us to live our lives in this crucial time in America.  We need to quit bickering and look at the BIG picture … the way GOD sees it. 

When we go to the polls this November, I pray we vote based on biblical morals and values, above all.  God wants to bless America, as He most certainly has, and yet when HIS children do not trust Him and act in accordance to His Word, we are basically saying, “God, we don’t need You or Your blessing.  We can do this in the way WE see best.”  But when we act, as our forefathers did, in accordance to HIS truth revealed in Scripture, we will be inviting His blessing.  And we will be trusting that HE knows best for our country … and for us.

Living for Him and His ways is not always easy.  He never said it would be easy.  And decisions made based on His Word will often times be difficult and not popular.  Yet I encourage you Christian, walk in His strength!  He IS God, above all.  And no matter the outcome of the election, HE will still be on the throne.  It is our responsibility to make sure He is on the throne of our hearts and lives.  May that reflect in our votes and our actions in the years to come.

Hi everybody!  For those of you who have been praying for my songwriting coach, who is battling cancer, I heard some encouraging news today, and wanted to pass it on to you!  Sheryl says:  “I just got some feedback from my doctor and it’s good news!  I’ve made excellent progress and responded really well to the treatments thus far. There are just some small residual nodes in the stomach area but they didn’t see anything abnormal in the PET scan. This is GREAT considering in my first scan I was lit up like a Christmas tree with a bunch of walnut sized nodes throughout the abdomen above and below the diaphragm. Considering that the scan was after my 3rd chemo treatment and I had my 4th the day after, we should be wiping this stuff out well before the end of my treatment regimen. I couldn’t be happier.  I’m breathing a big sigh of relief, thanking God for  granting me more days on this earth to do what I was put here to do, for all the prayers of my faithful friends and those I don’t even know who’ve been praying for me through various prayer chains, and looking forward to just 2 more months of therapy.  I feel like I’m seeing daylight after a lot of dark weather.  ~ Sheryl”

Thanks so much for your fatihful prayers, folks!  God is so good!  Please keep praying!!!

Aaaaaaahhhh!  I just got off the phone with a gentleman from the Tri-County Newspaper all the way on the West Coast.  The nice fella on the other line is doing an article on Incubator Records, and wanted some input from an artist of theirs, so yours truly took the call.  Talk about an experience!  I was honored to be interviewed, to say the least; and talk about God taking this ministry where  HE wants it!  I guess when you pray, ‘Where you lead me, I will follow.  Take me to this world – use me as you choose. I am yours.’ He does just that … nerves and all!