Yeah, that’s me on stage with my hubby at the Skillet concert last night! Travis was the Emcee for the event, and though I came out with him to model the fancy guitar signed by Skillet to be given away at the end of the night, when Travis handed me that awesome mic, I just had to say something …so technically I opened up for the first band, Decyfer Down, right?!! He he. Seriously though, it was an amazing evening, through and through. Generation Exodus (www.genexconcerts.com) and The Westmoreland County Youth Network (www.teensforchrist.org) sponsored this event and it was one amazing evening of ministry to the 1400 people in attendance. I just love how my hubby and I can do ministry together; it doesn’t always look the same, yet it’s always something special …if we allow it! Thanks to all of you who were there, prayed for this event, and pray for us on a consistent basis. God’s working because of you! Now go enjoy these fun pictures I posted on Facebook from this event too: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=240594&id=668255034&l=069b1c4dfc

See this mess of chords and equipment that should be in my studio but is now scattered around my office?  Well, my brain feels like it’s been twisted up, and now a complete mess like this live work scene.  Since the last time I blogged about our Pro Tools Adventures, we’ve had difficulty after difficulty in getting this recording up and running.  Thank God for people who know so much more about this than I!  My Facebook friend brought some helpful stuff to my attention (you’re the man, Stephen!), and so did my Songwriting Coach and Producer husband and wife team from Incubator (thanks so much, Sheryl and Leon!)  They walked Travis and I through some things to test. And we just got off the phone with the dear folks at Sweetwater who sold me this equipment. (Thanks for bearing with such ProTools newbies, Jonathan!)  We think we have the problem source identified (the little purple and grey box sitting on the couch in the picture), so we’re at least one step closer!.. Who would have thought this Pro Tools Adventure would compare to a detective mystery? ha ha.  So now it’s waiting to hear from the fella at Sweetwater for our ‘next step’.  Travis and I would sure love your prayers for this part of the venture!  I’ll be in Columbus, Ohio Saturday and then a concert in New Stanton, Pennsylvania Sunday night … hopefully this will get tackled and solved on Monday!  I’ll talk to ya more when we’ve got this figured out..

There always seems to be nothing short of an adventure around these parts …these past few weeks’ adventures tend to focus on the recording aspect of my home studio.  As you might recall from earlier posts, making/putting together this home studio was also an adventure in and of itself, as well as a dream of mine coming into reality.  Well, after the studio was in place, the recording software was a must, and we had lots of ‘computer drama’ along the way as my laptop didn’t have the required ‘fire wire’ port for the recording’s external hard drive, etc.  So… that led to the adventures of getting a new computer which fit Pro Tools (the recording software) specifications.  We finally purchased the Mac Mini and installed the recording software, and last night was our time to venture out in learning how to use it!  While watching the instructional DVD the folks at Digidesign provided (Thank you so much!), Travis and I ventured on a whole new ‘field of expertise’ and enjoyed this art, science, and once again gaining a whole new understanding and appreciation for you techy folks!  We are having difficulties in the actual recording/sound right now, so a call’s in to Sweetwater Sound (thank you GOD for their tech support!) so we can hopefully figure this all out and get some sample recordings in place tonight and tomorrow night.  If you’re reading this post, would you pray for us on this specific adventures?  THANK YOU!

Here’s a link to how you can see some on Facebook, should you like! http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=233193&id=668255034&l=fe88d5930a Bless you!

Have you got a few freinds in your life who encourage you silly and love you beyond measure?!!  May I suggest you get some? =)

Travis was working in Columbus this past weekend, so I ventured out west with him.  When not working, I hung out with some special people God’s brought into my life over the years – my sisters, nephew, a fellow recording artist, and a dear college friend and her beautiful girls.  Click here if you’d like to see some pics from the visit: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=224923&id=668255034&l=4aaaa

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

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

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.

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!

What are all these pictures about?  Read on, friends!

It’s not often Travis and I get to take a few days to venture away from typical concerts, worship leading, speaking and Teens for Christ engagements, but this past week we DID!  And God certainly used it as a time of refreshment and creative encouragement to my soul! 

What began as a visit to celebrate my nephew’s Senior Night soccer game, turned into a whole bunch of other things too!  Earlier the day of Ty’s game, my Mom, Aunt, Sister and I experienced something rather different than my norm – Tea Time at an elegantly local tea place.  What a new experience … and one where my mom especially was experiencing such joy!  Who would have thought tea time could do such a thing!?! 

That evening, time with my sister Linda and her son Ty was certainly special as Ty, captain of the soccer team, led his team to the winning victory of the game – numerous times, especially when there were seconds to spare at the game’s end!  Rejoicing and celebrating with him and many other family members created such a sweet and healing memory to me, where fear and pain once lived in my Once Upon A Time.  God is soooooo good and knows exactly how to reach us!

I was blessed to soak in the creative expressions, worshipful spirits and even ministry through the pain in life at the Steven Curtis Chapman/Michael W. Smith concert the evening following Ty’s game.  Oh, there are simply not enough words in the English language to express how God communicated to my heart in those dear three hours!  I laughed, I cried, my heart was challenged and awakened to God’s working in my life (and that which He wants to yet do!), and the songwriter in me was greatly encouraged to press on.

The day following the concert, a special treat was in store.  I was able to visit a dear friend from college; a kindred spirit whose visits with mean more to me than just about anything!  Although our GPS took us to the wrong address and doubled out travel time(!), that didn’t hinder the absolutely wonderful afternoon with Jason, Tara, their children Greta and Megan, and Jason’s folks.  And little did I know how God was going to use a video recording of my current concert which I gave to Tara that day, to really minister to her heart too.  More on that in another blog days to come … God is so good!

Our final day in Cincinnati ended up being a spur of the moment decision to take my family to the Renaissance Festival following church!  (Yup, it was Travis’ idea!)  Oh, to see my 82 year old Aunt hold a midieval sword put such a smile in our hearts and joy in knowing that this ‘new’ experience for my 73 and 74 year old folks too was something special.  Needless to say, Travis was certainly in his element, perked up like a little kid on Christmas morning with each sword fight, jousting battle, and suit of armor he witnessed.  Another sweet memory as God continues His healing process in my very own life.

May this blog challenge you to look around at all the sweet memories God sometimes seemingly ‘out of the blue’ places in your lap!  And if you’re hiding behind your work, think about taking care of yourself and giving your life some room to breathe so that God can touch you, heal you, give you new energy for the day, and even use you in a whole new way too! 

And if you’re a picture nut like me, and would like to see more pics, visit my Facebook site for a whole slew of ‘em! )  src=”http://badge.facebook.com/badge/668255034.1644.1475734864.png” border=0 alt=”Judy Deans’s Facebook profile”></a>

Although a blister now resides on my toe from silly me trying to break in my Ultra Fest shoes by wearing them for 7 hours at church today, my birthday has been a great one! Being able to be part of the worship leading at church today was an especially meaningful thing to me, as on this day in the year of 19something (a woman never reveals her age! ) my parents gave me the name which literally means ‘beautiful praise of the Lord’.  (Isn’t that crazy?!!)  It seemed so fitting to worship this weekend, so my tired voice is even now rejoicing as my exhausted body sits here on the couch.  From my dear friend Laurie joyfully approaching me singing “Happy Birthday to you …” with card in hand between services, to my sweet hubby’s plans for a special day for me, I sure was loved!  Travis and my afternoon adventures began with a big bag containing presents (fun, fun!) awaiting me on the passenger seat of our car, as I joyfully bounced out of church.  We ventured to a Japanese Steak House at the Waterfront and OF COURSE had to stop at Dairy Queen for my ice cream cake on the way home.  (NO birthday would be truly complete without ice cream!)

And though I’m now virtually passed out after watching a movie, I’m reminded of how thankful I am for these years.  This year, especially, has seemed so rich in special ministry and sweet frienships of near and far.  Thank you … all of you who texted, facebooked, e-mailed, called, sent cards, etc. today.  I’ve been overwhelmed with your love, and am thankful with how you’ve enriched my life with your love, encouragement and vast blessings.  I’m thanking God especially for you this night.  I may be another year older, yet I am seeing it more so as another year richer because of you!  With all my love, I thank you!