Here is a full length video of Skyline Church’s service from January 6, 2013. What a phenomenal, God-centered service. I’m so blessed to call this church home.
Jan6
Jan6
365 Moments Of Gratitude – Grateful For New Life In Christ – Water Baptism
As those who know me know (and those who don’t are about to find out) I grew up in and around church my entire life. As a child, I came to know a faith in Christ. It was real, but not something I held close into adolescence and young adulthood. Truth be told, God was still there – 100% of the time. It was just that I allowed myself to drift further from Him than I’d like to acknowledge. I always had “faith” and always knew God loved me. I never fully turned my back on Him, but neither did I allow Him to have all of me. I took way too much time to do my own things – and follow my own paths. Let me tell you, walking a path alone – without God by your side, gets to be very lonely.
It wasn’t until recently that I made the life-changing decision to give God my all. Not just my Sunday mornings, and not just praying before meals – but all of me. It very quickly became a necessity to get real with myself, with other people, and especially before God. As I have mentioned before, this sort of transforming life-change was made possible for me by a church with a God-centered, people-loving vision. My life was changed from the moment I walked in the doors. I was not completely without God before, but my life lacked much determination, focus, drive, and ultimately purpose. To find those things through the extended hands of love made such a big difference. Getting connected with people, learning to open up and let others in while also reaching back – that is a work in progress, but has made a tremendous difference in my life.
Today was a very special day for me. It signified my decision to take that next step, to make my faith public, and to be baptized in water. This is something I did as a child. Yes, I was old enough and knew what I was doing. However, since I spent so many years walking in varying (non God-centered) directions, I decided that now was the time to make this decision for myself. As an adult, to make the decision and to let my church family join in celebrating with me. What I was not prepared for was what happened internally as this took place. I was slightly nervous prior to it being “my turn” to get baptized. I knew what to expect, but I just wasn’t sure. As little sense as that makes – all I am saying is that I was excited beyond belief to be making that step, but nervous maybe just being in front of the whole church. That said, the instant I walked out there, God’s presence filled me with an overflowing joy – from the inside out.
In my head, this signified so much more than just getting dunked into a tub full of water. It signified a new season in my life. It signified life-change in a beautiful way. I said to myself, and to all watching that this was real. I did/do not care who thinks that what I did was silly, unnecessary or any other negative connotation that may come to mind. This was not their choice. It was mine. I did not do this for anyone else. This was a personal, but public display of my faith and following of a God larger than life. I do not have to seek another persons approval. I am made complete in Him. The same can be true for you, that guy next door, or that random stranger walking down the street. Live your life less for what everyone else expects, and more for His plan and purpose for your life.
No matter what situation happens in my life, no matter what heartbreak I face, and no matter how uncool things appear at certain points, I will not let anyone steal the joy of this day. This day marks a new start. A fresh start. A real faith in a real God.
If you do not know Him, I urge you to just think about the words I have said here. If you have any questions about water baptism, about what I mean by faith in a God larger than life, in what it means to be a Christian, please do not hesitate to post below, or to contact me privately via my “contact me” page. I’m here, and would love to discuss whatever is on your mind. I welcome your thoughts, comments, replies and/or any prayer requests you might have.
Be blessed, friends – and make today a day worth remembering.
Jan5
365 Moments Of Gratitude – Thankful For Lifelong Friends
I have several friends whom I’ve known for much or most of my entire adult life up until this point. However, there are only a small handful that I’ve known since pretty early childhood – and managed to remain in contact with from then until now. Other than family, I can pinpoint only a very few people that I have known and remain close to since childhood.
I was talking to a friend last night who I am blessed to call friend. She thanked me for sticking with her, and for helping her out in something. My response was that I would always stick with her. We share not only history, but friendship, and faith in a God larger than life.
I am blessed, encouraged and grateful for all the friends in my life. Every – single – one. However, as I was just thinking this morning. I sat back and smiled thinking of some lifelong friends I’m blessed to have walked through so much of life with.
For those of you reading this that it applies to, thank you! For everyone – new and old friends alike – I’m more grateful than there are words to share for you. Thank you for being part of my journey!!
Jan4
365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful for Sunrises
As silly as it may sound to some, I am thankful for sunrises. Sunrises are beautiful, and are a great reminder that we are alive. When a new day dawns, it’s easy to just go about your day and not think about these things. However, I challenge you to take a look around you. Look outside the four walls of your home. If you’re not a morning person, take time to just sit back and relax, enjoying a sunset. The sheer beauty is amazing.
As I was chatting with a friend yesterday, I learned some fun little facts about sunrises. With an average age of 78.2 years old, the average person would live to see 28,543 sunrises! For you other math geeks out there (please know I say that jokingly – some just like the neat little facts more than others) it’s neat to add that, in those same 78.2 years, you’ll be alive for 685,032 hours, and approximately 41,101,920 minutes. Crazy when you break it down like that.
So yes, I’m thankful today for sunrises! Do you enjoy sunrises or sunsets more? (Thinking on it now, I might lean towards sunsets actually. Love sunsets!)
Jan3
365 Moments Of Gratitude: Thankful For My Doctor
It is with a thankful heart that I’d like to share gratitude for my doctor today. This man is a proactive doctor who believes in not leaving stones un-turned, and getting to the bottom of whatever medical situation that arises. He instills confidence in his patients.
In about an hour, I will be having a minor surgery, and I’m grateful to be in good hands.
(For those of you who have been following my blog for any length of time, you know I’ve been facing some uncertain health concerns. The prayer is that this surgery will yield benign / good results. I will, of course, update afterwards. Thanks for continuing to stand with me in faith and prayer!)
*******EDITED TO ADD*******
On the same note, still grateful for my doctor. He was calm and reassuring, even as he explained the complexity of the issue. What made the procedure more peaceful still was that, when read to begin the procedure, his assistant turned on the radio. It was set to a local Christian radio station. I cannot explain the calm and peaceful atmosphere. The doctor was very good at what he did, and was able to successfully remove one of the masses. It is being sent to pathology now, and we should have results within 7-10 days — at which time I’ll go in for both results, and to have stitches removed. All in all, it was a good appointment – if there is such a thing in this situation. It is now that we just continue to stand in faith, believing for that good report (benign / no cancer) in a week or so. I’ll update accordingly! Thanks again for continued prayers! I appreciate each and every one of you.
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Jan2
Spotlight On 33Miles – Let It Be Glory
In the coming days and/or weeks, I will be doing a series of blog posts about these guys (Jason Barton and Chris Lockwood – together, making up 33Miles) and their new CD that is set to release in a few months. The heart and passion that these guys operate with is very much a blessing in countless lives. From their website…For Chris and Jason, it’s that pursuit of a Christ-focused, heaven-minded life that fuels everything they do, especially their music. “nothing we can accomplish in business, no amount of education –nothing compares to Jesus,” says Chris, “But how our salvation translates to how we live today is the question. To wake up every day and make the choice to live with heaven in mind, to not let the circumstances of this day override that choice. It’s easier said than done, but getting up every day trying to make it more and more possible.” Jason put it well when he had this to say, “…it came down to, ‘What are we doing to live for Christ today, to make a difference?’ A lot of people live for the future, and a lot of people live in the past, but very few people tend to look at their lives and think about what life can be like right now.”
I recently had the opportunity to ask Chris if there was anything he’d like to say to his listeners. His response was heartfelt as he shared his own gratitude: “With the music industry being such a difficult place to work in these days, it’s our fans that allow us the privilege to even do it. We are nothing without them. Thanks!”
These, my friends, are artists with heart.
Here is a handful of questions I posed on Facebook, with the following thought from me: (If you’re reading this on my blog, and have answers – I’d love to hear your replies as well – feel free to comment below, or to send me a message via my “contact me” page.)
First Question: How many of you have heard of 33Miles with Jason Barton and Chris Lockwood??
Second Question: What is your favorite song by them?
Third Question: Did you know there was a way to support (via Kickstarter) their new worship CD production? And, in so doing, have the ability to hear their new songs as a pre-release?
If you were a part of their Kickstarter campaign, have you listened yet? What’s your favorite song on their new CD?
For those of you who did not participate in their Kickstarter campaign, and who are wondering what in the world I’m talking about it – trust me when I tell you, you need to get your hands on their new CD when it releases in a few months. Talk about God’s heart shared in music, for such a time as this.
What I said on Facebook was just the tip of the iceberg, with regards to my thoughts on this. These songs are the kind of songs that will reach out and touch you – right where you are. It doesn’t matter who you are, or what you are going through – there is something for you in each and every song on this CD. Whether you need encouragement, love or to just take time in worship – this is beautiful music with such a greater message.
As previously mentioned, I will be highlighting my thoughts from the songs on their upcoming CD. I encourage you to get ahold of this CD when it’s released. Let’s support 33 Miles, and show them how much we appreciate the love and heart they put into their music, and on behalf of their fans!
Jason and Chris, always know how much you, also, are loved. Thanks for following the heart of God with passion. What you do has such impact. From a grateful world, thank you!
Jan2
365 Moments Of Gratitude – Grateful For The Truth Spoken In Love
As I was sitting here this morning, I began to think of all the things I am grateful for. There are many, too numerous to put down into a single post. What I would like to mention is the topic of truth.
Truth is vital. The underlying truth is that we don’t always want to hear it. The truth can sometimes hurt. However, life change and situation changes become possible when truth is spoken in love.
I have recently had a conversation or two that hurt in one way, but breathed life in another. There were things that I truly needed to hear – things that (had they not been spoken with the right heart, and in love) I might not have received well otherwise. These same thoughts made me look internally, do some digging deeper, and ultimately come to know peace and joy as a result of an open mind.
Never be afraid to speak the truth. Always attempt to speak the truth in love. It’ll have a much greater impact. What someone wants to hear isn’t what they necessarily NEED to hear. Be the difference.
Jan1
365 Moments Of Gratitude: Have You Thanked Your Weather Team Lately?
This past week, the city of St. Louis, and surrounding metro area had our first real taste of winter. You know, that white stuff falling from the sky? Finally, we had some. From my understanding, it was the first “measurable” snowfall in almost a year’s time. In other news, last year (2012) has gone down in history as the hottest year on record for the city of St. Louis.
While the cold weather was busy unfolding before our eyes, something else altogether made me take notice. One of the metro area’s news station, Channel 4 / KMOV’s 4Warn Storm Team was busy at work. According to KMOV’s website, The 4Warn Storm Team is made up of Chief Meteorologist Steve Templeton, Meteorologist Kent Ehrhardt, Meteorologist Matt Chambers, and Meteorologist Kristen Cornett. I listened or watched the TV, while also following them on Facebook and Twitter. When the cold weather started, the predictions started along with the ever-changing weather. Just as vacations were being taken, and the team was filling in for each other, I sat back and just watched. As this particular cold front promised lots and lots of snow, then changed to very little snow, then perhaps more yet, so many people were quick to judge the weather man. They are quick to say how they don’t know what they’re doing, and always get it wrong…all because elements of weather (beyond their control, I might add) changed.
I watched and realized something that became very powerful to me. These guys, and weather teams across the country and the world, do what they do because they enjoy it. They are very good at what they do, but they cannot control what the weather does. They do sometimes get the facts wrong…but I’ve noticed – they get them right far more often than they get them wrong.
What really got to me, though, is the fact that they are there – many times, when the weather is uncertain or downright dangerous. They are always there. Even when it means taking precious time away from their family, they are there. When it means late nights, or early mornings, they are there. When, God forbid, there is a natural disaster, they are there. When the weather gets rough – this station goes into what’s called “4Warn Storm Mode” and when I see that, my heart swells with some sort of pride. I have much gratitude for these men and women who – without question – stay up all day and all night just to keep us safe. When I want to know what’s going on, I know I can look to them, and they’ll have answers – to the best of their ability – to keep us safe. That, my friends, is very much a job well done. I had the opportunity to ask Steve Templeton why he does what he does, and if there was anything he’d like to say to those watching/reading. His response was from the heart, and to me was priceless:
…I hope people know that we do care about them, their safety during storms and their plans which often are ruined or made wonderful by weather. We do our best to be as specific as possible to help people plan around weather. At the end of the day, it’s predicting the future, not easy, but I love what I do.
I have watched Steve and his fellow teammates alike during winter storms and tornadoes, and whatever weather is thrown this way. Their presence and guidance speak volumes as to their character. They do what they do, often without much gratitude, simply because it’s their job – and it’s something they love to do.
To anyone from KMOV, or any weather person nationwide, please know you have my gratitude. From my family to yours, thank you. You are very much appreciated.
Jan1
Happy New Year’s Day – Starting 365 Reasons To Be Grateful
In addition to my regular blog posts, I am going to start something new. Every day, I will strive to post at least one thing I am grateful for. The moment of gratitude for the day may end up as a long post, or it may be a short post. The entire scope of what I hope to achieve is to just share gratitude. I firmly believe that people will not hesitate to complain when things aren’t going right, or as planned. Far fewer people take the time to sit back and see the good in the world. When something goes well, very few people seem to take the time to simply say thank you.
Through this personal look at life, I will be sharing gratitude where gratitude is due, and in places often neglected. It is my goal to make you think. It is my hope that you will take the time to think about the things we sometimes take for granted, but in some instances, things we cannot live without.
As I post, I welcome you to share your own gratitude. Feel free to message me directly via my contact page, or as a comment posted.
Dec31
New Years Eve 2012 AHA Moments (Also Known As “God” Moments)
I had an amazing few days recently. As this title suggests, I had some “AHA moments” this week. I have had the opportunity to dig a little deeper and seek the heart of God on many topics and areas of my life. I would like to share the personal aspects and thought processes I’ve gone through recently.
One such moment was with regards to serving / volunteering. I had an amusing reaction when I was sent a request to volunteer at church this past week. It wasn’t a bad response, as much as a “really!?” response. My thoughts went along a negative reasoning path. Meaning – I have just been missing out on worshipping lately…and sometimes just feel disconnected in a way.
I should also mention that I’d been having a pretty “not so fun” sort of time surrounding Christmas. To say depressed wouldn’t explain it fully. I had much on my mind, and then the things going on at home – it just wasn’t a good time. There were actually some pretty uncertain thoughts going on in my head. So, I saw the request to serve after having served a couple weeks in a row and at first I was worried. I was concerned that if I didn’t just have time to sit worship Him, that I might somehow drift or disconnect even more.
It was what happened next that rocked my world. Really, as plain as day – I was just mumbling – talking to God and it was as if I heard Him say “Is my arm to short? Do you not believe that I am able to take care of you? You’re my child – and when you serve in any capacity that allows others to come to know me – I can and will take care of you – physically and mentally.” In that moment, He helped me realize that what I tell others every day is true: He IS God, and He IS in control. It was as if He was asking if I even believed my own words.
It was also impressed on my heart to check my attitude – and that many things in life are a direct result of my own choices – mentally, in this case. Yes, there are evidently some chemical imbalances at work as well…but all in all, many things are within my ability to affect the outcome of. For instance, many many times in the past two days or so have popped up challenging my sanity. I have asked God to help me have His heart – to react to people and situations as He would. My children, and my husband alike – that I could have a soft heart, and make conscious decisions to do the right thing – even when it’s not fair, even when it may hurt, and even when I just plain don’t want to. If I aim to resemble and be the hands and feet of Jesus, life won’t always be this virtual bed of roses. However, in the midst of it all, He is – and always will remain – faithful…100% of the time.
I also had some more “aha moments” so to speak. Mostly, with relation to my health – mentally yes, but mostly physically in this case. Much of what’s going on in my body is out of my control. For those things, I put them in God’s hands. He knows exactly how to deal with me. For the things within my control, I have to act. Action is a requirement. To accept the status quo as a way of life, to just not care – that doesn’t end up working out in the end. I cannot eat whatever I want, and expect to look how I’d like. Conversely, I cannot refrain from exercise and expect my body to magically conform to my desires. When something pops up that irritates or hurts me with people I care about, it is my choice to harbor bitterness, or to forgive. Forgiving, however, sets me free – not just them. When I feel a bad mood approaching, or negative thoughts, etc – it is my choice to give them to God, or to try to battle on my own. I also have the ability to CHOOSE to think positively instead of dwelling on the negatives. If my house is a disaster (and I won’t lie – it is) – I can either choose to tackle it, even if that means starting with baby steps. I can do what I know to do, and allow that to make a difference. I can choose to be the wife and mom that God has called me to be…or, I can be self centered, and choose a selfish life of the status quo. I have to be the adult, and not allow things to just fly because I’m too lazy to deal with them. My children need guidance and direction, consequences to actions – and especially, consistency. Again, not going to end well if I’m content with the status quo.
It’s ultimately been a very deep and soul-searching sort of few days in my life. In so doing, I’ve also decided to get real with God, and with myself. I’ve chosen to make much different choices, to take proactive steps instead of sitting by, idle, expecting things to change on their own. And, I have to say, much of this was sparked by a conversation we had last week with someone unafraid to speak the truth, but in love. It made sense, and God touched my heart. It made me realize that I live much of my life for myself. Yes, I care and act on behalf of my friends and family, but I allow my own personal struggles and drama get in the way of doing the things I know need to be done. I’ve also made some changes with what I eat, and how active I am. Again, I can only affect the things within my power to do so – but I CAN affect those things. God gives us free will, but again, it is that free will that will either set us free and help us grow, or smother us and keep us trapped.
I can only pray that God use it to touch others, and help them come to know Him in a more real way – to also know they aren’t alone, etc. Something just happened, that light went on in my head, and some sort of switch flipped…and I see things in very much a different light.
If you find yourself relating to any of these areas of life, please know – you are not alone in your thoughts or struggles. Never give up hope – look to God as your source….knowing that He will not let you down. He created you, and He knows exactly how to take care of you, and every situation you might face.
Living Life Unscripted 