A young man named John received a parrot as an early Christmas gift. The parrot had a bad attitude and an even worse vocabulary. Every word out of the bird’s mouth was rude, obnoxious and laced with profanity. John tried and tried to change the bird’s attitude by consistently saying only polite words, playing soft music and anything else he could think of to ‘clean up’ the bird’s vocabulary. Finally, John was fed up and he yelled at the parrot. The parrot yelled back. John shook the parrot and the parrot got angrier and even ruder. John, in desperation, threw up his hands, grabbed the bird and shoved him in the freezer. For a few minutes the parrot squawked and kicked and screamed. Then suddenly there was total quiet. Not a peep was heard for over a minute. Fearing that he’d hurt the parrot, John quickly opened the door to the freezer. The parrot calmly stepped out onto John’s outstretched arms and said ‘I believe I may have offended you with my rude language and actions. I’m sincerely remorseful for my inappropriate transgressions and I fully intend to do everything I can to correct my rude and unforgivable behavior.’ John was stunned at the change in the bird’s attitude. As he was about to ask the parrot what had made such a dramatic change in his behavior, the bird continued, ‘May I inquire as to what the turkey did?’

Give thanks today for what you’ve been given.  No matter how bad things may look, at least you’re not frozen in a freezer like that turkey … or about to be eaten! )

Before I disappear from the Internet for a few days here … or as my husband says, ‘unplug from the Matrix’ … I have to share something. Boy, did God show up BIG TIME this past weekend at the Ladies Retreat at the Antiochian Village in Ligonier, PA! Thank you to all of you who were so fervently praying. I honestly don’t have the adequate vocabulary to describe to the fullest how God transformed lives, bringing His truth, healing and freedom to so many deeply wounded hearts. He rekindled joy in so many hearts too.  That’s no small thing! It was such an honor to serve along side of several dear, godly women and meet so many others. It was a true privilege, I might add. Oh, God has heard your prayers, Team! Thank you SO MUCH seems so little to say, but I mean it.  I couldn’t have done it without you. God enabled the strength and moved in ways only He can, because of your cries to Him.  THANK YOU!  Now, I must disappear … talk with you when I return to the Matrix, ‘… coming, Neo.’

Hi! The concert at Abundant Life sure went wonderfully, last evening. This past month and a half has thrown me in many directions as I’ve suffered eye infections, traveled some for family events, and my body hasn’t been feeling the greatest from strains physically and emotionally. But don’t stop reading … I don’t mean to depress you, for things get better! God knew what He was doing when He scheduled the Wednesday night concert at Abundant Life, November 12th 2008. The turnout was great, which the Pastor really wasn’t sure of since their typical small groups meet that night. But what was the absolute sweetest besides the numerous comments from touched folks, were the too many hands for me to count raising, indicating that they’d like me to specifically pray for them. God was very much so at work, and my heart was reminded once more how, no matter how I feel or what obstacles appear to be in the way, what HE has started HE will see through to completion. When we are faithful to where He sends us, HE shows up and does HIS thing! Here’s a song (just click on the link to hear it: great-are-you) that reminds me how great He indeed is, and how I am to worship him with my life every moment. So yes, even now, as my pain disorder decided to go berserk from the strain last evening, I am so thankful and I continue to worship Him!

Will you take a moment and pray for the Ordinary Women, Extraordinary Grace Fall 2008 Retreat taking place this Friday and Saturday, November 14th and 15th?  Many topics will be explored and expounded upon such as beauty, enduring strength, and conquering your past.  Yours truly will be leading the worship before and after each teaching topic.  Please pray for my fingers, voice, mind and Laurie and Joy’s too, as they’ll be joining me on violin and vocals.  Thanks in advance, and here’s a video a dear friend of mine, Elizabeth James, put together to kick off the Beauty section of the retreat.  The culture says beauty is one thing, yet God already sees us as beautiful, minus all that stuff!  Here’s the video: 

Yup, Travis and I celebrated our fourth Anniversary yesterday.  Time has flown!  We took the day off and ventured to Deep Creek Lake, Maryland.  The day was filled with nostalgia as we revisited places (and food!) that we first stumbled upon the week after our wedding.  Thanks for all the warm wishes, to those of you who sent cards and greetings.  We are so thankful to God for the blessing of each other … all the hard work sure is worth it!  Here are some of my favorite pics from the day for you to enjoy!

 

I went to bed last night sick to my stomach, after watching the election results. My heart sunk as I saw Obama accepting to be our 44th President of the United States. All I could honestly think of was all those babies who can’t speak for themselves in their mothers’ wombs – babies who are about to be aborted from the life they could have, as this was the first thing President-Elect Barack Obama promised Planned Parenthood he’d work on accomplishing. Then, my heart went to how God defines marriage – as one man and one woman, and how this too isn’t a value Obama holds. These two issues alone (although there are others) gave me that sick feeling as we sat and tried to comprehend what was happening as history was unfolding before us last night.

A text message from a very wise beyond her years teenager friend started reminding me Who was really in control. Then, verses from God’s word begun to ring in my mind, scripture like: “Stand firm on the Word of God”, “Why are you downcast, oh my soul? Put your hope in God.” and “God has not given us a spirit of fear, but a sound mind.” He was beginning to remind me of truths I have come to learn and understand over the years. Now was a time I needed to continue following God’s truth (more than ever!) and keep my eyes on Him as opposed to man. It may not be easy to stand for our faith in these days, months and years to come, yet I pray God helps us to be reminded of HIS truths and HIS hope that resides in all those who believe in Him – regardless of what’s going on in the world around us. We need to choose to worship Him now more than ever. So though I still have and ache in my heart and my stomach could be better, I am choosing to put my trust and hope in God, once again. Remind us all to pray for our country, God … and to pray for our soon to be leader as President of the United States. Thank you for waking up with this song in my head. You ARE still holy.

You Are Still Holy
words and music by Kim Hill

Holy, You are still holy
Even when the darkness surrounds my life
Sovereign, You are still sovereign
Even when confusion has blinded my eyes
Lord, I don’t deserve Your kind affection
When my unbelief has kept me from Your touch
I want my life to be a pure reflection
Of Your love

And so I come into Your chamber
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Saviour
And I’m at Your mercy
All that has been in my life
Up ’til now
It belongs to You
You are still holy

Holy, You are still holy
Even though I don’t understand Your ways
Sovereign, You will be sovereign
Even when my circumstances don’t change
Lord, I don’t deserve your tender patience
When my unbelief has kept me from Your truth
I want my life to be a sweet devotion
To You

And so I come into Your chamber
And I dance at Your feet, Lord
You are my Saviour
And I’m at Your mercy
All that has been in my life
Up ’til now
It belongs to You

I belong to You
You are still holy
You are still sovereign
You are still holy, Lord
You are still righteous
You are all-knowing
You are still holy

Early Friday morning yours truly, (along with my supportive Daddy,) ventured out to hear Vice-Presidential Candidate, Sarah Palin.  It was early, and it was cold … yet soooo worth it.  John McCain and Sarah Palin strongly support Biblical values and base their political decisions and morals like our founding fathers – from their faith in God.  On that, I stand with them.  Here are some pics from the morning.  They have my vote, and I encourage you to do the same this Tuesday!  Go McCain/Palin!