Have you ever struggled with God’s timing? Have you ever felt that what He was telling you to do, and what you accordingly planned to do wasn’t then happening … or at least in the time frame you were expecting?  I have.  And I don’t think I’m alone in that either.  I was sturggling the other day about this very thing, when a dear friend and Vision Team Member sent me an email which read:

“Judy, You told me something one day I will always remember and that is this: GOD IS IN CONTROL. HE ANSWERS US WHEN HE’S READY, IN HIS TIMING (NOT OURS), SO WHEN HE DOES ANSWER YOU – THAT IS WHAT HE WANTS FOR YOU AT THIS TIME. In a round about way this is what you told me when I was looking for answers. To this day I live by these words you said. My prayers are with you at this time as you seek what GOD HAS FOR YOU AT THIS TIME.”

I think that’s exactly what God wants us to remember, especially on those days when what we feel ‘progress’ is being hindered, stalled, etc.  As we do what God has put before us right at this moment, He WILL answer us.  He WILL guide us.  And it WILL be His perfect timing as we wait on Him.  Let’s wait on Him, embracing what He has for us in this moment of time!

VERSE 1
Into Your hands I commit again all I am for You Lord
You hold my world in the palm of Your hands and I’m Yours forever

CHORUS
Jesus I believe in You
Jesus I belong to You
You’re the reason that I live
The reason that I sing
With all I am

VERSE 2
I’ll walk with You wherever you go
Through tears and joy I’ll trust in You
And I will live in all of Your ways and Your promises forever

BRIDGE
I will worship
I will worship You

At this crucial time in history, Travis and I knew we needed to attend the March For Life in Washington D.C. more than ever.  We ventured to D.C. yesterday with close to 200 otheres from Cornerstone Ministries.  God blessed us with SUCH a beautiful day … 45 degrees and sunny!  I’m sure he was smiling down on His children; the children whose parents made the honoring and Biblical decision to fore go abortion as even an option.  As we marched, we saw numerous signs, some that spoke especially loud like ‘Father who made the mistake of having an abortion’, etc.  People quietly protested and prayed with their signs and broken hearts for the devastation in our country right now.  Please be praying for our leaders in Washington.  Please be on your knees daily, as they (many of them not even understanding how devastating abortion truly is) seek what is best for our Nation.

If you would like to view some pictures I took from my cell phone at the March For Life yesterday, please visit my Facebook Photo Album at this link: http://www.facebook.com/profile.php?id=668255034&ref=profile#/album.php?aid=210080&id=668255034&ref=mf

I have to admit, it’s been a rough week so far.  Stress, crazy schedules between my husband and I with tiffs here and there, and just about tearing up as I watched George Bush say good-bye and step into the helicopter this historic Inauguration Day.  Lots of things going on in our homes, careers and especially country at this time.  There is much we call uncertain.  There is lots of turmoil.  May we remember that we still have HOPE.  It’s in times like this God reminds me that we need to make that choice to BE STILL, knowing that HE is God and He is GOOD.  When we belong to Him, as His children, we need not fear.  Let’s rest in HIM today, not any mortal being or circumstance.  As we are still, I believe He will remind us of the hope we do indeed have.

My dear friend and former college roommate asked me if Travis and I were celebrating when I wrote ‘Happy’ on this picture.  I put it as my Facebook profile picture last Sunday. Well, I randomly took this picture on my phone after Travis’ third birthday celebration his boss and long-time friend hosted.   We were quite tired, so I’m surprised it actually turned out, to be completely honest!  I though it just screamed ‘HAPPY’.  Fact is, I think we had some kind of argument the day before, I really didn’t feel well that day, and Travis was super exhausted after having spoken at a church that morning too.  You see, we have our “moments” from day to day, week to week, and year to year.  Yet when I really stop and think about it, we have been given more than enough and have every reason to choose to be happy.  It’s our choice, really.  We can focus on all the gifts and blessings we have from God and the fact that He’s alive in us and has given us something that none other can do, or we can choose to mope around and hold tight to things long overdue of letting go.  I like to think about that from time to time – and yes, there are times when we need to cry, be upset, etc.  But when I think about it, most of the time it really is that I’m caught up in some ’silly’ thing … when I’m frustrated, upset, or just plain worn out.   That’s when I like to look at this picture and remind myself that no matter how I ‘feel’ at the moment, my heart and soul are truly happy.

This video/song by John Mayer was featured in the movie “The Bucket List” and is a song I’ve been critiquing recently in hopes of helping my own songwriting.   And it hits home.  It’s not always easy to say what needs to be said.  I find this true in relationships, especially.  And during this time of songwriting, when I’m trying to be both introspective while keenly observant of those around me, I too find it a struggle to say what really needs to be said.  A few things have occurred lately in my personal life where this rings true too.  A young pastor near where I live unexpectantly died, leaving his wife of 5 years and 1 ½ year old son.  Attending his funeral left Travis and I both speechless … there was lots of things stirred inside that we wanted to say, but how to say them to his family … to each other?  And then an argument Travis and I had yesterday – same thing.  Lots of things were inside both our hurting hearts, and it’s sometimes all too easy to not say anything (or say something we later wish we hadn’t.)  What is really the best thing to do?  When you have God’s power and presence in your life and you can bring a word of encouragement to someone, shouldn’t you?  Or when you’ve hurt someone, though your pride would much rather remain silent, shouldn’t you say something … choosing to say what needs to be said?  And then there are those things from our past that we hold onto, or amends we don’t make, because we wouldn’t simply say something.  Are you saying what you need to say?

This will be one sweet event, so I wanted to post this flyer.  If you’re in 6th-12th grade (or know of anyone who is!), the invitation’s open to you … it’d be sweet to see you there.  If you’re reading this but older than that, here’s your invite to PRAY!  Our culture sure is in need of stuff like this with all the hype and crazy endless temptations readily available today.  Yours truly will be leading worship for this awesome event (meanwhile having 6 teen girls over thereafter! ), so I ask your awesome prayers, please!  I’ll let you know how this event goes…

It’s the weeeeeeeeeee hours of the morning again and I have yet to go to bed.  I don’t get it, but this past week my body has been more nocturnal than anything.  The quiet I’ve experienced during these early hours have been sweet though … and I think what I need in preparation for this songwriting I’m in the midst of. Honestly, if you think about it, what percentage of each day do we really get to be still and simply rest and listen? I know it’s far less often that I would like. Today was my day off this week, and it happened to be my hubby’s birthday too.  We decided to sleep in and simply enjoy the day at home, no pressures attached. And it’s funny how much we really were able to accomplish, now looking back, all because we were resting  (To see some fun photos today posted on Facebook click this link: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=204408&id=668255034&saved) The longer I’m on this journey wtih God, I learn that He works that way too.  When we take that time to be quiet before him and simply rest, He does above and beyond all that we ask or think … and our productivity seems to be so much better.  So I challenge you here, before I doze off into dream land, to plan into your busy schedule that time to be quiet,.. time to be still and rest in the Lord. I promise you He’ll renew your strength!  Goodnight!

It has been a whirl-wind, to say the least, since returning from our Christmas engagements and New Year’s travels! I’m so thankful for my chiropractor friend, my husband’s pay check which put fresh food in our refrigerator and heat in this chilly house, and (when it comes) sleep!  It’s now 1:50am, as my mind is simply too wired to sleep.  A song is in my head … well, it’s been in my head ever since our return from North Carolina, as my friend Aaron and I were leading worship that weekend at church, teaching this new song.  And the more I think about it, how timely it’s been.  This year - especially now, when all are talking about ‘resolutions’ – can indeed be a new beginning for us all.  But it’s not counting on a new year, a new month, or a new anything really.  It’s counting on GOD in the new, the mundane and the daunting that is before us; counting on the One who has promised us good and wonderful things as we seek Him.  This picture is me with a Vision Team Member and Worship Team friend, Bill after a worship service at church.  I just had to insert it into this blog, because he gets this … the miracle of Christ in him has given him such joy.  He truly is counting on God … and it’s contageous, if you know him!  So enjoy this song, Counting On God by Jared Anderson, and may it be an encouragement and prayer for you too.  Click on this link to listen:02-counting-on-god and here are the words if you’d like to follow along:

Counting On God
by Jared Anderson

I’m in a fight not physical and I’m in a war but not of this world.
You are the light that’s beautiful and I want more … I want all that’s Yours.
Joy unspeakable that won’t go away.  Just enough strength to live for today.
So I never have to worry what tomorrow will bring ’cause my faith is on solid rock.
I am counting on God.

I am counting on, I am counting on God …

And the miracle of Christ in me is the mystery that sets me free.
I’m nothing like I used to be.  Just open up your eyes, you’ll see. 

I can’t believe it’s 2009 already … can you?  Around this time every year, Travis and I take a trip to visit the Deans Family in North Carolina.  It’s a time to celebrate Christmas and begin the New Year together.  The highlight for me this year has been spending sweet time with our 3-year-old nephew, Tre.  From his high pitched squeal at the moment we knocked on his door at our arrival, to his beating Uncle Travis en route to sit by me on the couch, to him grabbing my cell phone to take pictures, to his sweet hugs and kisses goodnight, he’s managed to remind me what a treasure and joy life indeed is.  And he never seems to miss a beat, especially when he fights to prolong his bedtime or have a piece of candy or two.  This year, let’s take Tre’s example in making the most of every opportunity, of loving God and one another faithfully and with passionate pursuit, and with that joyful pep in our step as each day comes and goes. 

Click on this link if you’d like to view some snapshots from our recent visit with Tre and family in North Carolina:  Random OBX Christmas 2008 and New Year\’s Pics