Thoughts in my head

Today I am thinking DEEP!!! I know......don't laugh:) I'm thinking about the future, dreams, life, music, my family, people's hurts, home, 3rd world countries, and even financial thoughts. Pretty random but all the same, I'm thinking of them all. What started me down this trail? My sweet friend Sheli......asked me to sing "Anyway" because she says it's my story. I listened to it and loved it but it wasn't until I focused on the words and sang them until it truly sunk in. So oftentimes I dream about something or think how wonderful it would be to attain a certain goal only to turn around and dout that it will ever come to fruition or Happen! I doubt my ability to carry through or achieve my dream of singing for LIFE! God has given me this burden to sing for HIS glory and I WILL do it! What that looks like I cannot tell you but I pray daily for enlarged territory and a mission field of opportunity. He wants to give us our hearts desire and I know that He cares. Give when you don't receive-Sing when everyone will forget you even sang-build even if it falls apart. It's easy to think and fall into the trap of holding back out of hurts, worries or the fear of potentially being hurt ,but the truth is? We aren't truly living until we give our ALL! When we give our all and our best we are giving as Christ wants us to give. That isn't easy to do when we are hurt by someone who seems to care less about us or whatever the case may be. But, God as my witness I will not let that hold me back and keep me from doing what it is that He has called me to do. That is where He placed me and the path hasn't been easy but it has been very rewarding. My eyes are on Heavenly, and not earthly things.

As Christmas approaches, I know and feel peace in knowing that He rules my life and will lead me where I should go. How comforting that is. How do people cope without Christ in their life? I would be utterly and completely lost without Him in my life and the air I breathe would be stagnant without Him.

"I will sing even if one forgets the song"
"I will forgive even if not forgiven"
"I will give even if I don't receive"
"I will serve my Master though no one go with me"
"I will obey His calling tho hard the way"
"I will listen to His still small voice"
"I will be the BEST I can be even if rejected by men"
"I will do what I'm good at regardless of men's opinions"
"I will be a servan heart by giving to others"

That is my heart and where God calls me to be. Therein I am at peace
"

Thanksgiving 2009

As Thanksgiving approaches......I am becoming very thoughtful and prayerful because my heart is SO full of the blessings that God has given me. My 2 fabulous kids and great husband are the dearest to me and not to leave out Mia-our 6 mo. old boxer who is incredibly spoiled rotten. We've gone through a lot of changes in the past year but through it all it has dawned on me that as long as we r together that is ALL that matters. I know.....it is very cliche but no apologies folks.......it's the dead on TRUTH! That is truly where God has me right now and trust me......it hasn't been easy to get here but now that I'm here? What a peace to know that He is ruling my life and I have given Him total control. I'm perfectly content letting my Heavenly Father rule my world. "Where He leads me,I will follow!"

The older I get the more that I realize it's SO not about me and my little agendas! It's about the Kingdom and going about the Father's business. I'm weary of the "petty" arguments and disagreements that people get all wrapped up in......I want to shout "Focus on what MATTERS!" Jesus wants us to tell the world about Him and the enemy has us wrapped around his little fingers when we fight against one another. "Our fight is not with flesh and blood but with principalities and the power of darkness" I forget the scripture reference for that verse. But, it's so true!!!! Oh God, help me keep my eyes fixed on You! That is the only way I will ever succeed.

I'm not on a soapbox today, but just passionate about what Christ is doing in my life and want to share. I hope it's an encouragement to someone that is reading........

This past week Dor's parents have been here and it's been such a treat to spend time with them and little Nadia-their "prison baby". What a ministry they have giving to hurting families. After saying goodbye to them today, we are heading up to my parent's house to spend a couple nights with them and then it's on to Idaho where we are spending Thanksgiving with Gartboy,Shel and family and Mitchells! I can't wait to see everybody! Thank God for my great family and friends. I don't care if we eat pizza.....as long we are together:)

I'm thankful for my little family of 4 and our puppy.....my dad who is dedicated, genuine, and a great positive role model in my life. my mom who is funny, loving, kind and a good grandma. my sister who I wish I could see more.....is giving, kind, great nurse and a nice auntie. my inlaws who are considerate, sweet, giving, and prayer warriors. my friends who give to me and love whatever i give in return. Most of all.....My Saviour Jesus Christ who loves me so much and cares about my life. That is mind boggling to me!

Taylor's latest statements? They are never ceasing.....the latest was a couple weeks ago at the ER when they swiped his nose to check him for the flu. He stated,"Ouch, they hurt my boogers!" One statement I have to share is when he said that "Jesus died on the cross in his boxers!" He watched "No Greater Love" at our church and saw Jesus with just a garment on and I guess he thought they looked like boxers..... He always has us laughing!

Courtney's latest? She is once again on the Honor Roll and made straight A's for her 4th year in a row. She has never had a B on her report card . Moms can Brag!!! She's definitely more serious minded than Taylor, but she has her crazy moments too:) I love her wit, charm and quick mind. She keeps us on our toes, that's for sure! I always tell her she will be the president of some corporation or in charge of something! She's always been a leader, from the young age of 2.

Gotta run! HAPPY THANKSGIVING EVERYBODY!

My Loves

My loves are many but my Babe and my babies are my 1st loves! I know, I know it's cliche but "My Family is 1st!" We took a walk last night after dinner and just being together was super!!!! Mia got a little carried away when she saw any furry animal that could be a potential threat to her territory, but she didn't get too vicious:) At 1 point, we were running and Mia darts in front of me and I find myself flat on my face. Other than, 2 scraped elbows, 2 scraped knees, a damaged ego and later on a very sore body, I'm OK! Definitely felt all of my "almost" 32 years of age.

I'm lovin lit candles all over my townhouse, my puppy who's full of loves, Fall weather, beautiful TN scenery, my new friends, new church and new life! Im lovin singing with my honey and being back 2gether in music ministry-this is IT God!

I am sad too bc I greatly miss my girls in Idaho:( No one can ever replace you Shel, Melissa.......I hate that we are so far apart and my heart aches. Come see me SOON!

You enlarged my territory and increased my influence so I pray that I'm worthy and capable of the calling you've placed on me. Thank you!

More unpacking awaits! More later..........

The past 2 months

Wow!!!! When I look back on the past two months, my head starts to spin! So much has happened that I have to really concentrate on it all and think, did I really just experience all of that? So, most of you know that we made the move to Cleveland, TN from Nampa, Idaho to accept the position with Phil Cross as his office managers, partners and fellow Crossing members. I love that we are home Mon-Fri doing office work and only on the road 2 weekends a month doing what we are passionate and called to do and that is sing for Jesus!!!! I have been with Crossing for 2 months now and it's been a great ride, but this past weekend all I could think of was, "Now we are complete because FINALLY Doran is here!" It was a good weekend of laughter, God's presence, great singing, good fellowship, stress, and some scenic driving to North and South Carolina. The stress was on Sunday morning as we were all setting up for the service. Dor and Phil were setting up sound while Becky and I set up the booth. We finished and walked in to the sanctuary and saw the looks on the guys' faces and immediately knew something was wrong! Here they had knocked over Phil's laptop and the screen busted and we had no access to our tracks. Dor thought fast on his feet and went to the pastor and asked for his computer screen and somehow they got it all hooked up and it worked! Wow!!! What a way to start Dor's 1st weekend with us. God really blessed in the rest of the morning and we made it through. We were pretty frazzled tho and poor Phil couldn't even remember the words to "Champion of Love"!!!! When we pulled in to the church the sign said,"Biscuits and Hot Dogs" and Phil says,"I've been called many things, but never before have I been called Biscuits and Hot Dogs!!!" Pretty funny stuff!!!! There had been a church event the day bfore or something......

I feel very blessed to be at this place in my life and although it literally made me grieve to leave our friends in Idaho, I feel at peace knowing that we are following His plan! I don't know all that the future holds, but I know my hand is firmly secure in His capable hands and He will not fail me.