Worship

        I'm in a rut. I've allowed myself to become entangled in fear and doubt and worry, and it feels as though there is no way out. Whenever I find myself in this place, I get even more frustrated because I begin to fear that God is mad at me and I can't seem to find a way to express myself and talk to Him. When I try to pray or spend time reading the Bible, I feel as though I am simply hitting a wall and I soon dissolve into more tears and fear. As I was sitting on the couch in this very predicament, I decided that since I couldn't seem to pray I would turn on some music and just spend some time in worship.
         This reminded me of King David. I love reading the Psalms because no matter what predicament David was in, He always praised God. I so desire to live my life as David did and walk through my days--both the good and the bad--in praise. And so, I began to simply worship. I didn't try to analyze what I was worrying about or try to figure it out, I simply sang. And soon the weight began to feel slightly less. Because when we allow ourselves to sit in our Father's presence the troubles of life begin to melt away.
           So, my challenge to you today is simply to be still and bring your praises to God. Believe me this may not be easy at first, thoughts and fears and the dilemmas of the day will swirl through your mind and attempt to drive you to distraction, but if you keep at it, the day will begin to fade into the background and you'll find a breathe of fresh air. He is waiting for you to simply step into His arms. So go ahead.

"Without worship, we go about miserable." ~ A.W Tozer


"The most valuable thing the Psalms do for me is to express the same delight in
God which made David dance." ~ C.S Lewis

Weekend Adventures

          I love weekends and summer makes them about a million times better. They offer up so many opportunities for adventure. This one was especially nice. The sun was shinning, friends were present and laughter was at hand. The delightfulness started on Friday when I dragged my keyboard outside and played in the sunshine, had coffee with a good friend and got the first sunburn of the summer. Friday night turned into a party when we had a spur of the moment supper for eleven people in our tiny little apartment. Saturday was spent with a couple hours on the lake with the same group of amazing friends and a cook off where my sister-in-law and I battled it out in the kitchen. And to pass the time on this lovely afternoon we rode 15 miles around the lake, got rained on and stopped for ice cream.
        And so you see, adventures abound. Their is so much life to be lived, laughs to be laughed and moments to be shared. Thanks to the One who gave us this life, we can have a smile in our hearts and truly enjoy the adventures that await us. Have a great summer.

"Summer afternoon - summer afternoon; to me those have always been the two most beautiful words in the English language."  ~Henry James

"There shall be eternal summer in the grateful heart."  ~Celia Thaxter

"Each fairy breath of summer, as it blows with loveliness, inspires the blushing rose."

~Author Unknown

Music

         I love music. It is like an invisible ribbon that dances around you and brings a little magic to the ordinary. Someone once told me that my husband and I were chronic music listeners. Meaning that we always have it playing. And I will admit, it's true. One of my favorite things is singing at Church. I love to open the song book and watch as the notes on the page come to life. There is something simply beautiful that happens when a multitude of voices come together and the parts blend to create a masterpiece of sound. Then, when the piano drops out and all that is heard is voices, I can't help but smile. It's beautiful, it's simple, it's a gift. So, no matter what you are dealing with today, crank up the music, close your eyes and sing out loud. Allow yourself to get lost in the sound, the dance, the wonder. And know that the One who gave us the music sings over you! Happy Saturday.

Zephaniah 3:17
"The Lord your God is with you;
      his power gives you victory.
   The Lord will take delight in you,
      and in his love he will give you new life.
   He will sing and be joyful over you."

"Music expresses that which cannot be said and on which it is impossible to be silent." ~Victor Hugo