Lazy or Smart

A recent quote I ran across here:

“Whenever there is a hard job to be done I assign it to a lazy man; he is sure to find an easy way of doing it.” -Walter Chrysler

Merry Christmas

Merry Christmas from the chilly northwest! We've had a little bit of snow today, mixed with rain. The snow had Michael, Ellie and I pretty excited, at least for a little while!

We've had a good December. We were able to spend some time in the Southeast hanging out with family and a few friends in Georgia, Alabama, Florida, and New Orleans, LA. It was really great getting to see everyone! Then we travelled back home for Christmas. Today, we've been hanging out at home, enjoying our time together! For dinner, we're having Christmas--northwest style, with a southern twist--baked salmon, macaroni & cheese (homemade, of course), and broccoli soup.

As we celebrate Jesus' birthday today and as this year draws to a close, I feel very grateful for the many blessings that I've been given! I am thankful for salvation in my life through a baby born in Bethlehem. In my devotion this morning, I read this profound statement from a Max Lucado book, "The one who was larger than the universe became a microscopic embryo. And he who sustains the world with a word chose to be dependent upon the nourishment of a young girl." Pretty amazing!!

I'm also very thankful for my awesome husband, who is so supportive and understanding of me. And I think we have the cutest and sweetest little girl who brings such joy to our lives! God has blessed our little family with awesome family and friends who encourage us and pray us through the difficult times! And our faithful God continues to provides for all of our needs. So, even though it has been a challenging year, I have many things to be thankful for!

1 Day and Counting

Well, today is actually the first day of the CMS. Tim Hughes will be joining us tomorrow on the second day of the conference. I'm pumped! It's going to be a great time of worship and learning. I'll post an update here after the conference to fill you in on some of the excitement.

One of the things God has been teaching me lately:
In our busy world, it's easy to loose track of the most important things. Especially in ministry, it's so easy to get distracted by all the things that need to get done, we forget Who it is that we are actually serving. My prayer: May we always remember the sacrifice that was made so that we might live & may we never loose the wonder.

Lord, this heart must sing of all the You have done for me
The beauty of the cross, the greatness of Your loss
So I'll thank You for the day when You washed my sin away

Help me understand just what it mean for You, Jesus
The Holy King of all upon a sinner's cross
So I'll thank You for the day when You washed my sin away

I will never loose the wonder of the blood You shed for me
There could be no greater love than this through all eternity
So I'll thank You for the day when You washed my sin away

Tim Hughes - Never Loose the Wonder

2 Days and Counting

Here's a funny Tim Hughes video I thought I would share. Enjoy!

Click here, or see below:

3 Days and Counting

The CMS is just around the corner and things are getting busy. We've also got our next preview service coming up in less than two weeks. In addition, I have the Northwest Baptist Convention next week as well. Both conferences should be good, but it's requiring me to get a lot of the work done now, on the front side of things.

Needless to say, life is BUSY!

So in the light of all my busyness, here's a song I'd like to share:

Tim Hughes - Beauty of Your Peace

Your voice has stilled the raging storms
The wind and rain bow down before
Your still small voice brings hope to all
Who wait on You, we'll wait for you
To lead us to the place where You'll restore our souls
And all our earthly strivings come to cease

Take from our souls the strain and stress and let our ordered lives confess
The beauty of Your peace, the beauty of Your peace

4 Days and Still Counting

Light of the world, You stepped down into darkness
Opened my eyes, let me see
Beauty that made this heart adore You
Hope of a life spent with You

Here I Am to Worship

5 Days and Counting

The CMS is this weekend and I am really looking forward to it! It's a time of great training by some of the best around and some times of great worship as well.

And if you haven't heard, or haven't read our blog in a few days, Tim Hughes will be there. I've never heard him lead live before, but his music is amazing and I've been told he is one of the most humble guys around. If you're not familiar with his music, I'd highly recommend it. I know I'll be picking up his latest CD at the conference.

Here's a little taste of one of his songs. Undoubtedly you'll recognize the words, I think I was probably 3 when I first learned them.

Enjoy!

6 Days and Counting

Nothing in this World

I love the simplicity of this song. It's unassuming drive just keeps moving, almost as if it were a song with no ending or begining - it just is.

Each of the four living creatures had six wings and was covered with eyes all around...Day and night they never stop saying:
"Holy, holy, holy
is the Lord God Almighty
who was, and is, and is to come." (Rev. 4:8)

And Lord, how I need You
Jesus, I need You - You are the One who satisfies
You are the One who satisfies

7 Days and Counting

Consuming Fire

The first time I heard the opening words to this song, I was blown away:

There must be more than this Oh, Breath of God, come breathe within

How many times in life do I allow the stuff of earth to get in the way? I think, if I could just have this or that, or if this were to happen then...

I get so wrapped up in my own little world that I forget there is something greater out there - or rather, Someone greater.

Psalm 8 says it all: (taken from the Message)

1 God, brilliant Lord, yours is a household name.

2 Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs That drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.

3-4 I look up at your macro-skies, dark and enormous, your handmade sky-jewelry, Moon and stars mounted in their settings. Then I look at my micro-self and wonder, Why do you bother with us? Why take a second look our way?

5-8 Yet we've so narrowly missed being gods, bright with Eden's dawn light. You put us in charge of your handcrafted world, repeated to us your Genesis-charge, Made us lords of sheep and cattle, even animals out in the wild, Birds flying and fish swimming, whales singing in the ocean deeps.

9 God, brilliant Lord, your name echoes around the world.

What an awesome call to declare the greatness of our God.

(By the way, if you listen closely to end of the recording, you'll hear another one of my favorite worship leaders, Christy Nockels).

8 Days and Counting

Beautiful One

9 Days and Counting

In the days leading up to the CMS, I thought I'd share a little about Tim Hughes who will be one of the main worship leaders at the conference. In yesterday's post, I shared about his song "When the Tears Fall." You can find the song here on iTunes.

Here is another song that has challenged me to really live out my faith. Two verses really stand out to me:

Micah 6:8, He has showed you, O man, what is good. And what does the LORD require of you? To act justly and to love mercy and to walk humbly with your God.

James 1:27, Religion that God our Father accepts as pure and faultless is this: to look after orphans and widows in their distress and to keep oneself from being polluted by the world.

How many times have I walked out of a worship service, singing the songs, only to drive right past someone in need on the street? It's not enough to simply sing the songs or read the words, I've got to live it out. What that looks like might be different for you and me, but the needs are there & they are real. What are we going to do about it?

God of Justice

10 days and counting

I'm pumped! Why? 'Cause in 10 days I'll get to see one of my favorite worship leaders. Tim Hughes will be in Washington state leading worship at the CMS, and I am super-excited!

I love his heart-felt lyrics and his willingness to ask the hard questions. Take his song "When the Tears Fall" for example:

I've had questions without answers
I've known sorrow, I have known pain
But there's one thing that I'll cling to:
You are faithful, Jesus, You're true

When hope is lost, I call You Savior
When pain surrounds, I call you Healer
When silence falls, You'll be the song within my heart

This has been one of the songs that has carried me through some of the tough times. Of course not all his songs are as heavy as this one (see the videos below), but some really great stuff - especially his last two albums.

On a slightly lighter note, check out these videos. For those humorously inclined, watch this one:


For those who take the slightly more serious route, you'll enjoy this one:

Do you know this man?

D.B. Cooper. Ever heard of him? Well, I hadn't until today, but apparently he's quite famous, or rather infamous.

His crime? Well, the only unsolved instance of a skyjacker in US history. And guess where he disappeared. That's right - Western Washington!

November 24, 1971. He actually makes reference to Tacoma as he passed over the area in the plane shortly before he jumped out.

As it turns out, he may not have traveled that far. Just drive East about 30 minutes from Tacoma and you will find yourself in the quaint town of Bonney Lake. This is where Kenny Christiansen (aka - D.B. Cooper) decided to make his home some 30 years ago, shortly after pulling off one of the most well known crimes in American history. This also happens to be the location for our new Church: Church on the Hill.

Click here to read the article.

The world's about to change

Saturday night was amazing! Unbelievable!

And what exactly happened on Saturday night? The David Crowder Band. @ the Moore Theater. In Seattle. One word. Amazing!

One minute were laughing & having a great time, the next moment were being challenged out of our socks (literally). Afterwards we headed over to Red Robin and shared some great burgers and fries with our friends Aaron & Amy. We couldn't stop talking about it. Man, what a great concert.

The best part, though, for me came at the end. They closed with their final song of their latest album - Remedy. It's been playing through my head ever since

Where there is pain
Let us bring grace
Where there is suffering
Bring serenity
For those afraid
Let us be brave
Where there is misery
Let us bring them relief

And surely we can change
Surely we can change
Oh, surely we can change
Something

Some Halloween Fun

In the past I have been accused of being slightly competitive. There may or may not be some element of truth in that statement. But just in case there was any doubt, here's an opportunity to for those who are competitively inclined.

Andy (Mike Brinkerhoff's son) has created a little Halloween game for our enjoyment. And like all good games, it has now become a competition - and like all great competitions there is a prize (something to do with candy corn I believe). Click here for the details. I've set the bar pretty high (in the nature of around 41,000 points). Go ahead, give it your best shot - but be warned, it is slightly addictive.

Update:
A new version of the game (slightly more difficult) has been posted here along with the official rules. Game On!!

Finally!!! Remedy is Here (for real this time)!

OK, so Remedy finally arrived on our doorstep on Saturday afternoon. Needless to say, we (specifically I) were very excited. I think I've listened to it about 10 times through now & I must say it was definitely worth the wait. Great stuff!

A few of my fav's:

The Glory of It All - a great song of redemption. This song captured me when I first heard it back in the Spring. In the midst of a dark time, the Lord speaks renewal.

After all our hands have wrought, he forgives...
...for the rescue of us all, that we may live.
After all falls apart, He is there

After night comes a light, dawn is here, dawn is here. It's a new day! Oh, everything will change, things will never be the same, we will never be the same, we will never be the same...

Can You Feel It? -

Can you feel it? The love in this place, can you feel it? The grace in this place, can you feel it?

Our God is here. Our God is here. Our God is here.

Never Let Go - Another great song! I first heard this at the Thirsty Conference in May of this year. The chorus has been playing in my head ever since. What an awesome reminder that even in the midst of the hard, ugly, trying times in life that there is a God who deeply cares about us. He has not forgotten us. He is right there. We just need to hold on. Hold on!

It reminds me of Psalm 23: "Even when I walk through the valley of deepest darkness, You are there."

When clouds veil sun, and disaster comes. Oh, my soul. Oh, my soul.
When waters rise and hope takes flight. Oh, my soul. Oh, my soul.
Ever faithful, ever true. You are known, You never let go.

You never let go, You never let go, You never let go.
You never let go, You never let go, You never let go.

Not to mention hearing the Nug tear it up on We Will Not Be Quiet. Good stuff all around! I think I could listen to this CD nonstop (oh, wait - that's what I have been doing...).

Did you feel that?

We were sitting in our house a little after 3 today when our whole house shook. Tina and I were both shocked, we thought maybe someone had crashed into our house. We looked around and saw that everything was fine, but when we looked outside we saw a huge plume of smoke.

Now we know why.

Check out this video of the explosion.

For an even bigger view, see this one (the big one happens at 4:15 on the video).

Unbelievable. It felt massive - and we live over a mile away!

Update to Remedy - still not quite here...

It's funny how the little things in life work out sometime (or don't work out). Here I was thinking I was being quite ahead of the game...it just sort of makes you laugh!

So as you remember from my previous post about the Crowder Band's latest record, I was looking forward to its arrival in my mail slot. Well, I'm still waiting - but at least I know now it is on it's way. All confusion has been remedied (no pun intended - okay, well, maybe a little one) & the album is on it's way. If you couldn't tell from the previous post, I'm joyously looking forward to its arrival.

In the meantime, I did find a much better way of listening (& quite enjoying) Remedy. Simply point your browser (internet explorer if you must, but Firefox for those who have seen the light) to Worship Together (you might have to join - no worries, it's free) and click on the New Song Jukebox in the upper left corner. You will find, to your listening pleasure, the entire Crowder Band CD with unlimited plays. It's quite beautiful!

Happy Remedying!

Once upon a hurricane

A while back I had promised a report from my parents' recent trip to Haiti (you might recall they had a close encounter with a hurricane). Well, as promised here is a write-up from their trip (complete with lots of pictures).

For those of you who prayed for their safety, we are extremely grateful. Thanks so much!

Remedy is Here (well, sorta...)

Remedy has arrived and I am loving it (one song at a time - no really, one song at a time). You see, I'm one of those crazy people who decided it was of utmost importance to acquire the CD as soon as possible - so I pre-ordered it (many, many weeks ago - so long ago I've lost count - plus we're supposed to get some sort of surprise or something fun along with the CD - it should be quite interesting...). The only problem is that it hasn't arrived yet. I mean it has, but it hasn't. Confused yet? Here, let me explain...

You see, while I do not technically have the CD in my possession (I'm sure USPS is exercising great caution to assure the safe arrival of my new-found-friend on its journey from Waco), I have mangaged to discover a work-around that, well, works at least. About six months ago, I discovered something amazing - Rhapsody - it's really quite wonderful! It costs me nothing, yet gives me 25 free plays per month (we're talking the whole song, yeah!) - did I mention its free?

Now in most cases this is more than enough play time to allow me to "try out" an album to see if it meets my sonic expectations. But unfortunately, this is not near enough plays to adequately make it through a David Crowder CD as playing a Crowder CD requires at least 3 plays (I said, at least 3 plays) per song.

In comes: The Rhapsody Work-Around. I'm not quite sure who tipped me off to this little feat of musically trickery, but I love it! (especially when it comes to the joy of listening to my new favorite CD - granted I'm only half-way through, but I'm pretty sure it will be right up at the top staring down at all my other lovely CDs (and a few not so lovely - but I'm not naming any names)). Here's how it works, it's really quite simple: When you get near the end of the song, you simply go back to the beginning.

Really, it's that simple. And so you can listen to the song over and over and over...and over again. And here's the really great part, Rhapsody only takes off one credit of my coveted 25 song count. It's quite beautiful (for my ears that is - otherwise I might be forced to listen to something quite non-pleasing - or at least not quite as pleasing...).

Thus explaining how I am only half-way through the newest Crowder Band collection. Two hours down and I'm officially halfway through the CD (with 11 plays to go). Man, I'm making great progress! Did I mention this stuff is good!

OK, enough talk. Now you. Yes you. Go buy this CD. It will make your ears smile! Trust me, you'll thank me later.

Happy Crowdering!