Why do we ever doubt His faithfulness?  Or maybe better put, why do we think something as silly as a cold could make His impact less effective?  That’s where I was this past week.  I had a cold …actually, still recovering from it, and though I seriously entertained postponing this visit and ministry program, the sweet pastor at Park Baptist Church told me to come and bring what I could regardless, so that I did!  And I kid you not, in the words of my husband, who has been part of just about every one of my concert engagements to date, it was the best yet!  God is so incredibly faithful regardless of the ‘junk’ we tend to carry, and when He’s called us to do something, He follows through in completing the work which He started in us.  He shows up when we are 1. real before Him, 2. dependent on Him, and 3. seek to bless Him by serving others.  What a reminder He gave me this week.  Thanks for being so faithful, God!

My sweetie turned nine months this past Valentine’s Day, and like any mother I’ve ever come in contact with would agree, time certainly fliiiiiiiiiiiiies; and it came to my attention this month too that she has now existed longer on this side of my belly than inside!  Just like the amazingly crazy miracle that took place in those nine months before we met her face to face, this seemingly short time since has been nothing short of amazing. And as I watch this little munchkin tune in to the exciting things unfolding around her, I catch beautiful glimpses of the impact others’ lives and love have had on her …and the impact her little life has already had on those surrounding her. And it all makes me think, what kind of impact does my day to day life have on others …how is my sometimes ’seemingly short’ time making a difference? Am I living upright, prioritizing, and making the most of each moment I’m given? Each moment passes so quickly, and I don’t want to overlook the incredible power I have been given and I have to make a difference with each moment. Care to explore this with me in this season of your life too???

My husband splurged and spoiled me good for our Anniversary! We revisited the place where we had our rehearsal dinner six years prior, and then we had seventh row seats to see AMY GRANT at a beautiful, sold-out venue! I’ll tell you what, there couldn’t be a more influential singer/songwriter to me as a young girl to the present. God has used Amy to really spark the desire for music ministry in my heart way back when, and I’ll tell you what, being at her concert was so surreal for me; and something this still-busy-adjusting-new-momma needed for her creative self! Amy’s career spans over 30 years, and God’s done beyond her wildest dreams with her life …even amongst pain along the way.  Thanks, God, for the joy you’ve given me as I’ve revisited this delightful part of my past, in giving hope out of the painful stuff too.  And here’s to hopes that I’ll still be singing at 50! =)

So …I’m sitting here at the church, in a rather melancholy mood. Perhaps it’s the thoughts from a family wedding we ventured to this past weekend combined with the lack of sleep from our long drive home late last night.  Or it could be from some rather emotional ‘baggage unloading’ with my significant other while en route in the wee hours of the morning.  Or maybe reflecting on the death of a dear friend who’s funeral was this morning combined with memories of dedicating my sweet darling a few weekends ago at church that triggered it all.  Whatever it is, I find myself very distracted this afternoon, and quite mad that ‘more work’ isn’t getting accomplished.  But as I sit here in this quiet, and listen, it’s though the Lord is reminding me once again how sacred this thing called LIFE is …our past, our present, and our future.  Our every moment; the good, the bad and the ugly, is a relational tapestry, woven piece by piece, for significance …and something not to ignore nor pass by nonchalantly.  Every moment of every day we get a choice to either listen to what God is telling us and pattern our lives in making little by little significant choices for eternity, or we can miss out on so much; miss out amidst the busyness and never truly know God’s best for us.  What is God saying to you today?  Are you on a mountain top, in a valley, somewhere in between???  Are your actions, your choices, your family and your mind focused on what’s significant?  This thing we call life is sacred.  If you’re living with the mindset that it’s anyting other, I challenge you to rethink this life God has given you.  It’ll be worth it.

So …my little sweetie was laying on her mat cooing up a storm yesterday, and it got me thinking, where does the time go?  When talking quite intently with my hubby the other day too (yes, we had a fight!), the fact that we’ve been married 6 years already got me thinking, where does the time go?  And as I look at my calendar for this month with flying out to Oregon and performing at Ultrafest 2.0 in just a few short weeks, I am reminded, where does the time go?

That really is a question our culture doesn’t deal with all that wonderfully.  The pressure is on, as parents, to keep wanting and seeking after the next step and next best thing for your kid, that the NOW certainly can be passed over.  Even with plastic surgery, botox, etc. time is not something sought too fondly after.  But as I’m watching my little sweetie grow up from day to day, reflecting on my marriage with my husband, and preparing my set for Ultrafest 2.0 (2:30pm on August 28th …check out Cornerstone’s website for more details!), I’m realizing more and more that time does go waaaaaay too fast and the NOW is very important in each aspect of our lives. And when we realize this truth, dealing with our past and working on the present is the ONLY way we can make a better tomorrow …where time is heading, yes, way to fast.

Where does the time go? I challenge you to embrace the now, NOW.  Do it before it’s to late, friends! (And feel free to share with me how it’s going, if you’d like!)

Travis and I had the privilege of attending TobyMac and Skillet’s Awake Tonight Concert this past weekend. I’ll tell you what, the ministry focused artist in me loves seeing how God’s using these guys in profound ways in their energy, musical excellence, authenticity, and how powerfully they stay true to THE message they’ve been called to.  How are we all doing in that area?  If you have a chance to see them this concert tour, you won’t be disappointed. Here are some pics from the evening too: Awake Tonight Pics by Judy Deans

Do you remember sweet Katlyn?  I received a heartwarming card from this a precious teenager whom I wrote about in a blog last February after meeting her at iPromise, a Purity Event I had the privilege of leading worship for.  As I shared what God put on my heart in those moments of connecting these young men and women to Jesus, God used something to strike a chord deep within Katlyn.  She shared some deep hurt she was going through with me after the event.  And now, as I read her message almost a year later, I think how pain is something that we all, in one way or another, can identify with …and how the simplest ways of love can make such a huge difference in getting through that pain.  This time of year often resurfaces our own hurts and pain all the more, though it’s meant to bring comfort and the greatest gift of love.  Katlyn’s card challenges me to go that extra mile and find even those small ways that I can bring Christ’s hope and encouragement to someone who is struggling with their own pain …even when I’m not feeling good or when my schedule is already jam packed full.  Can I challenge you to do the same?  How can you go out of your way today, tomorrow, or even on Christmas Eve, to make a difference this season?  God’s given you so much and has put His love inside you …don’t waste a moment where you can be His hands and feet!  I promise you, it’ll be worth it. =)

Well, Travis and I have been through a definite ‘let’s not go through that experience again’ these past few days, and I wanted to thank the many of you who got word and prayed for us (…and ask for those continued prayers for a new vehicle and the mounting medical expenses.)  Sunday morning, on the way to a ministry engagement, we were presented with a surprising, spinning ride on black ice (at 60 mph.) What proceeded was an accident that totaled our car and could have been deadly for all three of us too.  Praise the Lord, we were in our bigger of the two cars, which helped keep us safe all but some sore muscles that our chiropractor is now helping us with.  As the song we were listening to on the CD player at the time of the crash (Hillsong’s All I Need Is You) sings, “You [God] hold the universe.  You [God] hold everyone on earth.”  He sure had us in the palm of His hands!  Life is a gift, folks.  Your life is a miracle, moment by moment.  Please don’t forget it …and thanks again for your love and prayers!

It was a GREAT day …though I feel as though I’m now recovering from the entire weekend AND the fun day off! I find every reason to celebrate when it comes to a birthday, so we jam packed the day with fun (after sleeping in, of course …this night owl does appreciate that!)  Music, traveling with my honey, lunch with a dear friend, the park where Travis took me the day we got engaged, and sweet time with the folks filled our day.  Thanks to all the love and wishes from so many of you on Facebook and abroad.  The onslaught of love put such a deep smile in my heart …and still does.  Bless you, and here are some pics for you to enjoy too!   http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=308336&id=668255034&l=c76150a963

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!