King's Kids

Every summer our church has King's Kids.  It is a summer music program for grades 1-5 that takes place Monday through Friday from 9 til noon of one week only.  In this ONE week, the kids learn a whole entire musical.  This year I directed the 4th and 5th graders.  I love these kids.  They're most of the group I have on Wednesday nights (on Weds I also get the 3rd graders).  This year's musical was called "The Star Factor."  The kids learned all about working together as the body of Christ; using our individual gifts/talents to praise Him.  It was a lot of fun.  They did a great job and I was very proud of them!  Here are a  few pics of performance night. 

Most of my kiddos had speaking parts.

 My class after the performance

Happy Easter

"Why do you seek the living among the dead?  He is not here for He is RISEN!"  Yes, and Amen!  What a glorious day! Easter, the day we celebrate our Risen Lord.  I feel like starting this post with a video of one of my favorite songs with some pretty amazing words.  Living He loved me, dying He saved me.  Buried, he carried my sins far away. Rising he justified freely forever.  One day he's coming.  He's coming!  Oh, glorious day!  If that doesn't make your heart leap for joy, then you need to check your ticker!

Another one of my Easter favorites: My Daddy used to sing me this song when he woke me up on Sunday mornings. 

Whew!  That's a good one.  

Now, on to our Easter.  We woke up and got ready for church.  Apparently, we got to bed a little late, because one of our children was really tired.  Not this one....she's ready to go!

This one, however...

wake up sleepy head

He woke up a bit when he checked out his stash from the Easter Bunny.

After a quick look at the baskets, it was time to go to church.  We had a wonderful day of worship.  Afterwards, we had a family photo made by the cross. 

 We saw this cutie at church and learned that the girls share the same birthday!

 When we got home, I had to take some pictures of my family.  Here's Daddy (doesn't he look handsome?) with his 2 kiddos.  Aubrey slept through the whole thing!

 Daddy's little girl!

 Here's how they really feel about having a photo shoot on an empty stomach.

 Little girl woke up shortly while chillin' in her swing.

 Aaaannddd....since she was awake, I stuck her back in the basket!  Chiquita had to make sure I wasn't hurting "her" baby.  (She LOVES babies)

 So sleepy

 Nighty night.  Yep, she fell asleep IN the basket!

 Later that afternoon, we had a progressive egg hunt, if you will, with the neighbors.  Three families hid eggs in their yards and we traveled to one yard after another finding eggs. 

 Enjoying their spoils

We had a Happy Easter and I pray you all did too!

Worship Wednesday: Strong Enough

This Matthew West song is very near and dear to my heart.  Let me tell you why.
This will come as a surprise to most of you, but back in October (on the day we moved into our new house) I suffered a miscarriage.  I was only 6 weeks pregnant, but the loss stung.  Drew and I have been trying to have another baby for over two years now.  You can imagine how excited we were.  We told Andrew over dinner one night and he was ecstatic.  He has been asking for a little sister for quite some time.  So when we lost the baby, it really threw me for a loop.  I was devastated, shocked, hurt, MAD...all kids of emotions.  But I knew God had a plan.  I had two trips to the ER, followed by a visit to my doctor, followed by 3 return trips for blood work to make sure all of my levels went back to normal.  On the way home from one of those doctor visits, I heard this song for the first time:
 
When I am weak, HE is strong.  With God's help we can get through anything.  I believe that with all my heart.  So whatever you're going through today, I pray that this song will encourage you to turn to the One in control of it all.  As Proverbs 3:5-6 says "Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding.  In all your ways acknowledge HIM and HE shall direct your path."


My due date would have been June 14.  So tomorrow is going to be a rough day.   Pray for us tomorrow.  You never know why these things happen.  We just have to trust the sovereignty of the Lord.  Probably the hardest part of the whole situation was explaining to Andrew that the baby inside Mommy's tummy died.  He was very quiet about it, but you could tell he was sad.  The night after it happened, I couldn't sleep.  I was actually crying in the bed.  Andrew came in our room around 2 am, climbed in beside me, and put his hand on my cheek.  It's like he knew just what I needed.  At that moment I thanked God for the beautiful child I DO have.  He is such a sweetheart!  Even through the heartache of losing a child, I am truly blessed.  

WW: 10,000 Reasons!

Sometimes we wake up in a GREAT mood; ready to take on the day.  Other days not so much.  But we should wake up every day praising our Lord.  After all He has done great things for us and we have much to be thankful for.  Last night in Andrew's devotional, we talked about how everyday is a special day.  We should celebrate Jesus everyday.  "Through the Lord's mercies we are not consumed, because His compassions fail not.  They are new every morning. Great is Your faithfulness!" (Lamentations 3:22-23)

So today, I woke up in a GREAT mood.  I sing praises to the Lord!  Read Psalm 103...it's a good one!

1Bless the LORD, O my soul: and all that is within me, bless his holy name.    2Bless the LORD, O my soul, and forget not all his benefits:    3Who forgiveth all thine iniquities; who healeth all thy diseases;    4Who redeemeth thy life from destruction; who crowneth thee with lovingkindness and tender mercies;    5Who satisfieth thy mouth with good things; so that thy youth is renewed like the eagle's.    6The LORD executeth righteousness and judgment for all that are oppressed.    7He made known his ways unto Moses, his acts unto the children of Israel.    8The LORD is merciful and gracious, slow to anger, and plenteous in mercy.    9He will not always chide: neither will he keep his anger for ever.    10He hath not dealt with us after our sins; nor rewarded us according to our iniquities.    11For as the heaven is high above the earth, so great is his mercy toward them that fear him.    12As far as the east is from the west, so far hath he removed our transgressions from us.    13Like as a father pitieth his children, so the LORD pitieth them that fear him.    14For he knoweth our frame; he remembereth that we are dust.    15As for man, his days are as grass: as a flower of the field, so he flourisheth.    16For the wind passeth over it, and it is gone; and the place thereof shall know it no more.    17But the mercy of the LORD is from everlasting to everlasting upon them that fear him, and his righteousness unto children's children;    18To such as keep his covenant, and to those that remember his commandments to do them.    19The LORD hath prepared his throne in the heavens; and his kingdom ruleth over all.    20Bless the LORD, ye his angels, that excel in strength, that do his commandments, hearkening unto the voice of his word.    21Bless ye the LORD, all ye his hosts; ye ministers of his, that do his pleasure.    22Bless the LORD, all his works in all places of his dominion: bless the LORD, O my soul.

Bless the Lord, O my soul indeed!

WW: You Overcame

Even though Easter was 2 weeks ago, it's still the Easter season and His sacrifice for us is still fresh on our hearts and minds.  This song by Jeremy Camp is beautiful.  Take a look at the first verse:
"Seated above, enthroned in the Father's love.  Destined to die, poured out for all mankind.  God's only son, perfect and spotless One.  He never sinned, but suffered as if He did."  
I'm still amazed and in awe that He did that for me!  (and of course, for you too) But doesn't that make you feel so loved?  
I love the chorus of this song....
Savior, worthy of honor and glory.  Worthy of all our praise...You overcame!  (Amen)  Jesus, awesome in power forever; awesome and great is Your name.  You overcame!  
All authority....every victory is Yours!


Have a listen:

Worship Wednesday: My Own Little World

In case you didn't know, this is National Volunteer Week.  I chose Matthew West's "My Own Little World" as this week's Worship Wednesday because I think it will spur some volunteerism in your life.  We live in a selfish society.  So many people are too concerned about their own life, own problems, and own agendas that often times we forget to think of others.  As Christians, we should love and serve others just as Jesus taught us.  So listen to this song and stop and look at the big picture.  Then evaluate your own little world to see if you have any opportunities to give back.  It could be something as simple as helping your neighbor mow the lawn, or pick up a few extra groceries for that family in need.  Pray, and ask the Lord where He could use you this week.  I promise, he'll give you the opportunity.  

WW: Glorious Day/ Alive

This is Holy Week.  Easter is only a few short days away.  I hope your hearts are set on Christ and what He did for you and me.  My heart is overflowing with so many emotions:  gratitude, love, joy, and peace for what He did on the cross.  But also, as I remember that sacrifice I can't help but feel guilty, undeserving, and sorrow for His suffering.  I'm grateful for God's amazing grace... in that while I was still a sinner, Christ died for me!


This week, for Worship Wednesday, I had a hard time deciding between songs, so I'm giving you two!  The first song is "Glorious Day" by Casting Crowns.  What a great summary of the gospel!


One day when Heaven was filled with His praises
One day when sin was as black as could be
Jesus came forth to be born of a Virgin
Dwelt among men, my example is He
Word became flesh and the light shined among us
His glory revealed

One day they led Him up Calvary's mountain
One day they nailed Him to die on a tree
Suffering anguish, despised and rejected
Bearing our sins, my Redeemer is He
Hands that healed nations, stretched out on a tree
And took the nails for me

One day the grave could conceal Him no longer
One day the stone rolled away from the door
Then He arose, over death He had conquered
Now He's ascended, my Lord evermore
Death could not hold Him
The grave could not keep Him from rising again

One day the trumpet will sound for His coming
One day the skies with His glories will shine
Wonderful day, my beloved one bringing
My Savior Jesus is mine

Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day
Glorious day, oh, glorious day


Then, the chorus sums it all up:
Living He loved me, dying He saved me
And buried He carried my sins far away
Rising He justified freely forever
One day He's coming, oh, glorious day, oh, glorious day





Amen!  If that song doesn't stir your heart, I'd seriously examine your relationship with the Lord.


The second song I wanted to share is "Alive" by Natalie Grant.  We serve a living Savior!  He is ALIVE.  Praise the Lord, He is alive!
My favorite lyrics from this song:
What kind of king would choose to wear a crown that bleeds and scars to win my heart?
What kind of Love tells me I’m the reason He can’t stay inside the grave?
You. Is it You? Standing here before my eyes, every part of my heart cries

Alive! Alive! Look what Mercy’s overcome; Death has lost and Love has won
Alive! Alive! Hallelujah, Risen Lord, the only One I fall before
I am His because He is alive.


Thank you,  Jesus for loving me enough to die a painful death on the cross so that I could spend eternity with you in Heaven!  Hallelujah! Risen Lord!

WW: What a Savior!

As we are quickly approaching Easter, I hope everyone is focused on the true meaning behind the holiday.  We serve a risen Savior and what a savior He is!


Atoning sacrifice
Keeper of this life...
Beginning and the end
Forgiver of my sin!
By your mercy, You have saved us.
You are the shepherd king.  You lead us by still waters.
You are my only hope.  Your kindness is my friend.
In your presence You restore us!


You are the way, the truth, and the life.  You are my joy and my salvation.
Stood in my place, taking my shame upon Your shoulders.   Hallelujah!  You are Savior.


Wow....these words are so beautiful and so true.  Thank you Jesus, for taking my sin upon that cross and dying for me!  What a Savior.


Laura Story tells us all about it in this song:

WW: The Hurt & The Healer

I know there have been a lot of posts about the loss of my Grandaddy and the pain that we're feeling lately, which is why Mercy Me's "The Hurt & The Healer" makes perfect sense for this week's Worship Wednesday.
Hurt comes in so many different forms besides the loss of a loved one: divorce, betrayal, feeling of failure, loss of a friendship.  Whatever is hurting you today, give it to Jehovah Rapha, our God who heals!  He can take the pain away and heal your brokenness.  Hebrews 4:15-16 tells us to cast our cares on the Lord, for He cares for you.  Psalm 55:22 says, "Cast your cares upon the Lord and HE will sustain you." Psalm 30:2- "Oh Lord, my God I cried out to you and you healed me!"
As you listen to this song today, I pray that you will allow God to heal all your hurts.

A Week I'd Like To Forget

**WARNING: This is a really long post.  It's more for me than it is you.  It's more like a journal entry; stream of conscious writing.  I had a lot in my head that I needed to get out before I completely forget.  If you don't want to read it all, I totally understand.  You could skip to Tuesday, March 6th.  If you don't read anything, at least listen to the song. 


Last week feels like a dream; a nightmare rather.  It's all starting to run together and quite frankly still feels unreal.
It started on FRIDAY, MARCH 2ND.  We were supposed to have "meet the coach" for Andrew's tee ball team followed by a squadron function, followed by a late night drive over to Mississippi to spend the weekend with Drew's family.  I got a call from my Mom just after lunch telling me that she had to call 911 and they were taking my Grandaddy (diagnosed with Lung Cancer in September)  to the ER.  (His cancer doctors were all in Huntsville, an hour away and both Albertville and Huntsville were under a tornado warning.) He ended up in Guntersville.  I called Drew and we dropped everything, threw some things in a bag and headed that way.  An hour and a half into our drive, Mom called back to tell me that they thought they were going to send him back home and that we didn't need to be driving into the storms.  They had given Granddaddy some fluids and he was feeling a little better.  Grandaddy got on the phone and told me that he'd be worried about me driving, that we should just wait until next weekend to come to Albertville as planned.  He promised me he'd hang in there until then so we turned the car around and headed to Mississippi instead.  *Side note: Grandaddy was supposed to have a scan today to see if his chemo was working.  He was only 3 treatments away from being finished with it.  Then he would start radiation.  But since he was getting weaker and weaker, the doctor wanted to see if the chemo was working.  If it was, then they could finish.  If not, maybe they could go straight to radiation.  It was an important scan, that got put on hold.*
SATURDAY, MARCH 3RD, we went to Monster Jam as planned.  (See previous post).
SUNDAY, MARCH 4TH, we went to Grandma's for Ladner birthdays, as planned.  Around noon, I got another call from my Mom telling me that I should probably come home.  They were taking Grandaddy to the ER again and this time to Huntsville.  We said our goodbyes rather quickly and drove from Kiln, MS to Huntsville, AL in 5 hours flat with 3 stops! (Now, Google Maps will tell you that this drive takes 6 hours and 19 minutes-they did not take into account Drew Ladner's driving.)  Even though we made it there faster than we should have, that was the longest 5 hours of my life.  My sister called a couple of times to see how far we had made it and to stress the importance that we "HURRY."  I don't remember much about the scenery outside of the car, because most of that 5 hours was spent praying, thinking, crying, contemplating...etc.. I just wanted to make it there to see him one more time.  Besides, he had promised me, he'd be there next time I came home.  When we got to the hospital, he was still in the ER.  He was dehydrated, had pneumonia, and his oxygen was low.  (Pretty sure he had that on Friday at the ER but the lovely people that work at the Guntersville hospital don't know how to read a chest X-ray!  They had NO business sending him home in his condition!-I digress...)  Due to the strict ER rules, I had to wait for Granny to come out so I could go back to see him.  When I got there, his first words were, "See, I didn't break my promise. I'm still alive!"  I cried when I saw his frail body in the hospital bed.  He looked so much weaker than when I had seen him a few weeks prior.  They finally got him admitted and up to a room on the 7th floor; the oncology floor.  It was getting late.  Annah and I decided to stay with him that first night.  Mom, Dad, Granny, Annah, Jefforey, Drew, and Andrew all drove back to Albertville.  Grandaddy was getting fluids, antibiotics, blood thinner and morphine.  He did really well that first night.  His color was starting to look better and Annah said he looked MUCH better than that morning.  He rested well that night.  Well, he rested as well as anyone could in a hospital...3 hours at a time.  The nurses came in and woke him up every 2-3 hours with IV bags, vital checks, and new meds.  So we slept on and off.
MONDAY, MARCH 5th- The doctor says we need to postpone the scan until the pneumonia is gone.  Priority #1...get rid of pneumonia.  Drew drove to the hospital to visit before driving back to FL.  He had to get back to work.   Since Mom was spending the night, she waited to come to the hospital until early afternoon.  She brought Granny and we stayed until around 8.  Annah and I drove Granny home while Mom stayed the night.  (Luckily Dad's off days are Monday, so the little man got to hang with Paw-Paw all day.)  I got a good night's sleep and headed back to the hospital around 3 pm on TUESDAY, MARCH 6th.   I took Andrew with me so he could see Granddaddy for a couple of hours.  Earlier that morning Annah drove Granny to the hospital, so the three of them (Mom, Granny, Annah) took Andrew home around 5.  Mom didn't get any sleep the night before, so she was pooped out.  She warned me that Granddaddy didn't have a good night, and it might be the same again tonight.  (I was staying Tuesday night)  Earlier that day, the doctors had determined that Grandaddy had aspirated pneumonia, caused by his choking.  He hadn't been able to swallow very well lately and would often get choked on food or water.  When he choked like that, he would aspirate some of the food/water and THAT caused the pneumonia.  Also on Tuesday, he failed a swallow test, thus prompting the doctors to tell Grandaddy that he could no longer have any food or drink by mouth.  By this time, they started him on TPN (liquid steak and potatoes in a bag, as his doctor called it).  He was not very happy that he couldn't even have water.  They gave him these little sponge things that he could use to "wet" his mouth when it got dry.  He was not happy that he couldn't drink any water, so that made for a long night.  It was just me and Granddaddy from 5pm until 10 am and that was the longest night of both of our lives.  He was so mad about the water situation and it broke my heart not to give him water when he asked for it.  (Although truth be told, there were times when I let him have a few sips. I mean... how am I supposed to tell the man who has given me everything I've ever asked for and more that he can't have something so simple as a sip of water?!)  Like I said, it was a long hard night.  His pain was getting worse, he was thirsty, and he only slept in 10-15 minute intervals all night.  I sat on the edge of his bed and held his hand for HOURS.  (I had so many thoughts running through my mind, that I wanted to sit and write them all out, but there was no time.  I just stayed by his side all night.)  I thought I had come to grips with the fact that he was dying on our little road trip Sunday, but Tuesday night, I knew he was dying.  He kept apologizing, telling me that he wanted to stay here for us, but he didn't think he would make it.  I told him he didn't have to be strong anymore; not to hold on for us.  I told him how much I  loved him, butI didn't want him to suffer anymore.   I told him I wanted what was best for him and if he needed to go, then we'd be ok; that he didn't have to worry about us.   He said he was glad I felt that way.  He told me how much he loved me.  We talked about all our fun times together, we talked about baking and shared cooking tips.  Those moments were nice, but then the pain got worse. He was in so much pain that he begged God  to let him die. He was suffering.  It hurt to watch.  Once he cried out, "Oh Lord, why won't you just let me go on!"  It was unbearable!  I found myself praying right along side of him "Lord, can't you hear him?  He's in too much pain, just take him home.  Bring him to You, where there is no pain, no suffering. "  I never in a million years thought that I'd ever wish for my Granddaddy to die.  And believe me, I didn't want him to.  I'd keep him here forever if I could, but I tell you the truth...when you have to watch someone that you love with all your heart suffer like that...it's a whole different story.   I kept thinking about Jesus on the cross.  I can't imagine how God the Father felt, watching his only, beloved son, Jesus suffer and die a horrible, painful death on a tree.  He did that for me! And for you!  Oh, what love.   All night long, I had this song in my head:



On WEDNESDAY, MARH 7th, Dad took off work again to keep Andrew.  I called Mom and Annah pretty early.  Grandaddy kept asking when Granny was coming, so I told them to get up and come on.  They got there around 9 am.  I managed to stay awake until around 11am, then passed out in the chair until 1pm.  That was the best 2 hours of sleep I've had in a long time.  I slept like a ROCK.  I woke up because Grandaddy was getting worse.  His breathing had become more labored and again he started telling us how much he loved us, reminding us where all his important documents were, and asking us to take care of Granny.  Granny told him he couldn't leave, that she needed him and he said "Ok, then I guess I'll have to pull through."    Later that night, I drove Granny home while Mom and Annah stayed the night.
THURSDAY, MARCH 8TH- The phone rang at 7.  It was Mom.  She said the Doctor had just been in to see Granddaddy and he didn't have good news.  The doctor had given him 24 hours.  Granny's sister had planned on taking her to the hospital that morning anyway, so we stuck to that plan, as not to alarm Granny.  I called Dad, who had  already gone in to work.  He turned around and came home and he, Andrew, and I headed to the hospital.  When we got there, Grandaddy was worse.  The nurses were switching into "comfort care" mode and starting the morphine drip.  His oxygen levels were lower, so he was wearing the full oxygen mask.  Shortly after our arrival, we went down to get breakfast.  We met Granny, my Great-Aunt, and my cousins in the lobby.  She was surprised to see me, as I wasn't supposed to be there until later that afternoon.  She said, "Is Dewayne worse?  Is that why you're here?"  I told her yes, but that he was ok.  With a panicked look, she headed upstairs.  
During breakfast, Dad and I explained to Andrew that Grandaddy was really sick and he was wearing a funny mask to help him breathe.  We asked if he wanted to go in and see him.  He said yes, so we went back upstairs and Andrew sat in my lap beside the bed and talked to Granddaddy.  Of course Grandaddy was happy to see him, just like always.  Andrew reached up and held Grandaddy's hand.  After a while he leaned over and gave his hand a kiss.  With that kiss, Grandaddy's oxygen level went up.  My cousins were there that day.  They were very emotional because they knew what we all knew...that the man we all loved wouldn't be around much longer.  Grandaddy was like a Grandaddy to them.  They never knew their maternal Grandfather, so my Grandaddy filled in.  They loved him and he loved them.  The hospital room was full:  Me, Andrew, Mom, Dad, Annah, Jefforey, Granny, Linda, Donna, Sonny, Zachary, and Emily.  It was nice for a while.  Grandaddy's pain was under control so he felt like talking.  We all shared memories and sat around and talked about how much we loved each other and how lucky we were.  Around mid-day, Grandaddy took a long nap.  He woke up around 6, had a rough spell, but then got better.  He had more visitors; his nephew and his family and the preacher all stopped by.  Before my cousins left for the day we talked some more about how much he loved us all and at one point, he looked around the room and with a smile he said, "Well, I guess I have nothing else to say.  I've already said it all.  I love ya'll and ya'll love me and that's all that really matters."  He went to sleep around 7:30.  The cousins left.  Mom, Dad, Granny, and Andrew went to the hospitality house a block away to get some rest, while Annah and I stayed with Grandaddy.  He was resting so peacefully.  We slept in shifts that night.  I slept from 12-2am and Annah from 2-5.
On FRIDAY, MARCH 9TH at 5 am, I woke Annah up because Grandaddy's oxygen had gone from 74-91!  He seemed to be improving.  His pulse was down to 78 from 95. Annah was worried.  His breathing had become more shallow.  We were trying to decide whether or not to call and wake Mom up.  While we were still trying to decide, Grandaddy decided for us.  In a matter of seconds, his pulse dropped to 58.  At 5:20, I called Mom and said "Get up here NOW!"  I called right back to make sure she heard the urgency in my voice.  My worst nightmare was coming true right before my eyes.  Grandaddy was still sleeping, but we knew it was the end.  Annah and I were sitting on both sides of the bed;each of us had one of his hands and we starting singing "Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King.  Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King.  Soon and very soon, we are going to see the King.  Hallelujah, hallelujah, we are going to see the King."  Grandaddy gasped for air.  Still we sang, "No more dying there, we are going to see the King..."  When the song was over we told him how much we loved him and he didn't have to worry.  He could go be with Jesus.  We'd be ok.  Mom and Granny made it just in time.  We stepped back so they could say their goodbyes.  Then we sang "Amazing Grace."  At 6 am on the dot, my Granddaddy died.  


Time Froze.  
My heart physically hurt.
There was weeping.
There was silence.
Now what?


Now you plan a funeral, which is exhausting and stressful when you're already sleep depraved and trying to mourn. Death on Friday, visitation on Saturday, funeral on Sunday.  No time to think about what's happening, no time to process..just planning and arranging. Until something happens: reality strikes and you lose it. It happened a couple of times for me:  walking into Grandaddy's bedroom, realizing he's not there...or while baking cookies for visitation (you have to know Grandaddy) I reached for the bag of flour, hugged it, and cried.  Or after returning home from all these before mentioned events to find my birthday card had arrived in the mail while I was gone, signed, "Love, Granny & Grandaddy."  It's the little things...and they come at you when you least expect them. 


Life is different now.  It's going to take some getting used to....if that's possible.  But honestly,  I still feel like it was all a very bad dream; one of those recurring nightmares.  I keep waiting for the part where I wake up, but unfortunately, this time, that isn't going to happen.  


Pray for our family.  We're hurting.  Pray for my Grandmother especially, as she tries to figure out life without her husband of 62 years.  SIXTY-TWO years?!  That's a long time.  She's just lost without my Grandaddy, so remember her when you pray.  

Worship Wednesdays: The Well

Sunday night, I had the opportunity to see Lauren McCaul, Royal Tailor Matthew West, and Casting Crowns in concert. **BIRMINGHAM, AL: the concert will be at the BJCC on April 7th!** I was there as a volunteer for World Vision.  (If you'd like to sponsor a child, please visit World Vision's website.  It's only $35/month.  You won't regret it!)  It was an amazing night.  I think there were 186 new sponsorships!  The concert was amazing as well.  I love Matthew West (he'll have his own post in the near future) and Casting Crowns.  If you're not familiar with the group, they are all youth workers at their church in Atlanta.  They are amazing people and most of their music was inspired by their youth group and other people in their church.  There are so many of their songs I could talk about, but today I"m going to focus on The Well.  (This is their new album title as well.)


John 4:7-38 is the story of the woman at the well.  You can read the whole story HERE.
But the cliff notes version for those of you who might not be familiar: A samaritan woman comes to draw water from the well.  Jesus is there and asks her for a drink. She was surprised that a Jew would ask a Samaritan woman for water.  Jesus said to her, if you knew who was asking, you would ask Him and he would give you living water.  In verse 13 he tells her, "Everyone who drinks of this water (the water in the well) will thirst again, but whoever drinks of the water that I will give him shall never thirst, but the water that I will give him will become a well of water springing up to eternal life."  Wow!  God is so good.


As I listened to this song, I thought about the people in my life that I know are lost and don't know Jesus.  They're always searching for something, but they never find what they're looking for.  The answer my friends, is JESUS!  One of my favorite lyrics in the song says "You can spend your whole life, chasing what's missing, but that empty inside just ain't gonna listen.  When nothing can satisfy and the world leaves you high and dry, just come to the well!"  You have nothing to lose, but everything to gain!


Just listen:






Your fear of rejection 

Your pursuit of perfection 

Your temporary pleasures 

All your earthly treasures 

Dried up empty religion

Rusty chains of addiction 

All the guilt that weighs you down...

 Leave it ALL behind...just come to the well!

Worship Wednesdays: In the Sanctuary

If you didn't know already, I sing in our church choir.  (That's a no brainer, right?)  Anyway, for today's Worship Wednesday, I wanted to share with you a song that our choir will be singing soon.  It's called "In the Sanctuary." It is a straight up PRAISE song!  Yes, Lord....we WILL praise you for the rest of our days!  When we get to heaven, it's going to be one big praise fest and I, for one, can't wait!  And while we were practicing this song at choir practice, we were having church!  Yeah, it was practice, but it was also praise and it was an amazing night at rehearsal.  Hallelujah!

Worship Wednesdays

Since I tend to have a love of alliteration, I think I'll do my worship through song posts on "Wednesdays" and call them "Worship Wednesdays."  And well, since it's Wednesday, here's another one for you:  "Waiting Here For You" by Christie Nockles.
I love this song!  It's just one of those tunes that makes you stop and say, "Lord you are amazing; so amazing that  I just want to praise you name all day long."  We serve a risen savior that hears our voice.  When you pray, do you pray with expectation?  Or do you pray simply "hoping" that He'll answer?


Psalm 5:3 - "In the morning, O Lord, you hear my voice; in the morning I lay my requests before you and wait in expectation."

Worship Through Song

If you know me personally, you know that I love to sing.  I connect to music.  It speaks to me.  So when I listen to "Jesus music" as Andrew calls it, it is a worship experience like no other.  God and I have some great conversations through music.  Most of them happen in the car or like today, while I'm cleaning house.   But I can give glory to God though song easier than any other form of worship.  Music is my spiritual gift.  And I want to start using that gift in other ways, than just singing.  I want to use my gift of music to share  with you some songs that the Lord puts on my heart, as a means of encouragement.  Yes, you read my blog and see lots of pictures, but I want it to be more than that.  I want to let my light shine and glorify God (Matthew 5:16)...even through the blog.  Because no matter what you do in your life, your main goal is to glorify Him!  It doesn't matter if you're a big shot lawyer, doctor, preacher, teacher, or stay at home mom.  Just give God the glory... even while you're folding laundry!  The Bible tells us in 1Corinthians 10:30 "Whether you eat or drink, or whatever you do, do it all for the glory of God."  And again in Colossians 3:17, "And whatsoever you do in word or deed, do all in the name of the Lord Jesus, giving thanks to the Father by him.  And so that is why I'm starting my  "worship through song" series with Steven Curtis Chapman's "Do Everything."  (That and it just came on the radio while I was folding clothes.  I thought it was very appropriate.)  So, read the lyrics and watch the youtube video...and be encouraged to give God the glory!