My birthday is only one week away, and I have high ambitions for this one! When I think about it, it’s such a blessing and a GIFT to be living here in America. God has given us so much, and at this time with our economy as it is, I feel we tend to forget how rich we indeed are. When we take our eyes off of ourselves, and look at people like this little guy pictured here (James Mburu Ngigi from Kenya, East Africa), we begin to see with eyes and hearts of compassion. Travis and I begun sponsoring this little guy the year we got married, and it’s been amazing to see how God’s changing his life (and ours!) leaps and bounds. After all, Jesus says that when we give to the least of these, we give to Him.

So, for my birthday this year (and James’ birthday which is August 28th!), I’m long to make a difference to these poverty stricken children through Compassion International …and desire to see little guys like this with BIG smiles on their faces, but I need YOUR help!  There’s only 7 days to do it, but I’m confident we can make a difference for ETERNITY! Click on this link to see how you can be a vital part: http://apps.facebook.com/causes/birthdays/137529?m=e0bc6388

So, you think concerts are all I do? For those of you who’ve known me from waaaaaaaay back when, you’ll affirm this truth; worship leading and the local church is a huge part of my heart (which then, yes, naturally compels me to bring my concert ministry to hurting hearts in the church too!)  Even in the concerts, worshipping God is a MUST!  I believe there is no greater thing than to show our great love and adoration to our God and King. I am so honored and privileged to be a part of the Worship Arts Team at Cornerstone Ministries, where this passion of worshipping Jesus is truthfully, excellently and wholeheartedly done. And you know, it’s because of the healing and transformation like I talk and sing about in my concerts, that we have a reason to worship folks. Even in the pain and hardships from our past, God can be praised and worshiped even so, as HE does not waste a moment, tear or confusing circumstance in your life. As we worship Him, we see more clearly and can cling to HIS truth to rise above it all.

Below are three LIVE worship videos from the August 8th/9th weekend: “Mighty To Save”, “Your Love Is Extravagant/Amazing Love” (my personal fav!) and “Your Grace Is Enough”.  These worship songs deal with God’s amazing nature, heart to save us, and promise so we can be all He’s created us to be. I pray you can cling to His amazing love as you’re going through your painful moments, especially. He will NOT fail you!

…well, to my parent’s home, that is! Yesterday was the loooooooooooooong anticipated day when Aunt Carol was released from the Rehab Facility and able to come home. My family -Mom and Dad especially- have been so worn spending hours on end at the hospital with Aunt Carol, and then the rehab …6 weeks she’s been inside and away from Summer due to the broken hip, surgery and recovering. She’s got lots of recovery to go, yet is excited as ever to be in the confines of her sister’s home, and eating yummy food too! =) Thank you for those of you who have been praying for her, and please do continue!  And please pray for Mom and Dad too, as they play ‘Nurse’ for a while longer.  If you’d like to send her a special encouraging greeting, contact me at: http://www.judydeans.com/contact.html and I’ll pass on an address where you can do that. And if you’d enjoy seeing pics of her fun day ditchin’ the rehab place, here’s a link for just that: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=298875&id=668255034&l=50dcdd5651

Heeeeeeeeeey guys! I’ve gotten a lot of kuddos from those of you who were touched by this song when it was part of the worship at church this past July. Here’s a YouTube link, if you’d like it. And yeah, don’t forget to mark your clendars for the ONE service Sunday evening, August 30th where this song will be part of the set for the night too.

This past weekend, Tre, our just turned 4-year-old nephew and his mom, Jess (Travis’ sister) visited us from North Carolina and kept us super busy in between work and worship team respon-sibilities!  We just love spending time with this great and special Little Dude!  Check out these pics from our many adventures, and in the meantime, I’ll take a nap!  http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=295537&id=668255034&l=c42aa5f8a8

Will you please pray for my dear, dear friend Dorothy?  I just found out that she is beginning a battle with stage 4 liver cancer.  Dorothy is one of the dearest person you could ever know …her heart, character, and passion for Jesus is an example to us all.  Would you please remember her in your prayers today and in these months to come?  Her chemo begins Wednesday, August 12th. Please pray God would heal her and give her strength in this uncertain time.

Heeeeeeeeeeeey everybody! Head’s up on my honey …he is the retreat speaker for Teen World Bible Camp this week. He’s speaking on living in the story God is telling …check out what he’s spoken on so far in II Corinthians 1-2 and 5:14-21. And if you wanna pray, there’s lots more week left. I know it’d be appreciated!