I think sometimes, if we are not careful, we can get tied up in the day-to-day tasks and responsibilities before us, that taking the needed time to focus and worship God in the mundane and in set apart times can be undermined and overlooked.  I believe that’s true in most Christian Artist’s lives too, in the ever busy, typically market driven industry.  That’s one reason why I chose to work with Incubator Records (or rather, God chose me to work with them!), as ministry is the priority,.. above image, record sales, etc.  And I count it a treasure that, along with the songwriting and concert ministry, I can make important events where I’m solely responsible for leading worship.  I count worship a vital part of this ministry as a whole, because God often reveals things to us and reaches us in a deep place during times of worship. 

As you probably read about already (see http://judydeans.com/blog/?p=821) I was privileged to be part of iPromise 2009.    At that event, this beautiful treasure of God (pictured above), came up to me after the evening’s program concluded.  Katlyn was a bit shy at first, but opened up rather quickly and gave me a big hug.  As I got to know her a little better, I asked if she was glad she came to the event that night.  She answered me, as the tears welled up in her eyes, mentioning how she was thanking God for all that she had during the worship time, but her overwhelming pain surfaced from her parents going through a divorce.  She feels as though it is her fault.  As her tears trickled down her face, and I held her hands, God was there, pouring out His love to her in that very moment.  Of course, I tried to use my feeble words and (more imporatntly) Scripture to encourage her that her parents are grown individuals who have made this decision completely themselves and that it was NOT her fault, though the only One that can truly heal her precious heart is Jesus Himself.  As I think of that, I’m reminded that it’s often when we worship Him that His healing does come, and one of the songs we sung that night talked exactly about that: “There is a God who loves me.  Who wraps me in His arms.  That is the place where I am changed.  And that’s where I belong.  Take me to that place, Lord, to that secret place where I can be with You and You can make me like You.  Wrap me in Your arms, wrap me in Your arms, wrap me in your arms.”-Wrap Me In Your Arms by Michael  Gungor. 

This is the place Christ chose me to be Saturday, February 21st 2009, accomplishing this ministry’s Mission Statement in a deeper and tangible way through a time of Worship and the time with this precious daughter of his thereafter.  Please pray for Katlyn, that Jesus would indeed wrap her in His arms and heal her broken heart.

I honestly don’t know where to begin … but I’ll start by saying this: Purity in today’s culture is sadly often overlooked and underestimated.  I really don’t need to give you any examples of that; just turn on your TV, take a walk down the halls of a public school, or just observe the folks at your workplace even.  And those in our culture who believe morality isn’t all that important truly are missing out on God’s awesome promises and blessings he gives to those who walk in a higher standard and choose a lifestyle that shines above the rest.  This vision and dream for purity resounded in several youth leaders and ministry directors’ hearts, which intern brought about iPromise 2009.  This amazing, semi-formal evening event for students grades 6-12 couldn’t have gone better, if you ask me!  A total of 189 people (students and some parents too!) attended the time of scrumptious hors d’oeuvres and an evening program consisting of myself leading a themed driven time of worship, followed by husband/wife speakers, Lary and Michelle Georgiana.  The evening was so refreshing and encouraging too!  And numerous students all around the room took a stand, indicating their desire to live a life of purity, leaving with special necklaces, keys, t shirts and promise rings.  It truly is beautiful to wait for the person God has uniquely hand picked for you, in His timing and in His way … that person who is able to love (protect and provide) and will make a commitment to you forever.  I’m thankful that is my story, and the story many others this past weekend committed to. 

Click on this link to view several pictures with captions to fill you more in on the evening and it’s happenings: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=223815&id=668255034&l=4cb18

God bless you, and thank you for your countless prayers.  God came through, as He always does! =)  

Ever wonder what a true friend is through these crazy highs and lows of life?  Check out this music video (courtesy of Addison Road’s “Stickin’ With You”).  Elizabeth James was the chief in putting this together in my home office this past Saturday when six pretty awesome teenagers stayed over at my house.  We had just returned from the iPromise purity event, and arranged for my dear hubby to make a music video appearance debut to boot.  Love you, girls … thanks for helping to keep me young, living out a real faith, and showing this world what a true friend really is! =)

There’s a resort on the Oregon coast called the Driftwood Inn.  Travis and I found it online while exploring places we could stay while venturing to the West Coast after my performance camp at Incubator’s Villa Ingeneux.  We excitedly booked our reservations to what seemed would be ‘dreamy’ place literally on the shore of the Pacific, and arrived there late one evening the day after my performance camp concluded.  It was very dark when our rental car pulled into Driftwood’s parking lot; we could hardly see the place!  And we were very tired.  The July air was muggy, and our tired bodies anxiously anticipated the beautiful and comfortably air conditioned room.  After lugging our belongings out of the car and up several floors, we entered the dark place only to have our expectations fall.  The city of Florence had some kind of law not allowing air conditioning, so we were greeted with even more mucky air.  We had a sliding glass door to a balcony overlooking the ocean, but no screen.  And it was dark, mind you, so it seemed as though it wasn’t even there!  The girl in me really didn’t like the thought of mosquitoes nibbling on me while sleeping, though I crawled into bed wondering, ‘Why in the world did we book this place?  Here we expected something so great, but this put a damper on things.  We were sorely disappointed and went to bed anticipating the several days booked there as ones just as dark as that moment appeared. 

The morning arrived, and though we set no ‘tangible and annoying’ alarm clock to wake us, the ocean surf beaconed us to open our rested eyes.  And when we did, the moment we experienced was like none other!   The curtains pulled back from the large glass doors allowing the air to blow in the night before, beautifully framed what seemed to be an endless view of the ocean.  The surf was incredibly soothing to not only the sound, but the sight too.  Our balcony was at the highest level of the resort, and gave the illusion of being suspended above the sand and ocean once walked onto.  It was truly incredible!  Here, all along, this scene and environment was with us the night before too … we just didn’t see it, ’cause it seemed so dark.  And the annoyances of the disappointment encompassed our thoughts, minds and emotions.

It feels like a dark time in our church right now, much like that night we arrived in Florance.  A dear family whom God led to our church a mere 15 months ago, and has used tremendously since, has left under troubling circumstances.  Pastor announced the news to the congregation this weekend, and an extreme heaviness fell on the hearts of all who knew, loved and have served along side of them.  Questions, disappointment, sadness and grief seemed to flooded the premesis; a heaviness, as expected, was indeed present.  Why?  Hugh?  But …?  So many unknowns, and so much pain.  Why does it seem so dark?

God reminds me today that, just like the ocean surf and beauty which was STILL present on that dark night during our Oregon travels, HE is still present during this seemingly dark time too.  HE was the same God whom we rejoiced with upon this dear family’s arrival, HE is the God that furthered His purposes in the church this past year, and HE is still that good and loving Father God even now, when it’s hard for our minds and hearts to grasp the reality before us.  You see, the Bible says that HE is light and in Him is NO darkness at all!  He is the SAME God who saved this dark world with the Savior who brings us eternal life.  He’s the SAME God who promised to never leave us and to always remain faithful.  He’s the SAME God who gives us hope for the future.  He’s the SAME God who hurts with us now, but has promised to meet us in our brokenness and pain.  He is that SAME God who fills us with His peace, presence and light. 

Yeah, it may seem even overwhelmingly dark right now, but don’t let that fool you!  Keep your eyes on HIM, loved one.  Don’t let what seems to be cause you to throw in the towel, loose faith, or give in to that disappointment and fear.  That SAME God is taking great delight in and rejoicing over you right now.  His light is STILL PRESENT, and He has GREATER THINGS in store in the days to come as we follow HIM.  Let’s allow this seemingly dark time to draw us closer to HIM and, as we grieve, wait, and move on with HIS strength, let’s anticipate what amazing things that are just around the bend. 

Once upon a time God began an AMAZING story with your life.  It’s not over, though it seems dark … the BEST is still unwritten!  And oh, to take you back to the following days at the Driftwood Inn; though I woke up with a mosquito bite on my leg, the amazing joy and memories God gave us greatly outshaddowed that seemingly dark time. =)

This past Friday, Travis and I had just over a 12 hour adventure at Seven Springs! Dear Vision Team Members Bob and Kim Baierl blessed us with two free tickets to WTAE TV’s Winter Fest that day. What FUN! Neither of us are natural ‘morning persons’, and I have been fighting a sinus bug too, so it was hard to roll out of bed early to get there for the registration/orientation, but how worth it it was! Throughout the day we became more and more thankful for the new and exciting adventure God placed in our laps. Seriously though, it couldn’t have come at a better time – we both were stressed and busy with ministry demands and needed time off and away. It’s just like God to give us what we need WHEN we need it, hugh? And like He often does, He knows exactly where to put us to meet those needs. This athletically challenged girl would have never thought something like this would meet such a need, but God did. And of that, I am so thankful and still overjoyed!

Click here to view some pictures throughout our day: http://www.facebook.com/home.php?#/album.php?aid=220205&id=668255034&ref=mf

I’m busy with worship this weekend, yet wanted to take a minute to say Happy Valentine’s Day! I hope you have a LOVELY one and remember all the ways God lavishes His love on you in each aspect of your life. In that significant other, that letter you just received, that email that put a pep in your step, that kind word and hug, your home you live in, your church, your workplace …  God is so good to you, loved one! Never forget it.

Travis and I had a special Valentine’s gift yesterday from a dear Ministry Team couple we met last Summer. God lavished so much love upon us, giving us 12 hours of fun and special memories at WTAE TV’s Winter Fest at Seven Springs. I’ll write more and post some pictures soon, so you can share in the fun too.

Happy Valentine’s Day!

I sit here this Sunday looking back at this past week.  It’s been trying, to say the least … my sanity and trust in God has been tested time and time again!  Thanks to those of you who’ve been praying for me and have indulged my frustrations and venting through my most recent Facebook status.  Yes, it’s been one of those weeks. 

And yet, I’m on the verge of a new one now.  No matter what fire occurs this week, I’m reminded that I am to live my life as an offering to my Savior – the One who is holding me (and this entire universe) in His control.  I submit my ways to His plans.  And I rest in the fact that I am His child.

This song “Sweet, Sweet Sound” by Sarah Reeves has been on my heart lately.  Below are the lyrics along with a short YouTube video clip of Sarah performing this live (the entire song can be downloaded on iTunes.)  May it be a prayer of yours too! 

I am an instrument of the living God
My life a melody to His name
More than the songs I sing worship is everything
I live to glorify my King

Hear the song of my life
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
I raise this anthem high
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound
Let it be a sweet, sweet sound

Through all the mire and clay
You’re washing me with grace
You carry me, oh Lord, through it all
So I will testify even in the fire
I live to praise my Savior

Let everything that has breath
Praise the Lord, Praise the Lord
And all creation will sing Hallelujah

Well, I had a rough weekend.  It began sweet, as I had some time to catch up with a dear friend on Friday night, yet Saturday and Sunday I hurt from dislocating something in my back, causing it to be painful every time I took a breath!  And a bunch of stuff just decided to well up within me as I cried and cried Saturday night, and my body was so physically drained that Sunday was truly a day of rest as I slept more hours than I was awake.  And now, I sit here rather stiff on the couch as I’m waiting to see my chiropractor for some sweet relief.  It’s just been one of those ’seasons’ where so much is going on, and at the same time, my body’s not liking me and, if I’m not careful, I can tend to question why I even do what I do.  Have you ever been there? 

I’ve had some pain this past month in my body where there were days when all I could do was catch up on emails and administrative things, while praying I was making a difference relationally with at least somebody.  Well, I got a message today from more than just a somebody … from a dear person who God strategically put in my life to remind me of His timing, His purposes and His working – even when I feel absolutely lousy!  My friend, whom I met ‘randomly’ as she joined my Music Group on Facebook, shares with me how God worked mightily in restoring a friendship … how God used a simple prayer – all I could really do one of the days my body was in pain – to bring about HIS plans and HIS ways.  It’s a reminder to me how feeling down and out doesn’t have to be the end of the world.  God is still working, and He uses our pain and sorrow to still show Himself strong.  Let him do so if you are struggling today too!