Cocoa Beach!

I got into Melbourne yesterday and am so pumped for the In His Image conference! Can't wait to see how God will move in the lives of these girls! I couldn't sleep this morning so I decided to get up and explore the city. I found my way towards the beach (not a bad place to find yourself) =) I decided to check out Cocoa Beach because I'd heard that it's a great beach so I wanted to see what all the hype is about. They're right-it is beautiful. One of the striking things about it, is that it is very flat and wide so it's great for laying out on and the water comes in very gently so if you're not into waves pushing you over then it's perfect. (All you skim boarders and body surfers out there this is not the place for you.) I recommend going if you ever get a chance. As I was driving back towards Melbourne, I decided to check out another part of the coast and pulled into a public beach area. Let me tell you I hit the shell jackpot! There were so many shells! It was awesome. My mom loves shells, so I started gathering up some to take to her. As I was walking along I thought "how cool would it be to find a large spiral one because I've never found one of those. Usually they're broken when you find them on shore." A few minutes later I felt like I should turn around and right as a wave came to shore there was a large spiral shell! I was soooo excited!!!! I know this is such a small thing in the large scheme of life, but I felt like God had given me a small treasure. So cool! Our God is so good. "If you, then, though you are evil, know how to give good gifts to your children, how much more will your Father in heaven give good gifts to those who ask him!" Matthew 7:11 NIV

Evidently I'm weird....

So yesterday right before my gig at First Baptist Pine Castle in Florida, my g string broke on my guitar. I did not have another pack of strings with me (not smart.) So I quickly looked up Guitar Center and found out there was one close to the church. Praise God and praise God I was in Orlando because it's such a big area! So I quickly drove there with my sister-in-law Alisa. I walk in and the manager directs me to the strings. I buy 2 packs (an extra in case this happens again) and when I walk away Alisa hears one of the guys say, "That girl is weird." Alisa said she almost piped up to defend me but then decided to wait to hear what else they said. The other guys says, "Yeah. She's so happy. You don't see people like that." I praise God for this! I've had this said to me before, and when I was younger I would get offended because I was thinking, "I'm not happy all the time. I get upset too." But I've come to realize that they see an inner joy because of Christ. In Philippians chapter 2 Christ says, we are to "shine like stars in the universe as you hold out the word of life." I pray Christ's light always shines through my life. I share this not to boast about me (believe me I am nothing special) but to boast about how I am changed because of Christ in my life. Also a huge shout out to Guitar Center in Orlando. They changed my strings in record time and saved the day! Thank you Lord!!!

Job!

I have been reading through the book of Job lately, and here are some things that I have found interesting:

Ch. 9: 33-35 says "If only there were a mediator between us, someone who could bring us together. The mediator could make God stop beating me, and I would no longer live in terror of his punishment. Then I could speak to him without fear, but I cannot do that in my own strenth."

I find these words fascinating and such a beautiful picture that foreshadows what Christ did for us through the cross. God brought us together by his blood. Ephesians 2:13 says, "But now in Christ Jesus you who once were far away have been brought near through the blood of Christ." No longer do we have to live in fear of punishment. He took the punishment for us. We can now speak to him without fear because His "perfect love drove out fear." We cannot brag or boast because this was not done from our own strength.

Another passage I love is ch. 19:25-27 "But as for me, I know that my Redeemer lives, and he will stand upon the earth at last. And after my body has decayed, yet in my body I will see God! I will see him for myself. Yes, I will see him with my own eyes, I am overwhelmed at the thought!"

This thought does overwhelm me, and I think it speaks for itself. Praise the Lord!!!!

I also find it fascinating that right after Job lost all his 7,000 sheep, 5,000 camels, 500 teams of oxen and 500 female donkeys, almost all of his servants and his 7 sons and 3 daughters he "fell to the ground to worship." Okay I don't know about y'all but I had to take my car in today to be worked on, and I can honestly tell you that the last thing I felt like doing was falling to the ground in worship. Maybe falling to the ground in the fetal position or falling into despair but that's about all of the falling I felt like doing. I know that many of us have gone through crap in life, and some of us some very hard life situations. Some of us may still be in the middle of them, but has your response been to fall down and worship no matter what loss or heartache or grief you've had to suffer? Wow.

I also love the short verse at the end of chapter 31 that simply states: "Job's words are ended." After 31 chapters of trying to prove his point he finally is silent. It's interesting because I know I am a person who is not usually at a loss for words, especially when I am trying to prove a point or trying to state my case. We are so quick to respond aren't we instead of waiting for the Lord to respond. He'll often let us rant and rave but what would have happened if Job had remained silent? What would happen if I remain silent? Waiting for the Lord. Waiting on Him to answer. He does answer. Oh Lord, please let me have ears to hear you and the strength to wait silently and patiently on you in the face of adversity.

Detox for the Day

This is where I will detox and let my brain unwind. Today has been a very long day (and it is only 5PM) Things I have thought today: (I warn you this is me rambling)

The pic is of my territorial malamute (more about her below) protecting my nephew Maxwell.

1. That I do not fit into a clothes category (at least at Kohls) I am somewhere between Juniors and Women's. I don't really know what this means other than to simply state that I like the style of the Juniors section, which made me start wondering if I am going to be one of those women who are 60 trying to fit into 20 something year old's clothing because I simply refuse to look my age. Maybe this should come at no shock to me because I've always said that when I am 80 I do not want to have the grandmotherly bob that seems to be all the rage for women of that age. I would rather opt for long flowing hair, however I am not 80 and perhaps my hair will not cooperate in such a way and this may be the real reason behind all of the blue hair bobs. On the other hand women's clothing tends to fit me better in places that I suppose are natural. However the style at times (in my opinion) can be left wanting a bit. So I have learned that I am in a clothes category crisis.

2. I have pondered this thought today as it says in Ecclesiastes, "As a dream comes when there are many cares, so the speech of a fool when there are many words." It seems to me that one can be fooled into thinking all kinds of nonsense when they are not in a church body. They may love the Lord, but it seems like they so easily believe nonsense when there is no accountability. I'm so sick of people saying that they don't go to church because it's not important. It is important! Christ gave His life up for the church!!! And as far as saying that Christ has very harsh things to say about the church just look at Revelation-yes, I agree Christ does have a lot to say to the churches to reprimand but also to build us up and whatever happened to the first church in Acts where it says that they met together "every day"? (Acts 2:46) This is our earliest example of the church so I would say that meeting with other believers is extremely important. Wouldn't you? I will step off my soap box now....

3. My dog is extremely territorial over food. I already knew this but experienced this at a heightened level today. Oh my sweet malamute....sigh....

4. Major mouth surgery knocks you out. I am caring for a friend that has had all of her teeth pulled, and she's been out since noon (it is 5:30) They told me she would be, but I feel so bad for her. I pray her pain is not too great.

My doorbell is ringing........

We saw........

Today is Michael's and my 6 year anniversary! I can't believe it's been six years already!!! So strange how it seems to fly by. We are in sunny Florida near Pensacola Beach and guess what? I actually got up to the sunrise this morning. Now for some of you that do not know me well you may think, "So? What's the big deal?" but for those of you that know me, you know this girl does not wake up that early. In fact I wanted to see the sunrise so badly over the ocean that I woke up on my own wide awake at 4:30 this morning. We took our Bible out on the beach this morning and read some beautiful passages:

Psalm 89:

¹ I will sing of the LORD's great love forever;
with my mouth I will make your faithfulness known through all generations.

² I will declare that your love stands firm forever,
that you established your faithfulness in heaven itself.

⁵ The heavens praise your wonders, O LORD,
your faithfulness too, in the assembly of the holy ones.

⁶ For who in the skies above can compare with the LORD ?
Who is like the LORD among the heavenly beings?

⁷ In the council of the holy ones God is greatly feared;
he is more awesome than all who surround him.

⁸ O LORD God Almighty, who is like you?
You are mighty, O LORD, and your faithfulness surrounds you.

⁹ You rule over the surging sea;
when its waves mount up, you still them.

¹⁰ You crushed Rahab like one of the slain;
with your strong arm you scattered your enemies.

¹¹ The heavens are yours, and yours also the earth;
you founded the world and all that is in it.

¹² You created the north and the south;
Tabor and Hermon sing for joy at your name.

¹³ Your arm is endued with power;
your hand is strong, your right hand exalted.

¹⁴ Righteousness and justice are the foundation of your throne;
love and faithfulness go before you.

¹⁵ Blessed are those who have learned to acclaim you,
who walk in the light of your presence, O LORD.

¹⁶ They rejoice in your name all day long;
they exult in your righteousness.

As if that is not beautiful in itself to read the word of the Lord standing on white sand, thinking about how awesome that God knows how many grains of sand there are, not only on this beach but all over the world! and yet God not only knows how many hairs are on our own head, but that He cares to know us intimately and thinking about him "ruling over the surging sea" as the waves crash around our feet and as the sun rises over the horizon to think "for who in the skies can compare to the Lord?" when we look up from reading and we see dolphins!!!!! We saw several jumping in and out of the waves! It was amazing!!! We got to watch them for a long time. It was truly a blessing. Thank you Lord-thank you for showing us more of your creation. Even the dolphins leap at the sound of your name. Awesome.

Michael Jackson

Praying for Michael Jackson's family. So strange that the King of Pop has died.

Belief

There are so many things that God has been teaching me about prayer. We often say in a situation "all I can do is pray." Well friend that is a measly way to think about it. Prayer is powerful! Prayer is a mighty weapon for a Christian. Too often I think our own doubt and lack of belief keeps us from really believing that our prayers can do anything. Has not God said in John 14:13, "And I will do whatever you ask in my name?" I mean how else could Moses have parted the Red Sea? He trusted-he had faith and he BELIEVED. The word believe is mentioned six times in verses 1-12 leading up to verse 13. It then goes on to say that he "will do it so the Father may be glorified in the Son." He answers prayer to bring glory to himself. Not to us or that so we can feel good.

I read this in my devotion today and wanted to share it:

"Never dread any consequence resulting from absolute obedience to His command. Never fear the rough waters ahead, which through their proud contempt impede your progress. God is greater than the roar of raging water and the mighty waves of the sea. 'The Lord sits enthroned over the flood; the Lord is enthroned as King forever' (Psalm 29:10). A storm is simply the hem of His robe, the sign of His coming, and the evidence of His presence. Dare to trust Him! Dare to follow Him! Then discover that the forces that blocked your progress and threatened your life become at His command the very materials He uses to build your street of freedom." F.B. Meyer

My prayer is that I am obedient no matter what the cost. No matter what storm or mountain stands in my way. Jesus, I pray you give me the strength, the courage and the belief that you will get me through it. I pray that for you today as well. Amen.

Olive Trees!

In my quiet time this morning I read Psalm 52:8 that says "I am like an olive tree flourishing in the house of God." I felt like God was saying this over me and also challenging me through it. I was like that's great God, but I don't really know what that means. So seeing as Tennessee is not really abundant in olive trees, and to my knowledge I've never seen one I looked it up on Wikpedia and found some interesting things about olive trees:

1. It's a small tree (in fact it said "short and squat" which makes me laugh!!! Are you calling me short God?)
2. It likes coastal areas (I'm totally cool with that. =)
3. It is an evergreen tree
4. Small white flowers are born from last years wood. Hmm.....makes me think about how we bloom after trials from our past if we have learned from them.
5. The trunk is gnarled and twisted-Again it must go through a lot and may not look pretty
6. They are symbols of peace, wisdom, glory, power & pureness which are all things as a Christian God gives us when we seek Him
7. Every part can be used-even when burned the smoke has "no negative impact on neighbors or the environment" and the ash can be used to fertilize other plants-Cool every part is useful for others!!!
8. They tolerate drought well because of their sturdy and extensive root system-this is good news because I have been through some dry times, and I'm sure more will follow but I am grounded and rooted in Christ!
9. Grows well even in dry or poor soil but is liable to disease in rich soil. The olive oil from those in rich soil is inferior to the produce of the poorer and more rocky ground--sooooo cool that God can use our rocky times in life to produce a great harvest!

Isn't that amazing!!!!!

ReverbNation

I signed up on ReverbNation yesterday. You can now find my music there and if you become a fan you can download my song "Shinin" for free! That's right! Free! Woohoo!!!!

I finally did it!

I finally did it! I have begun a blog. I am very excited about it and it will be posted soon on my new myspace page that the amazing Shawna Carter is designing. I'm so pumped! I saw a great show last night by the way. It was probably the biggest Belmont alum gathering I have seen since graduating. Justin Caldwell had his CD release party and the amazing Emily Deloach and Wailin' Cains opened for him. It was a fun night, but a very late Monday night. Tuesday was here by the time I was in bed....highly worth it though.