Rejoice in the Lord...always

What a whirlwind weekend it has been.  The Miller crew had company come late Thursday.  Revival services started Sunday. But before they could start, the devil was wrecking havoc.  Got a call Saturday morning during brunch that the music minister had some health issues going on and he was going to stay the night at the hospital.  The preacher had to find someone to cover his spot and asked me to find an upbeat song to sing in place of the choir special.  I don't have a lot of upbeat songs in my repertoire.  So Tate and I scour all my current soundtracks for about an hour. Feeling frustrated and stressed, we quit and head to Natchitoches to catch up with the rest of our crew.  Enjoyed walking Front Street and doing some window shopping.  Ate at TrailBoss for supper.  (Funny how when you are a broke college student, TrailBoss seemed like a real treat.  Oh and the stories it could tell on all my college gals!)  The trip down memory lane relaxed me a bit but I knew I had to stop by Lifeway in search of a song to sing the next morning...so off we went.  After spending an hour in Lifeway, I walk out with two songs. 

Within minutes of walking out the door, my phone rings.  On the other end is my mother talking frantically about rushing Matt to the ER because he was having chest pains.  My mind goes into overload.  Tate calls the preacher to update him on my status.  I wrestle with the decision to hightail it to Leesville or wait.  Aunt Lisa calms me down and tells me to wait because Matt may be transferred to Alexandria.  Sure enough he is and they don't get there til 2am.  Sunday morning is a blur.  I have two songs to choose from and I haven't practiced either one at all.  I just go with "Rejoice in the Lord ."  I know the song but don't have the words memorized.  My mind isn't on revival mode. It's more on survival mode.  I just give it all to God.  I make it through the song.  Afterwards the guest preacher tells me that he enjoyed my song and that it went right along with his sermon.  Many people came by complimenting me on my singing and telling me how they liked the song.  Only a few know all the drama behind the scenes. 

Later that afternoon Tate and I go to Alexandria to check on Matt and my mom.  When we get back that night, I'm exhausted.  As I lay in bed, I start thanking God for all His mercy and strength He gave me that day.  I was so thankful that God was in control and He was working out all the details before any drama came on the scene.  I laugh as I think of how the devil tried to destroy the revival and how God just stomped him like a bug.  Then I started to think how very appropriate it was for me to sing "Rejoice in the Lord Always."  I must remember this on a daily basis.

REJOICE IN THE LORD

By: JOHN DARIN ROWSEY


CHORUS:

REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS
AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE
DAYTIME, NIGHTTIME, ANY TIME'S THE RIGHT TIME
TO MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE
THROUGH THE GOOD AND BAD, THE GLAD AND SAD
IT'S TIME TO LIFT YOUR VOICE
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS
AND AGAIN I SAY REJOICE


VERSE 1:

THE MIDNIGHT HOUR MAY BE AT HAND
AND YOU CAN'T SEE THE LIGHT
BUT ALL THINGS WORK TOGETHER
WHEN YOU WALK BY FAITH AND NOT BY SIGHT
JOY'S GONNA COME IN THE MORNING
WE HAVE HOPE, BUT UNTIL THEN
LET GOD ARISE, OUR FAITH'S ALIVE
WE KNOW HOW THE STORY ENDS

VERSE 2:

THE ENEMY WILL TRY TO BRING YOU DOWN
HIS EVIL WORKS EMPLOY
BUT HE CAN'T PULL YOU UNDER
WHEN YOU LIFT YOUR HEAD AND COUNT IT JOY
NO WEAPON FORMED AGAINST YOU
IS GONNA PROSPER ANYHOW
GIVE GOD THE PRAISE IT'S NOT TOO LATE
THE BEST TIME TO START IS RIGHT NOW

BRIDGE:

REJOICE - AGAIN I SAY REJOICE
REJOICE - MAKE A JOYFUL NOISE

THROUGH THE GOOD AND BAD, THE GLAD AND SAD
IT'S TIME TO LIFT YOUR VOICE
REJOICE IN THE LORD ALWAYS AND
AGAIN I SAY REJOICE
REJOICE, REJOICE

Funny thing happened to me...

This weekend we're having a great big give-a-way at church from 8am til noon. Then a back 2 school block party from noon til 2pm where we'll have free food, free games and free school supplies. I'm in "charge" of the great big give-a-way. Some of the stuff people are donating blows my mind. Each night I go up to the youth building to see the progress. I went in one side room and before I could turn the light on I swear I saw something furry move. I stepped out real fast and then peeked my head around the corner to turn the light on. Somebody had donated about 15 wigs. I just laughed out loud.

"Lead Me"

I was getting ready for work this morning while listening to K-Love. Sanctus Real's latest song "Lead Me" played while I was ironing my shirt.  The words were so powerful that I had to stop what I was doing to absorb it all in.  It is an awesome challenge for men to answer but women also need to remember to pray for the men in their lives too.  Listen to it here: www.youtube.com/watch?v=OAKBXBXz1fo

Sanctus Real - “Lead Me”
I look around and see my wonderful life
Almost perfect from the outside
In picture frames I see my beautiful wife
Always smiling
But on the inside, I can hear her saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

I see their faces, look in their innocent eyes
They're just children from the outside
I'm working hard, I tell myself they'll be fine
They're in independent
But on the inside, I can hear them saying...

“Lead me with strong hands
Stand up when I can't
Don't leave me hungry for love
Chasing dreams, but what about us?
Show me you're willing to fight
That I'm still the love of your life
I know we call this our home
But I still feel alone”

So Father, give me the strength
To be everything I'm called to be
Oh, Father, show me the way
To lead them
Won't You lead me?

To lead them with strong hands
To stand up when they can't
Don't want to leave them hungry for love,
Chasing things that I could give up
I'll show them I'm willing to fight
And give them the best of my life
So we can call this our home
Lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone
Father, lead me, 'cause I can't do this alone

Training for the 5K

It seems that a lot of my facebook friends like to particpate in races.  Some will actually run while others just walk or ride their bikes.  Some will run to win while others just like to participate because the run supports a good cause.  All of their stories inspired me to try it...at least once.  So I signed up for the Firecracker 5K on July 3rd.

Now I wasn't going to kid myself and think I could finish this without training for it.  I also had concerns about a knee injury back in high school. So I contaced Kedgy at Fitness Lady and she was thrilled I asked for some pointers.  Her strong enthusiasm should have been my first clue that my body was going to be challenged.  The first thing that was challenged was my walking stride.  I'm 5'7" and since my surgery I have shortened my stride to someone that is much shorter.  Do you know how hard it is to relearn how to walk at 32?  I never knew that I would have to consciously remember to lengthen my stride as I walked.  I'm sure people are wondering what in the world is she doing because even I think I look very odd. (Josh, keep your comments to yourself.)  The next thing that was challenged was my time management.  I've gone from going to the gym when I felt like it to going 5 days a week.  This is hard to commit to because life gets in the way.  I can come up with sooo many other things that I would love to be doing instead of sweating and building muscles that have sat on the bench for the past 15 years.

The first night that Kedgy helped me I realized that I have LOTS of room for improvement.  I learned that if I don't make my goal, it's okay.  7 out of 10 isn't bad.  I haven't failed because I haven't given up.  I also learned to celebrate every victory no matter the size.  Kedgy has this wonderful ability to make you work harder just by encouraging you.  I've learned that words of encouragement from others really mean a lot to me.  And if those words make such an impact in my life, who can I encourage each day? 

Paul compares the Christian life as running a race.  I've read the passages several times and I got all the symbolism.  Or at least I thought I did.  I know I've only trained for a couple of days but these scriptures hold a different meaning to me now.  Don't give up.  Keep going even when you think you have nothing more to give.  Sometimes you have to go through pain so that you will become stronger.  God is always there beside you as you continue the race.  Sometimes He is walking with you. Sometimes He is running with you.  And sometimes He has to carry you.  But through each stage He is constantly encouraging you and loving you.

God is so awesome!

HAPPY NEW YEAR!

Happy New Year!

I have a few goals for myself this year. One is that I would read the entire Bible in a year. The second would be to fit in a size 10 jean. I’m a 14 now so the goal is not that far out of reach. The third is to be joyful. The last half of 2009 was difficult mentally, emotionally and physically. This year I not only want to find the joy in each day but to stop and enjoy it. Another goal is to laugh more. Not just a chuckle or giggle but an out loud, laugh so hard you cry or your face hurts kind of laughter. The last goal will be the hardest for me. I want to have more of a “go with the flow” attitude. Anybody who knows me knows that I’m a planner…an extreme planner. Every day I have a “to do list” in my head that needs to be completed. Most of those items will be marked off by the end of the day. I get very cranky and out of sorts if someone or something stands in my way of completing this list. I hate waiting on people because it wastes my time. I realize that things beyond our control occur and plans may have to be changed. What I can’t handle is when people aren’t considerate of my time. What makes people think that their time is more valuable than others? I was not put on this planet to wait on people to finish something that they either procrastinated about or let distractions keep them from doing it. If someone says they will meet me at a certain time, then be ready or at least call so alternate plans can be made. I mean had I known I’d be waiting another hour I could have waited comfortably at home and/or started another project. (I’ll get off my soapbox now.) Instead this year I will try, and I stress try, to not let this planner mentality control my day and leave some room for “wasted time”. Plus I can use this “wasted time” to accomplish goal #3.

My progress so far…

Yesterday I committed to an annual membership to a gym. (What was I thinking?!) I want more energy and I know losing a few pounds would help that. So I went last night to be shown the circuit. Some machines were easier than others. My problem areas were pointed out by the crying sound they made when I made them work out. Those areas will just have to put their big girl panties on and get over it. Sometimes I have to envision a “skinnier me” to help keep me motivated. Plus think of all the money I’ll save by being able to wear clothes that haven’t seen the light of day in months/years!

There has been one incident this year that helped me put my last goal into practice. It took a lot of patience and breathing to keep calm. I have to admit I was near tears and didn’t think I was going to be able to succeed but I did. Did I mention that this “go with the flow” attitude is hard stuff? Life would be much easier if everybody was more organized and planned their day efficiently.

I have lots to work on but with God’s help I can conquer and win.

God takes care of details

For those of you who don't know, our church is prone to flooding.  For that reason, a wall was built to keep the water out.  Due to all the rainfall recently, Tate and I drove by the church around 6pm and there wasn't any standing water.  Two hours later after a constant output of rain, Tate and I almost couldn't drive by the church due to the flooding.  When we finally reached the church, a young lady was being pulled out of her car in the church's parking lot by the fire department.  The couches in the youth building were floating around and water was trying to make its way into the sanctuary.  Many who know that Ford Park floods have asked me, "Why didn't ya'll put the walls up?" There was no time.  We found out later that 30 minutes after we drove by to check on the church, someone else had gone by and saw no standing water and made the same assumption that we did...that we were safe.  We both were wrong.  An SOS was sounded and men showed up to put up the wall to stop the water.

The next morning the damage was assessed.  The youth building was a total loss.  Water needed to be sucked up out of several wings, the gym and the sanctuary.

The news came by that morning and interviewed the preacher.  Then God showed up.  He sent people to drop off extension cords, commercial fans, and commercial wet vacs.  He sent people to do the manual labor of cleaning up.  He even sent people to provide lunch for all the workers.

I had to tell you all that to get to the good part of the story...to tell/show you an example of how awesome God is.  Friday morning I couldn't get to work due to flooded streets.  I could however get to the church.  Now I had always been taught to have some money tucked away for emergencies.  That morning before I left the house I felt that God told me to take some of that money with me.  At the time I thought it was odd but did it anyway.  As I see more people show up to help I begin to think about feeding the volunteers.  A friend offers to buy lunch if I make the order.  A head count is taken and I call Domino's Pizza.  We head off to pick up the pizza and my friend hands them his credit card for payment.    "Sorry Sir. Our credit card machine hasn't worked all morning."  (They didn't tell me this when I called in our order.)  In that instant as my friend begins trying to come up with payment plan B, I just smile and say, "No problem" and whip out that money that God told me to put in my pocket earlier that morning.  My friend reimbursed me later and got a story to tell his Sunday school class.

What's amazing about this story is #1: God knew about the situation at Domino's later in the day and He was putting everything in order for it work out that morning.  #2: I never carry that amount of cash on me.  #3: I have had that money stored away for several years never having had to touch it.  #4: This is proof that God is in control at all times and if we'll not only listen to His voice but also obey His instructions, we might get to see His hand at work.

What Faith Can Do

Lately I've been discouraged and in a pit. Let me rephrase that. It seemed like a pit but when I would talk to Tate and Danyelle about it, the pit really was more the size of a dimple. Just the result of my bad habit of making mountains out of molehills. I need to change a lot of my thinking habits and personality traits that have been around since what I call the "dark years". It is a very daunting task if I try to do it BY MYSELF. And if I did change, it wouldn’t last long because my strength is limited. I was reminded that he source of true change comes from God. I had been running these things through my mind when KLOVE played the new Kutless song, “What Faith Can Do”. It was as if God was whispering, “Nothing is impossible for Me. Stand still and let me work.” I posted the lyrics below in case someone else needs to hear God whisper to their heart.

WHAT FAITH CAN DO
By Kutless

Everybody falls sometimes
Gotta find the strength to rise
From the ashes and make a new beginning
Anyone can feel the ache
You think its more than you can take
But you are stronger, stronger than you know
Don't you give up now
The sun will soon be shining
You gotta face the clouds
To find the silver lining

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

It doesn't matter what you've heard
Impossible is not a word
It's just a reason for someone not to try
Everybody's scared to death
When they decide to take that step
Out on the water
It'll be alright
Life is so much more
Than what your eyes are seeing
You will find your way
If you keep believing

I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do

Overcome the odds
You do have a chance
(That's what faith can do)
When the world says you can't
It'll tell you that you can!
I've seen dreams that move the mountains
Hope that doesn't ever end
Even when the sky is falling
And I've seen miracles just happen
Silent prayers get answered
Broken hearts become brand new
That's what faith can do
That's what faith can do!
Even if you fall sometimes
You will have the strength to rise