I’ve been feeling mopey lately, from being under the weather way too long. Here’s something that put a smile on my face this morning …I just love the simple ways God reminds us that what we are going through is not the end of the world!
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!
Round one of recording some songwriting tracks in my studio was, …well, a definite learning experience! We’ve had this studio for a while now (remember those constructing days I blogged about???), but due to various schedule demands and technical difficulties in in my past songwriting recording attempts (dysfunctional mic, damaged mbox, unwilling voice, etc.) tonight was our numero uno ‘official’ recording date! I’m so proud of my hubby (now penned the mad rock star after this pic from last night!) …we are learning first hand the technical side of things – not our thing by nature, you could say. =) Thankfully 6 new songs …2 first drafts and 4 rewrites were successfully accomplished to send off to my songwriting coach, producer and record label folks, in prep for my songwriting ‘boot camp’ in Oregon this coming weekend.
A big shout out of thanks to Stephen and my Facebook friends for the technical support lent, and here are some pics from last night’s successes and woes: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=306975&id=668255034&l=8e6546c464.
Soooooooo, in this intensely busy time of writing important songs that’ll reach deep into wounded hearts, I received this video from another Incubator Artist and friend of mine …thanks for the light and refreshing spin on this writing and rewriting process, Shine! Hope you who see this can have a good laugh too!
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!
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.
There is no one like our God …a line sung in the Irish worship band Bluetree’s song “God of this City”. Travis and I made the treck to see Bluetree in concert last night. It was an amazing time of worship, and a great reminder of how great our God is and how He is still the God of this city and nation …no matter how grim things may tend to look. Check out the widget at my facebook page: www.facebook.com/judydeans to hear the story behind the song, watch an acoustic video of this song, and pray that God’ll use you in your city. And here’s a link to some pics from last night’s concert: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=274524&id=668255034&l=7f7085c757
We were in tornado weather last night. The sky was pitch black, balls of hail were shooting down from the sky, and the lights kept flickering. During those moments, I was trying to make the atmosphere a bit lighter while editing this picture. It sure was a crazy situation to be in! But now that I come to think of it, how twisted are our thoughts and hearts, when it comes to God? Think about it for a minute. Who is God, and how do you show him adoration, praise and respect in your every day life, especially those whom He’s given you in relationships? My hubby forwarded me this music video in which the artist asks a very pertinent question …”Are you laughing at God?” You know, God shows up in our lives, crying out to us to live a life of integrity and holiness …a life above reproach, as the Bible puts it. Are you living that way? Or are you ignoring His subtle and not so subtle warnings …are you one of the folks who laugh at God. If so, why don’t you ask God to untwist your thoughts and heart. Ask Him to take His rightful place in your every day. Here’s the video …check it out:
No matter what’s going on in your life, no matter what ‘hurdles’ the enemy is throwing at you, you still can choose to sing because of WHO God is and WHAT He has done for you …yes YOU! Choose to be singing, eh?
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! =)