My heart is steadfast

So this is Christmas

2011-12-25T22:21:00.002-05:00

A beautiful, joy-filled Christmas to you! What a wonderful reason to celebrate - love, grace, humility, rescue, hope.

With our kids today we highlighted the feeling of excitement to give. We asked them to consider how it was they were feeling in the moments before their siblings or parents opened the gifts they had so carefully selected. We asked them to imagine God's excitement and sovereign expectancy as He sent His Son to the manger that first Christmas night - Answer, Rescue, Hope. What greater gift could He give than Himself? And how delighted must He have been to give that gift?

“Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom his favor rests.”

It pleased God to give His Son just as it would please God to crush Him.

For love. For life.
For God's glory.

Christ came to a manger on His way to a cross for me, for you. His delight is to be Emmanuel, Messiah, Saviour, Rescue. "Glory to God in the highest heaven!".

Merry, Merry Christmas.

Merry Christmas from the Rhynos!

2011-12-23T19:35:00.001-05:00

What is Worship?

2011-12-19T09:40:00.000-05:00

I plan a lot of worship services. It is central in the job of the worship pastor. But I can honestly say that despite the hundreds of services I have planned, led or participated in, I can simply not wrap my head entirely around what corporate worship is.

It is community
It is need
It is celebration
It is spirit
It is heart language
It is mourning and joy
It is standing in a long line of historical worshipers
It is standing on the forefront of praise
It is joining with all of creation
It is singing with the heavenly hosts
It is exaltation, honour, adoration.
It is accepting an invitation into what is already happening within the Godhead.

It is a place we do not deserve to be, and yet are welcome.

But we reduce the profound exchange of need & answer, pour out & drink in, glorify & know to a simplistic, haphazard set list. We are concerned about how we sound, how we look, doing the newest songs first, bringing in the masses to see what we can do. We spend energy on doing what needs to be done, and making sure our voice is heard and that we are known as the expert in our "field". How often do we worship and miss worshiping?

How do you and your congregation engage in the profound exchange in the spiritual realm within the confines of your corporate worship services?

To speak

2011-12-16T22:18:00.000-05:00

In some ways I feel I have lost my voice. I'm not sick. I can still talk. But my voice seems silent these days. I think it's because of all the noise in my head...work, kids, people, people, people. I love them, but my head sure feels cluttered.

I'm praying for space. I'm praying for quiet. I'm praying for clear-headedness and for the muse to wake up.

Songs. Articles. Tales. Truth.

This voice wants to speak in colours.

Advent: Hope

2011-11-29T22:01:00.001-05:00

advent: looking for hope from Kingswood University on Vimeo.

Thanksgiving and Advent

2011-11-19T16:03:00.004-05:00

I celebrated Thanksgiving in Canada in October. Next week I will celebrate Thanksgiving in the United States. I am glad for this double opportunity because I have so much to be thankful for!

I have been thinking a lot about how American Thanksgiving immediately precedes Advent, and I LOVE that! Thanksgiving is all about thanking the Lord for who He is and what He has done. Wow - where do I begin? But, sometimes I find that I can easily get stuck at the thanks for what has been done, and forget the needs I still have...

Advent is all about looking for Messiah. Needing Emmanuel. Waiting for Christ to break into the here and now as well as looking forward to His return. Advent recognizes need.

I am nothing apart from Emmanuel. So this Thanksgiving I will worship and look to Advent. I will celebrate both what I have already in Christ and look ahead for who I need Him to be with me.

I am nothing apart from Messiah.

Uncomfortable

2011-04-28T09:44:00.003-05:00

As a worship leader, my heart is for my God and for my congregation. My heart is filled with compassion for us as a family to mingle our voices, our hearts, and our stories as we come to Him together in worship. I desire for my people to long to be with each other and to know God intimately. As I pray and prepare for services, this is on the forefront of my heart and mind.

And in times of service preparation, I often find myself in a quandry: So much of what I have seen or been taught has to do with comfort - providing an atmosphere in the service that makes us feel "at home", "welcomed", "relaxed"...comfortable. Typically a North American worship leader attempts to do that through song choice (songs that are familiar or which fit the demographic well) and purposeful attention to atmospheric components (sanctuary comforts, sound, media, lighting and decorative choices etc.)

But when I think about worshiping our God, I can't get away from the thought that worship is just not supposed to be comfortable.

Worship is what spills out of us because we have encountered the Almighty God.

I think of Isaiah, overwhelmed in the presence of the Lord. He was overwhelmed by his own wretchedness revealed by the holiness of God (Isaiah 6). He was undone. He needed cleansing. Bare, weak and vulnerable before the Lord, His surrender and desperation was His worship. That is not comfortable.

I think of John falling down as though dead when he saw Christ - hair white as wool, with eyes that blazed like fire, feet like glowing bronze and a voice like rushing water (Revelation 1). And I think of his description of the worshipers in Heaven - falling down before the Lord and crying out to God day and night (Revelation 4-5). Their worship is not confined to a killer 12-minute set.

No worship leader made John fall as dead. No well-written or amazingly-executed song created the worshipers' desperation before the Lord. No lights and smoke effects caused Isaiah to become undone. He simply was undone because of the presence of the Holy God and the deep, anguishing ache of desperation for holiness himself.

And so I think to myself: Who am I that I think my efforts will produce worshipers? Who am I that I think that if I just get the right songs and the right reading and the right atmosphere, my people will ache for holiness? I am not the answer to my burden for our family to hunger after God and His righteousness. God is the Answer.

He alone answers hunger. He alone answers brokenness. He alone answers surrender. He alone answers death.

And so I close my computer, I put away my service planner, and I get on my face before Him. Father, I want what is uncomfortable.

My Life With You

2011-04-22T17:10:00.001-05:00

My husband had a birthday...so I wrote him a little song. :)

The HEAD of worship

2011-03-13T21:35:00.001-05:00

1 Corinthians 12 speaks of the Body of Christ having many parts. The foot is not the hand and the ear is not the eye. The elbow cannot assume supremacy nor can the ankle function apart from the foot or the leg. All of the parts are beautiful and all are important.

I thought of this Scripture the other day as I was thinking about elements of worship. I began to consider how many of our Evangelical services seem to be lopsided. Our standard formula seems to be sing/sing/sing/read Scripture if it fits/sing/sing/pray/hear the Word/pray/sing/leave.

We put a lot of emphasis on the singing part of our worship. Singing seems to reign supreme as our #1 worship element. I would hazard a guess that the amount of time we give to the singing reinforces for us and our congregations the notion that worship = singing (which we try very hard to dispel).

And so I am reminding myself that since our God is infinitely worthy of our worship, perhaps I can be more creative in my worship service preparation. Here are some elements I have thought of which can be incorporated into our worship settings more often:

Scripture readings

Responsive readings

Dance

Sign language

Art - the creation of, explanation of and enjoyment of

Breaking bread together

Drama

Video

Foot washings

Prayer services

Prayers of confession

Testimony and celebration

Interviews or conversation with missionaries - in person or via Skype

Community service days

Historical services - Covenant service, Tenebrae service etc.

How about you? Do you see value in creating variety in your worship services? How do you accomplish this?

What a God

2011-03-11T20:22:00.002-05:00

Today I watched the TV in amazement as buildings fell and a wall of water wiped out entire cities on the far ends of this earth.

Today I mourned the passing of a joy-filled woman the same age as I who had bravely fought a horrendous disease with the strength of her intimate and loving God.

Today I sat in a room with 4 generations of family and listened to the wonderful Grandmother after whom our daughter is named speak of the joy her family has brought to her over the years.

What a day. What a mighty God.

Missing and Clinging

2011-03-08T10:13:00.004-05:00

Today I am missing some of the things the Lord has asked me to give up in following Him to this part of the ministry adventure with Him...I am missing my home, yet praying it would sell so I can let go completely. I'm missing my dog, yet praying that she finds joy in her new family. I'm missing my studio, and praying the Lord would help me to find that creative spark inside of me which I have been longing for since moving. I am missing the physical space to be alone and quiet in my head, and the hours and hours I once had to simply connect with the Lord and create.

I miss these things. And yet, once again God proves to be sufficient.

This is not my house, but it is comfortable, warm and dry, and central to all that life holds at the moment. Less space means more family time all in one spot - more necessary growth in grace, more game nights, more opportunities taken for conversation and less for escape. I don't have my studio, but God has given me the time and opportunity to learn the guitar, giving me a new perspective in the music I create. He has also given me this smaller instrument to have in our apartment to enjoy as I sing to the Lord...I can't fit my piano, but I can fit a guitar! I miss being prolific with what I write, but I see deeper faith in the lyrics that do come out...my next recording project will be filled with tears, repentance, challenge, and belief.

And so this season of giving up is really a season in finding grace in the bountiful provision of the Lord. Father, help me to continue to recognize You in the giving up. Help me to let go and cling to You alone.

The Beauty of the Body

2011-03-03T07:16:00.006-05:00

A while ago, it seems, we defined in Churchspeak what we mean by the word "worship". At first it was innovative, and then it was trendy to say "worship is a lifestyle". At first we meant it...then we repeated it like a mantra. Sermons were preached, podcasts downloaded, blogs written, tweets tweeted to remind us that all of life is an opportunity to worship.

So what did that do to Sunday worship? If worship is now our lifestyle (at least in Churchspeak, if not in practice - but that's a whole other series), what is Sunday worship all about? Lest we begin to neglect to gather together for worship (since we're now all worshiping all the time), perhaps we ought to remind ourselves of the importance of the worship service.

When the doors are open and the people are together, what is the purpose of our corporate gathering?

Is it for the seeker or is it for the found?

Is it for the broken or is it for the celebration of those made whole?

Is it for the pouring out or is it for the filling up?

Is it for the individual or is it for the community?

Yes - to all of it.

The corporate Body of Christ gathered together on a Saturday night or a Sunday morning is a melting pot of victory and defeat, of laughter and tears, of faith and doubt, of strong ties and lonely souls. In the mingling voices and prayers and hearts, God inhabits our praise. In the faith spoken to doubt, sparks are lit. In the tear-filled victory cry, steadfastness is born. In the bent-knees of repentance, forgiveness and purity are known.

It is in the beauty of the Body that the Holy Spirit brings both correction and assurance as we gaze on the cross, exalt our Triune God and delight Him with praise. As He transforms individuals, He begins to weave hearts and lives together and unlock our grip on what it means to worship.

It is a peculiar thing for a peculiar people. But we need to worship with the Body to learn to love to worship outside of the sanctuary. We need His people - the broken, the victorious, the lonely, the sure - to help us see and celebrate the very heart of God.

Pray for your church today. Pray for a love for your church family today. And as you prepare for a corporate worship gathering this weekend, ask God to give you a fresh excitement to be with His people - pouring out, filling up and weaving together.

Perspectives: A heart for our congregation

2011-02-21T08:19:00.005-05:00

I read blogs and books and tweets and articles and have myriad conversations about leading worship. Go figure.

I have been thinking lately about how many of those blogs, tweets etc. handle the subject of worship leading from a practical perspective: song choice, music style, media use, lighting and technology, video production etc. These practical details, no doubt, are important in today's church. But today I would like to briefly examine this subject from the place where I feel the Lord has ignited a passion for me...from what I'll call a prayerful perspective.

(I often feel like I am marching to the tune of a different drummer.)

As a worship leader, I feel that it is very easy to get superficially wrapped up in the practical details. It seems there are just so many things that must fall into place. Those not involved in the crafting of a worship service often have no idea the amount of work that goes on in the days and weeks ahead to attend to such details. But, it is easy for us as worship leaders to get very caught up in these elements, and to make such a high priority of them that our services become more like an event or a concert than an invitation to commune with the Living God.

As easy as it has been for me to get caught up in the elements, it has been just as easy for me, at times, to neglect the prayerful perspective of the worship leader.

(Let me take a moment to clarify what I don't mean by prayerful perspective. I don't mean "Father, thank you for this day, and thank you for the many wonderful gifts that you have given me. Thank you for my talent and for my opportunity to use it this morning. I pray that the audience, I mean *cough* congregation, would be blessed by my many talents..uhhhhh... I mean, would be blessed by You. InJesusnameamen.")

No, what I mean by prayerful perspective is our heart for the people in our congregation whom God has called us to lead. If we want to "wow" them, then we can stick with focussing on the practical stuff - the newest songs, the more lights, videos, props. If we want to please them, then we can easily get caught in the crosshairs of whatever music-style debate is currently fashionable.

But if we want to lead them to worship, we need to passionately pursue the King and ask Him to show us how He sees them.

God can and does ignite a passion in our hearts for our people, if we desire that. When He ignites a passion for our people, He will lay a heavy burden on our hearts for them each to know the satisfaction of an intimate, transforming relationship with Him. When He ignites a passion for our people, He will give us the desire to bring out songs that are rich in theology and thanksgiving, that display a depth of emotion and a clear representation of the Truth. When He ignites a passion for our people, we will not be able to plan and execute a set...rather, we will travail in prayer for individuals and weep for their situations and families, and shout out praise for His grace and victory in their lives. And what we sing on Sunday morning will have been born out of our times in prayer for the very people now uttering the words. And as they sing, our hearts will soar and break, celebrate and mourn all at the same time, and we will experience an altogether-new intimacy with the Lord because we've been interceding for His sheep.

I believe that this perspective might need to trump the other.

Without media, without cool lighting and 4 guitars and programmable loops, I can still lead worship! I need only to be in honest pursuit of the King, and to intercede on behalf of the people in my congregation, asking the Lord to give me His heart for them...and then sing songs declaring the Truth of who He is, and the songs born out of my times in prayer over them. We will pour out, He will be glorified. We will minister to our people and our God.

And we will be amazed at our heart's capacity to grow in love for our congregation.

Leading Worship in Life

2011-02-16T18:21:00.002-05:00

At the Bible College where I am the Director of Worship, I have the privilege of leading a congregation of future ministers/counsellors/missionaries/Christian School teachers and those who teach them. I also have the privilege of mentoring future worship leaders. As I consider the Bride of Christ and sending these future leaders out to lead Her, I am frequently impacted by the gravity of my responsibility to lead well.

Over the next series of posts, I will share some of what I have been asking my worship leaders in recent weeks. We are on a journey...come along!

Over the next few days, please prayerfully consider the following questions:
What do you most often think about?
What do you most often talk about? (or text, blog, tweet etc.)
What would your friends/family say that you are known for?

Take some time in prayer to ask the Lord to show you what your treasure is. Be honest with yourself as you reflect on the things that consume your attention. What we spend most of our time on, what we pour ourselves into is what we worship.

As you pray, please consider Luke 12: 34

4. What does it mean to hunger and thirst for righteousness?
5. Is that something that is a reality in your life?
.
Take some time to ask the Lord to show you what the longing of your heart is. Do you really desire to be purified? Are you open to the correction of others? Are you responsive to the conviction of the Holy Spirit, repentant and obedient? Do you hate your sin and long for holiness?

If some of these answers are “No”, I would ask you to spend some time with the Lord asking Him to be clear to you why that is so. Ask Him to give you the desire for purity and to show you the beauty of hungering and thirsting for righteousness.

As you pray, please consider Matthew 5:6

6. If worship leading has to do with pointing people to God, how are you doing that in your everyday life

In the dorm?
In your classroom?
In everyday conversation?
On social media?

My desire, first and foremost, for you all is to grow in your understanding of how real and tangible God is…that you would want to know Him intimately, want to be continually changed more into His likeness, and that you would learn to be satisfied in Him. Only then will worship leading be a reality in your life, because the joy, peace and passion for Christ will emanate from everything you do, every day.

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

2010-12-20T08:06:00.006-05:00

I must confess that I have never really worshiped through a Christmas song before. I have sung hundreds, maybe more, with pipe organs and orchestras, amps and guitars, on front steps and by candlelight, but never out of much more than a heart of sentimental tradition. But Christ died to make all things new, and this year as I have been anticipating the coming of a babe in a manger, He is making me new.

As I've been singing, my heart as been wrenched that Christ was "Born to set (His) people free" and that He came to release us from our fears and sins. (Come Thou Long Expected Jesus)

As I've been singing, I have been in awe of the One who came to "free (His) own from satan's tyranny", and who saves people from depths of hell, and gives them victory over the grave. (O Come, O Come Emmanuel)

As I've sung I have wept at the gospel proclaimed: "Mild He lays His glory by, born that man no more may die. Born to raise the sons of earth, born to give them second birth." (Hark! The Herald Angels Sing)

And through awe and tears, the songs of Advent and Christmas have been made new to me. That baby in a manger that the angels sang about and the shepherds praised, that baby was the Son of God - becoming like His brothers in every way so that He could become a merciful and faithful high priest in service to God, to make propitiation for my sin! (Hebrews 2:17)

The baby in a manger was fully God and fully man. He came to be the great high priest. He came to that manger on the way to a cross where His blood was spilled and He tasted my death, crowned with glory and honor. And there, He ransomed me from the grip of sin, and from the depths of hell. He made purification for my sin, rose from the grave, and He sat down at the right hand of the Father.

And so I can sing these songs and pour out my joy, my thanksgiving, my adoration. I can sing of the Incarnation and long for the day that I will meet Him face-to-face. Oh what a journey that births new songs of hope in Christ! The salt of tears that mingle with laughter's echo as heartbeats go by awakens a sense of longing for home. Do you sense it?

Gloria in excelsis Deo!

This is why I sing

2010-08-19T14:33:00.002-05:00

The leaving of a beloved church family is enough to rip a heart into many pieces. Watching your children leave their friends behind is enough to blur the senses. The precipice of a new ministry is daunting, exhilarating. It is the pounding that happens in your chest when you hold your breath. And yet, the unsureness of it all is so safely bound up in the sureness of God's sovereignty that it is entirely possible to step without reservation and without fear.

And this is why I sing.

For when I am weak, He is so very strong. When I am wrong, He is still always right. When I doubt, He is still faithful. And when He reminds me Who is on the throne, He is so very gracious.

On this precipice, my hand is in His and my face is fixed like flint. I look ahead in pursuit and in trust, and exhale.

"True worship is to be so personally and hopelessly in love with God that the idea of a transfer of affection never even remotely exists." A.W. Tozer Whatever Happened to Worship?

Turning Tides

2010-06-04T18:20:00.000-05:00

This morning I sat and watched my son's 5th grade class become the official "Class of 2017". Ever since I watched him receive his passport to Middle School I have wanted to weep...but why? Is it because my firstborn is growing up? Maybe. Is it because of the knowledge that next year he will be amidst a sea of unfamiliar faces in an unfamiliar place? Maybe.

Or is it because this mother's heart is so burdened for the souls of her children? Yes.

There is nothing...NOTHING more important to me as a mother than seeing my children come to know their desperate need of a Savior. There will be nothing more rewarding to this mother than watching my children grow in the grace and knowledge of the Lord Jesus Christ, trusting His Word as the ultimate and only Truth and walking the narrow path with Him.

And as they grow, my burden for them increases.

There is no award, no certificate, no recognition, no diploma that matters more than my kids knowing Christ and Him crucified. And as I sit amongst parents who desire for their children to succeed, to excel, to shine and be rewarded...my desire is for my children to be confronted by their sinful nature, to know their need of a rescuer, and to know the only ONE who can pull them out of the mire and transform them from death to life.

Today I am in a puddle of tears all alone because my heart aches for the hearts of my children to be redeemed. Yes, my son is growing up and yes, we are moving away from the place that has become home...but all of that pales compared to them humbling themselves before a Holy God and throwing themselves at the foot of the cross.

Father, by your Holy Spirit, bring my children to their knees to see their wretchedness in light of Your holiness. Help them to know that there is none righteous, no not one. I pray that you will give us as their parents wisdom in how to intercede for them, how to guide them, discipline and encourage them in the Truth. Help us to saturate our home and fill their ears with the Word of God, and to keep the gospel of Christ at the center of everything. Help our motives always be pure, and our greatest encouragement not to be towards success and accolades, but towards your mercy and the life-giving power of the gospel. Thank you for bringing me to my knees for them this morning. You alone are God.

Seasons

2010-03-28T07:55:00.002-05:00

Do you ever have times in your life when you can see the Lord at work in your heart and mind and life, but you just don't know when and where it's going to land? I'm there. It's a journey of trust, of perseverance, of vulnerability, of hope, of tears, of shaking my head in amazement at some of the things I see in His Word. It's foundational, because He's bringing me to visit my very Source, reminding me of my Cornerstone.

My feet are being planted more firmly on the Rock. My face is fixed like flint. My mind is being renewed in the Word and my hope is sure in the Faithful One. My eyes are being opened to how He is preparing me as a bride, and my delight in Him is growing. Though I am introspective, He is turning me outward. I am confident in His righteousness and concerned about His glory. I am standing on the truth and the completeness of the Gospel of undeserved grace. I am awed by His sovereignty and sure He is faithful.

I will remain fixed on Him, and I am praying that He will keep me alert as I follow. Merciful, gracious and Holy God - I trust You.

Isaiah 26:3 You will keep in perfect peace him whose mind is steadfast, because he trusts in you.

1 Peter 1:13 Therefore, prepare your minds for action, keep sober in spirit, fix your hope completely on the grace to be brought to you at the revelation of Jesus Christ.

Ephesians 1:3-4 Blessed be the God and Father of our Lord Jesus Christ, who has blessed us with every spiritual blessing in the heavenly places in Christ, just as He chose us in Him before the foundation of the world, that we would be holy and blameless before Him In love

Victorious

2010-01-21T14:26:00.003-05:00

Her mind raced with endless possibilities and scenarios...how could she know she could trust? The heartbeat she could hear in her ears was only overshadowed by the deafening shallowness of her breaths as they came in and out, one after another. Trembling fingers tried to keep busy with the mundane, but fumbled with distraction, relentlessly pursued. She caught her breath as her head turned and she saw light shining where death had cast its shadow. And hope dawned and stood in His name, steadying both hand and breath. Knees gave way to ground as she cried out, and He caused justice to be victorious.

The Greatest Gift

2009-12-25T00:39:00.001-05:00

For a child will be born to us, a son will be given to us; And the government will rest on His shoulders; And His name will be called Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Eternal Father, Prince of Peace.

The Hand of God

2009-11-09T20:43:00.003-05:00

Do you ever pray that the Lord would make it clear how you are to use the gifts He's given you to help in Kingdom work? When He laid the Pregnancy Care Center on my heart several months ago, it wasn't clear to me how I could help them. But the idea of the Benefit Concert came along and that was a fun and fulfilling way to offer help. Next, I had the idea to make a video for the song I had written specifically for that event. Now it is complete, and I'm making both it, and the mp3 of the song available for purchase, as another fundraising effort for the PCC.

Please contact me at therhynosmusic@gmail.com if you are interested in details about purchasing the DVD of this video, including some DVD extras.

Or, go to my nimbit player (above) and purchase the mp3. ALL PROCEEDS from downloads and DVD sales will benefit the PCC.

If you would like to purchase DVD lots for baby gifts, your church or your own PCC, contact me at therhynosmusic@gmail.com to make arrangements. Proceeds from bulk orders can be designated to your own local Care Net Pregnancy Care Center by arrangement.

Why the Pregnancy Care Center?

2009-09-28T10:18:00.003-05:00

I am playing a Benefit Concert this Friday night for the Pregnancy Care Center, and I want to share more of my heart on that. I've been asked several times why we chose to do a benefit concert for the PCC.

I am blessed - blessed to have come to know and follow the Lord; blessed to have a husband who loves me; blessed with three precious children. I have the privilege of speaking, teaching and singing about those blessings, which are a gift from God. With those blessings and the knowledge of the Word, I have the honor and responsibility to make known the Truth of Christ, and the hope I've found in Him. My responsibility begins in my home, where I must speak of the Lord, teach His heart and His Word, discipline in love, intercede like a warrior and guide my children to Him.

Beyond that, I must love the people the Lord brings into my life, and share the Truth. I must also respond to what He places in my heart for ministries to support. Why support the Pregnancy Care Center?

The PCC ministers hope to those who have lost hope. They share Christ, who came to bind up the broken-hearted and set the captives free. They provide Godly counsel, and heart-healing comfort. To those who have yet to decide how to handle an un-planned pregnancy, they offer valuable encouragement to choose life. To those who have already made the decision to abort their babies, they offer Christ, not judgement.

When you hear the staggering statistics of abortions in the US, it is easy to focus on the thousands of babies lost, and forget the thousands of hurting women who are also attached to those statistics. As a teen, I did not know Christ. With the choices I made, I very easily could have been one of those statistics. Now, as a follower of Christ, and one who has been forgiven much, I cannot sit in judgement of women who have felt the need to make that choice. Instead I must offer the hope of Christ, whose own blood was shed to offer life, wholeness and healing.

My heart is to support ministries that provide hope and healing through the love and the Truth of Christ.

If you are in Aroostook County or near the NB/ME border, please come out this Friday night to prayerfully and financially support this valuable ministry.

Music for Life and Hope
Caribou Performing Arts Center
308 Sweden St.
Caribou, Maine
7:00 pm (doors open at 6:30)

Tickets are $8.00, and there will be an opportunity to prayerfully make a further donation to the PCC.

Home

2009-09-09T10:58:00.009-05:00

One of my dearest friends asked me yesterday, "So how do you know when you're home?"

She was referring, in part, to a life submitted to Christ's call; Will it always be a life of uncertainty about how long you will live in a certain place, or will the Lord ever bless us with an awareness of finally home?

Many of us know that a life given to the ministry of the Gospel is often full of changes of address. I don't believe, however, that it is always only "credentialed" ministers who give their lives and addressed to Christ. As someone whose family is surrendered to the ministry of the Gospel, my friend's question is one I have considered before many times. In considering it afresh yesterday, I will remain firm in the answer I gave to her:

I think a life of finally home looks like total engagement now with the people you are given to love now. The Lord may choose to move you again to a new people, but you will always know you are home if you wholeheartedly invest in those you are given to minister to and with now.

And with that, I want to praise my Father, who has given me so many finally home years and places and people. Our stories are forever connected, whether we are home together now or not.

On Life and Calling (pt.2)

2009-08-20T09:28:00.004-05:00

So, the word "calling" is one of those North American Christian terms, I think... It's one of those words we throw around assuming everyone else uses the same thesaurus.

To clarify, for these posts, I am using the word "calling" to describe the overall thing(s) the Lord has planned for each of us to do in the advancement of His Kingdom. All of us are created with purpose. The purpose is clarified through the way the Lord has made us with gifts, abilities and desires. As we submit our lives to the Master Potter, He refines both us and our perception of that purpose, and presents us with opportunities to follow Him in His plan.

Now, "calling" doesn't simply refer to career choices, nor does it only refer to those called to full-time ministry; Rather, I think, it refers to what each of us do with life at every turn to obey the Scriptures and the prompting of the Holy Spirit, and live out the Great Commission. Therefore, it is not just the Minister who has a calling - it is the child of God who has a calling. Some will be called to full-time service in the Church, but all will be called to full-time service in LIFE.

I think the key to discovering the abundant fulfillment that comes from pursuing your calling is realizing that your calling is not primarily about fulfilling YOU or perfecting your gifts. It is about humbly using your talents and vocational opportunities to serve, with a heart that is motivated to see lives turned to Christ. It is also about following the Lord when He leads you down paths that may be more difficult than personally satisfying.

Therefore, whether I am a grocer, a postal worker, a teacher, a nurse or a pastor, my career becomes a part of pursuing my calling - which is to seek the lost, love and serve people and spread the Truth of Christ.

On Life and Calling

2009-08-18T22:08:00.002-05:00

Had a great breakfast date today with friends, Angela, Greg and Nicol. We got on to the topic of "calling".

For the last few years, Scott and I have been prayerful that the Lord will continually reveal to us what He's calling us to; That He'll be consistently clear what work He has for us to do in the advancement of His Kingdom. We have prayed that He will keep us ever mindful of His plan, and that He would help us to humbly follow Him wherever He will take us. Here are some things we have discovered:

- Sometimes the Lord calls by placing an undeniable compulsion within our hearts...a knowing and a need to pursue something.
- Sometimes God affirms this compulsion through other people who are prayerful, trustworthy and discerning.
- Sometimes God uses life circumstances to point in the direction He intends for us to go.
- Usually He is gracious to use a combination of these things...
- Sometimes the calling is not so clear.

- Sometimes His call is accompanied with an idea of what is to come.
- Sometimes God calls us to go without showing us the next step until much later.

- God seems to always prepare us for the next step before He reveals it to us.
- God creates us with the gifts, abilities and experiences designed to work at fulfilling His call.
- God's calling on our lives can NEVER be fulfilled with our gifts and abilities alone...We are to partner with His Spirit and His people, as He intertwines our lives and plans.

Pursuing a call of God is SO VERY different than pursuing a typical career. Decisions are not made based on worldly systems (likes/dislikes, comfort, status, climbed ladders, even living close to family). Decisions are made on knees, amidst tears and rumpled gilded pages, and they often fly in the face of convention. It is not without sacrifice. It is also not without immeasurable reward.

So...what is your God's call on your life. How have you discovered it? Are you willing to pursue it?

Expect the unexpected

2009-08-07T22:47:00.002-05:00

I have found that, because I know that our great God is the same yesterday, today and forever, I often expect Him to act the same as He did last time. Then He reminds me that in His infinite wisdom and sovereignty, His responses will always blow me away.

Check it out

2009-07-13T22:44:00.002-05:00

Something Beautiful is now available on iTunes.

And if you're interested, a radio interview I did today broadcasts tomorrow on citafm.com, ciogfm.com and cjlufm.com at 1:00pm and 5:35pm (Atlantic Standard Time).

From Where I Sit...

2009-06-11T11:02:00.006-05:00

From where I sit, it seems as though I'm on the cusp...of some things.

My children are currently in school on what is their last day in their respective grades - We're on the cusp of Summer Break.
My CD project is almost completely manufactured - I'm on the cusp of having it in my hands (you can pray with me that they arrive PRIOR TO the CD release concert!)
Our Missions Trip with our teens is planned, but we have a number of days before we head out - We're on the cusp of God meeting us out of our environment.
My baby is almost 6....that is a cusp I prefer not to speak about anymore.
I have people beginning to show incresed interest in my music, to hear it and to record it themselves - Ask me later what kind of cusp that ended up being!

So in a lot of ways, I feel expectant, but not impatient. I know Who meets me at the cusp and after. I know Who satisfies when outcomes are different than I expected. From where I sit, the view is new, uncertain and yet sure.

Looking Back and Ahead

2009-05-25T21:02:00.002-05:00

Do you ever have moments of clarity when the Lord gifts you with the ability to see where He has brought you? I had the humble privilege of seeing that with clarity throughout last weekend, while at a Women's Prayer Summit.

In previous years at the same Summit, I have had intense and tiring times with God where He was pruning me and requiring me to lay much down. I am so thankful for those times. Of anybody, I have had so much work to be done in my heart, my mind, my life...and God used these times away with Him to reveal Himself to me deeply.

But this year was very different. This year was a year of feasting - of looking back and remembering. This was a year of acknowledging just what He has done in stripping away layers of hardness, of teaching me to trust Him, of establishing my heart in Him. As I led worship, as I had wonderful times alone with Him in the Word, as I had deep conversations with other women at all different parts on their journey, as I taught from Ephesians...He was there as a Friend, alongside, whispering "See what I've done."

How can I say thank you to a God so gracious as to give these glimpses? I know He still has so much to do in shaping me to be more like Him, but I am so thankful for where he has brought me with Him thus far.

Looking back makes it so exciting to look ahead.

( Ephesians 2: 4-10 ) But God is so rich in mercy, and he loved us so much, that even though we were dead because of our sins, he gave us life when he raised Christ from the dead. (It is only by God’s grace that you have been saved!) For he raised us from the dead along with Christ and seated us with him in the heavenly realms because we are united with Christ Jesus. So God can point to us in all future ages as examples of the incredible wealth of his grace and kindness toward us, as shown in all he has done for us who are united with Christ Jesus. God saved you by his grace when you believed. And you can’t take credit for this; it is a gift from God. Salvation is not a reward for the good things we have done, so none of us can boast about it. For we are God’s masterpiece. He has created us anew in Christ Jesus, so we can do the good things he planned for us long ago.

Does the Address Matter?

2009-04-28T18:25:00.003-05:00

So, I'm in a strange position:

- Affirmed and validated by a Green Card to remain and work in this country;
- Released by the Lord from a position of teacher and its income, to both nurture my family and work diligently on music with negligible income at this point;
- Living in a 2800 square foot, beautiful home which the Lord practically GAVE us in encouraging us to move here 5 years ago - in which we have ministered and loved and laughed and grown...
- And now feeling as though this home is our Isaac to lay down.

- But He has not yet called us away from this town.

What is the Lord doing? Why has He prompted us so strongly to act swiftly in this - paring down, minimizing stuff, offering this home we love to prospective unknown buyers?

Will He move us from it, or do we simply need to take this step of obedience? Will He provide a lamb in the thicket, or will we pack up our belongings and move them into another place - a place that will become a home in which we minister, love, laugh and grow?

We don't know, and so we step forth, trusting, with faith in the things that we cannot see.

Music Updates

2009-04-22T12:08:00.002-05:00

First, we're excited that "Undefiled Worship" was chosen to be used as the song for a new music video being made by the Wesleyan Church Headquarters. They've hired an award-winning film producer, Jerry David Jones, from Colorado to make the video, and they narrowed down the playing field until at last "Undefiled Worship" was chosen. (I was particularly excited because it eventually came down between it and a Brandon Heath song!)

I think the connection I've made with the film producer is a great one, and we've had several good conversations over the phone and email. He's very talented and works with many effective ministries. His heart seems so similar to ours, so we're looking forward to seeing the video that he creates!

Also, the long road to a new vocal album is finally winding down! I'm looking at finishing up the tracking in the next 2 weeks or so and heading into the mixing and mastering stage. Then photography, artwork, and hopefully there's a complete album to share by the end of May!

You can be in prayer for us with how the Lord would direct us with this music. I have recently felt the Lord release me from teaching music, and propel me to 1) invest more deliberately in my family and 2) invest more aggressively in this music. When this album is complete, I plan to step out and send it out to people who know what they're doing in the music business...and then I'll see what doors the Lord opens.

My own heart is be to be able to write, record, minister and share that experience with a band, and even to travel, but I must wait on the Lord for Him to open the doors and reveal His heart. I would never want a heart of pride to overtake a heart of service.

So, please pray as I finish up this project, and then as I take those sometimes uncomfortable steps of putting myself out there. Pray that, if I am to do more to connect with a band, that the Lord would bring the right relationships together, of people with a similar heart for ministry, and who can spur each other on the greater things creatively. I have so much I want to learn and improve in, and I think it takes a humble community for that sort of growth to happen.

Thanks for connecting with me here, and for your prayers. We'll let you know when the album is done, and where it will be made available.

Grace and Peace...

What Really Matters?

2009-04-15T07:36:00.002-05:00

As life picks up speed, it seems, I am pondering more and more which things in life really matter. Which things in ministry really matter? Which things that I'm teaching my kids really matter?

It matters that I've surrendered to the One Who offers freedom from bondage.
It doesn't matter that this makes me peculiar.

It matters that I invest my life in sharing the True Gospel.
It doesn't matter whether or not I'm employed as a minister.

It matters that I give of myself in the moment.
It doesn't matter whether my house is presentable for company.

It matters that I do all things as unto Christ.
It doesn't matter if I get noticed or not.

It matters that I find fulfillment in using my unique giftings for His purposes.
It doesn't matter whether I get known for them.

It matters that those God gave me hear the truth about sin, the cross, grace.
It doesn't matter if I have the best media, music or creative teams.

It matters that my teens know the Word which will set them free.
It doesn't matter that the norm is pizza and video games.

It matters that I grow ever closer to Christ.
It doesn't matter that my date of salvation in now years behind me.
(He's still rescuing me.)

It matters how I choose to spend each minute of my day.
It doesn't matter what else wants to crowd in.

It matters that I'm teachable.
It doesn't matter whether I've heard it before.

It matters that I love as Christ loves.
It doesn't matter how unnatural that is in and of myself.

It matters that I live in complete dependence.
It doesn't matter that I'm good at some stuff in life,
Or that I'm not good at others...

I can't do anything that matters on my own.

O God, You are my God. Show me your ways and teach me Thy paths. Don't leave me where I'm comfortable, or where I'm serving myself. Break my will and make it Yours. Thank You that you give life abundant...help me not to horde it, but to live it and love.

Dog Bite

2009-04-04T15:35:00.000-05:00

OK...no one got bitten, but I'm afraid our family is getting bitten by the "Bug". What I mean is, we're thinking of getting a dog.

We had adopted 2 cats from the shelter, but have had to send them on to a new home due to the discovery of cat allergies. (Official allergy tests reveal that Scott is allergic to cats, but not to dogs).

Over a family vacation in January, we all fell in love with our "cousin" doggy, Daisy, who recently came to visit, and re-ignited the spark. Our kids are begging us to concede!

Now that my schedule has changed, prioritizing family time at home, I all of a sudden have joined the club of those who have "time" to look after a dog. The thing is, I have never owned one - EVER - and am imagining an enormous amount of work to train and care for a canine family member. Scott has had a dog, but realistically, he won't be the one home with said dog so much.

All that said, having spent time with Daisy, and visited the shelter a few times in the last few days, I am being drawn in. Today I was drawn in by "Girl" - >1 year old Aussie Shepherd who is very pretty, kind, curious and partially trained to follow commands, and by "Pebbles", a 6.5 month old Spaniel / Lab mix, who is a beauty, very good with the kids, and doesn't seem to follow any commands yet.

Oh dear. :)

We'd like a medium sized dog who doesn't require much grooming, and who also doesn't shed a whole lot. She needs to be able to learn to follow commands. We can't afford a purebred, and will most likely rescue one from the shelter. But most importantly, she needs to be kind and good with the kids and company, because we have people in our home so often.

Do you have any good dog stories/recommendations?

Changing Direction

2009-03-20T06:55:00.004-05:00

I love that this journey with Christ ~~sometimes~~, often has unexpected twists and turns. The challenge and delight is taking these turns even when you can't see what's around the corner. For my own sake, I wanted to think back and document some such turns in my own journey, remembering how faithful God has been at each one.

Senior Year High School: Plan = pursue science, leading to career as Ob/Gyn...Turn = Follow the unexpected propulsion toward music.

University: (Meet husband with similar giftings and passion for music). Plan: logically, we will head into careers in Opera...Turn: We want to get married and be responsible, so we'll go into the business world.

Family: Plan: I've never seriously contemplated children. Turn: Pregnant before 1st anniversary.

Career: Plan: We're establishing our family, and husband is establishing himself in stable career. Turn: The Lord pulls husband so strongly toward ministry, we cannot shake it (try as we might...)

School: Plan: We already went to University; surely we're done with school... Turn: Nope, we're heading to Bible College.

New Ministry: Plan: I am resident director, husband is director of admissions at college where he is also studying; this is a great ministry with an awesome multiplication factor - this is God's plan for us. Turn: Nope, 4 years in, God is calling us to local Church ministry...in the U.S.

Local Church Ministry: Plan We minister in Creative Arts; makes sense, we studied music in University. Turn Haha... the Lord adds Youth ministry too, and completely wraps these teens around our hearts.

And now, a recent corner I've come to, and am presently turning, though I can't see what's on the other side...

Teaching Music: Plan I have taught music for 10 years, as a means for providing a necessary second source of income for our family. Turn After 10 years, a sudden release from the Lord, and a challenge to trust Him, not my own skills, for the resources we need; and a sudden challenge to invest myself wholeheartedly in my family, in music and in volunteer ministry alone.

So, here I sit today, with a wonderful and God-fearing husband, three fabulous children, years of investing in lives accumulating, many years of teaching now behind me...and a road of even greater trust ahead. Had I not taken those turns, where would I be? And so I turn...trusting in His steadfastness, believing in His grace and expecting the unexpected. I plan to stop making plans.

Quote of the Day

2009-03-10T10:57:00.003-05:00

"Do you really believe that what you believe is really real?" (Del Tackett, The Truth Project)

Thought: Why do so many people claim to believe in the infallible Word of God, and yet fail to daily live according to its Truth?

I Love This Video about Worship

2009-02-23T09:49:00.000-05:00

I Am Second

2009-02-22T15:50:00.002-05:00

I discovered this website this week, I Am Second. I have been watching these videos of people, young and old, famous and ordinary, all who have come to understand Christ's love, acceptance, transformation...and all who now declare him to be FIRST.

God is so able.

Time for Tea

2009-01-29T21:44:00.003-05:00

Today marked the beginning of something I've been planning on starting for a long time. My girl and I had our first official Tea Party. I say "official" because this tea party is special in its purpose and focus. Several years ago I purchased a book, which I have saved until today for my little lady. "Just Mom and Me Having Tea" is a great book designed for having a fun, purposeful and meaningful devotional time with your little girl. It holds great tea party ideas, activities and stories that encourage little ones as they learn to study God's Word. Especially important, I think, is its focus on teaching little princesses who they are in Christ, and teaching them how to see themselves through the lens of God's Word. This is so different than what they are bombarded with in this world.

So today, with fake flowers, double-chocolate Rice Krispie treats, and china mugs of strawberry milk and International Coffee, Grace and I had our first tea date, where we talked about the things God made, how He made us, the things we like about ourselves and the ways we can thank God for our bodies and our talents. In Thursday morning tea parties ahead, I pray that my girl and I will have important, fun and real glimpses of the Lord in one another, amidst our study of His Word, our laughter and our prayers.

The line between discipline and self-righteousness

2009-01-20T10:30:00.004-05:00

I often find that the Lord uses my children to show me a picture of myself. It's humbling, to say the least. But God has a way of reminding me of my own frailty without condemnation, while holding out His hand of grace and gently reminding me of His strength. He is so much more merciful than I.

My kids are great - full of spunk and personality, independence, creativity, energy, determination and often willfulness. They are who they are, and strongly so. And God has entrusted them to the care of two parents who are also full of personality, creativity and determination. (I won't say willfulness, but it can remain implied in a whisper, ok?) They are being trained up in a Christian home, with 2 Christian parents involved in the ministry. They attend Sunday School, midweek Jr. Church, they are involved in puppetry and drama ministries and even take their music and dance lessons through the arts mentoring program we have developed at the church. Our littlest goes to a fantastic Christian daycare 2 days per week afterschool. Sounds perfect, right? Well, in myriad ways, it is wonderful. They have dedicated and trustworthy influences around them investing in their lives, and we are happy with the teaching they are getting. And because they all attend public school, I am happy that their extra-cirricular things are run with a Biblical world-view.

But, I have been contemplating self-righteousness. Not the boastful kind, or the purposeful kind even. But the learned-behavior kind. The inherited kind. The kind that says "I'm sorry" even when I'm not. The kind that tells you that moving this way = wrong but moving that way = right, and that once you've got the dance figured out you can rest on the laurels of mastery.

So it was with me for so long. So I find it still is with areas of my heart even now..

Righteousness is tricky business. Tricky because there are many false things that can masquerade as righteousness and appear to be true on the outside. Tricky because the truth of righteousness in only seen on the inside hand-in-hand with motive. Tricky because so often we, as well-meaning Christian parents, teachers, leaders, teach and expect and reward righteous behaviors, and don't just teach Christ.

In myself I am not righteous. I can't be righteous without the miraculous transformation that comes from drawing closer to Christ, who wraps His righteousness around me. I can teach a plethora of Sunday school classes, work for charities, help the poor, spout off Scripture, sing some compelling and heart-wrenching songs about surrender and yet remain in my unrighteousness. The trouble is, I may look righteous while doing so, and I probably believe that I am! Because I am looking at what I'm doing to be righteous rather than looking at Christ, and recognizing my frailty in the light of His holiness.

The Lord is loving and merciful, and He draws me in and lifts my head to look in His face again and again. He is righteous. And He promises to make me like Him if I follow Him. He doesn't ask me to perform tricks for a treat or to run the gauntlet...He simply asks me to follow Him. To get to know His mind an then imitate Him.

And the Lord brings my mind back to my children. In all of their glorious messiness, with the attitudes that reflect their still unchanged natures, they give me a picture of the work the Lord has done and is doing in me. He doesn't want them to perform tricks for a treat either. They could look the part of Pastor's kid, they can be sweet as sweet can be in public, they could be the very best at memorizing their memory verses, and be very convincing. And if I wasn't astute, I may even allow them to follow that gauntlet and applaud their dance of mastery....but I would be applauding their trust in their own self-righteousness.

But no. His righteousness is awaiting them too. They need to wade through the mire, recognize their need for a savior and reach their own hands up out of the pit to have Him grab them. That's not taught. That's lived. They need my love, my encouragement, and discipline, but they don't need me forming them into what I think the "people at church" want them to look like. They also don't need me to isolate them from the world. That only serves to solidify in them the falsehood that they are different from others, when in fact they are very similar. We all are in need of Rescue.

And so, as I discipline my children, responding to behaviors that are wrong, I need to remain reminded that I need to do so much more than modify their behavior to make it look better. I need to teach them of God's holiness. I need to model mercy. I need to remember the grace bestowed upon me, and that even when I have stumbled, it has always been the Lord to pick me back up and gently set my feet on the path. Yes, they need to learn obedience. To obey is huge....but it is in seeing God's mercy that will help a desire for Christ to burn in their hearts. And it is in this miracle of a desire for Christ that they will reach for their Rescue, and begin to follow.

Worship Series #6: Going Against the Grain

2008-12-20T12:07:00.002-05:00

I have discovered that much of living a life passionate about worshiping the Lord causes one's actions to fly in the face of convention. Often, my choices to worship the Lord present themselves as "going against the grain".

- Though the world tells me I have the right to defend my character, I worship the Lord by allowing Him to be my defense.
-Though the world tells me that I have a right to happiness, I worship the Lord by trusting that He is always alongside me, even in my pain.
- Though many tell me that sarcasm, humorous nit-picking and one-upping are harmless forms of wit, I can worship the Lord by speaking words that build up and don't tear down.
- When my flesh screams to hold on to what I've done or what I've earned, I worship the Lord by placing it all in His hands to do with as He pleases, and trusting in His sureness with it.
- When surrounded by opinions of how to parent and raise everything-healthy kids, I worship the Lord by relying on His Word, and prayerfully engaging in my multi-layered role of disciplinarian, encourager, way-pointer and comforter.
-When tempted to fall into the common belief and practice that self comes first, I worship the Lord by keeping Him on the Throne.
-When surrounded by groups who cling to their own kind, I worship the Lord by clinging to Him and allowing Him to love all people though me.
-When scoffed at for being rigid with media choices, I worship the Lord by remaining true to what I believe to be honorable decisions.
-When admonished to believe that all hurt or pain is caused by the adversary, I worship the Lord by acknowledging His plan often includes suffering for the purposes of growth in Him and His glorification.
-When admonished to believe that hurt or pain are caused by an aloof or uncaring God, I worship Him by acknowledging His supremacy, compassion and intimate care of His little lambs.
-When surrounded by freedom of choice in every aspect of life, I worship the Lord by humbly remaining enslaved to righteousness.
-When confronted by myriad interpretations and opinions of the life of a disciple, I worship the Lord by forsaking my opinion and even my own experiences and submitting them to the infallible Word of God.

What are some other ways our lives of Worship go against the grains of worldy- or Christian-society?

Worship Series #5: Worship in Testimony

2008-11-30T16:23:00.002-05:00

This weekend our church celebrated Thanksgiving in a way that both glorified the Lord and built our trust in His faithfulness. I'm sure many of you have seen the YouTube video, "Cardboard Testimonies". Well, many weeks ago, this video sparked an idea for our pastors to celebrate Thanksgiving with our church family by testifying of the transforming power of our God.

Approximately 40 people prepared their testimony which was then placed on cardboard. One side: where I was; The other: where God has brought me.

Throughout the service, as we sang of His grace, His faithfulness, our trust...one, by one, these people came to the center of the platform and showed their cardboard testimony. Addicts - clean. Marriages - restored. Pornography and lust - 100% freedom and purity. Idleness - Passion. Fear of Loss - Never alone. Grieving - With Hope.

Teens, adults, seniors...it didn't matter. What mattered was vulnerability and Truth. The Truth is that our God changes things, and there is no sin, no situation, no circumstance that is too big for Him to restore. There is no fracture too deep for Him to make whole again.

Three people were asked to share a portion of their testimony verbally....1) An infertile couple who learned to wait on the Lord in their infertility, and learned how God sustained them even in their darkest times of doubt. Now they have been blessed with beautiful twins, and this morning they publicly dedicated them back to the Lord in humble thanksgiving. 2) A couple still grieving the loss of their 10 week old son to SIDS just six months ago. As they shared, they praised the Lord for the way He has knit together His Body and empowered them to be His hands of comfort and care. They shared of God's consistency, and how there is no depth of grief to which He won't go with us. Praise be to Him! 3) My dear friend and sister who grew up clinging to the things she held dear, and sabotaging things so she would not have to suffer losing them. Through the last 2 years the Lord repeately asked her to trust Him by letting go of the most precious things..she chose to trust, and has now walked through her first year as a young widow...trusting the Lifter of her head with every breath and every step.

He can be trusted, for He is good. He is faithful. He is real.

The walls of cardboard testimonies grew this weekend as we placed our praise outward for all to see. What a blessing to celebrate the One who transforms hearts, minds, families and lives. We overcome the enemy by the blood of the Lamb and the Word of our testimony. And we worship and glorify Him as we tell others what He has done and what He is doing. There is nothing quite as powerful and worshipful as speaking out our trust in His faithfulness, even while still walking through the time in which we need to depend on Him the most.

Some of my cardboard testimony, as an act of Worship:

Bound in fear & control....Loosed to trust with peace.

Sinful, dirty and in despair.......Purity. I will not be afraid.

Paralyzed by a fear of man...Set free to please my Lord.

Worship Series #4: Week of Thankfulness, Day 3

2008-11-25T19:33:00.002-05:00

What a cool week this is turning out to be! Last evening's Week of Thankfulness activity was awesome...we read Ephesians 1 and learned about what Spiritual Blessings are. Then we all took turns talking about what Spiritual and Material Blessings we have to be thankful for. We had a long list!

The Lord gave us another idea for Thankful Thanksgiving week too. Since we were talking about all of our material blessings last night, Scott and I decided that it would be a great week for our family learn about what sacrificial giving means. So, beginning today, each day we will have a category of things we will be going through, and deciding what we can give away to some of the outreach ministries in our town. Today was books: we all went through our books and each picked around a dozen or so to give away. I told the kids it was ok to give away a few that they've outgrown, but some of the books need to be ones that are sacrificial to give...ones that they still enjoy, but know that another person will enjoy just as much. It is HARD! But I was very proud of the kids for trying hard to think of things that they could give sacrificially. I'm hoping that practice will continue to make that easier, and cultivating grateful hearts will help their future giving to begin to be out of hearts of love.

Today I am thankful:

-that God is full of great ideas
-that Laura will return home from Guatemala tonight
-that our kids are funny and full of life
-that my prayer partner is safely home from Nepal
-that God is a great protector
-that my teaching day was very short today
-that Thanksgiving will include many great friends
-that we have extra famlly time this week

...off to watch a movie with the kids! :)

Worship Series #3:Week of Thankfulness, Day 1

2008-11-23T21:32:00.002-05:00

Psalm 95:1-2 says this:

O come, let us sing for joy to the LORD,
Let us shout joyfully to the rock of our salvation.
Let us come before His presence with thanksgiving,
Let us shout joyfully to Him with psalms.

My Worship series will shift gears this week, as my own act of Worship. Since this week is Thanksgiving, I want to share little bits of the "Week of Thanksgiving" my family is celebrating together. Each day of this week, we will be doing little exercises together as a family to help us to cultivate thankful hearts, and to recognize all we have to be thankful for. I got a great resource for this over here from a blog of someone we know, whose writing is profound and inspiring to read.

Week of Thankfulness, Day 1

Today I am thankful for many things:

- the Lord led us to focus on our gratitude with our kids this week
- it was awesome listening to Grace, age 5, sound out words in the Book of Colossians tonight
- it was fantastic to start the week in Colossians....one of my favorite books!
- there was something incredible about listening to Morgan, age 7, reading the words "giving thanks to the Father, who qualified you to share in the inheritance of the Kingdom of Light"....and then listening to him verbally figure out what it means to go from the Kingdom of darkness to the Kingdom of Light.
- it was awesome hearing Mackenzie, age 9, help his brother and sister understand some of the bigger words in the Scripture, yet still have simple and beautiful things to be thankful for, like our family of 5.

- I loved the silliness of our family, piled on the carpet in the kids' room, reading the Bible together, laughing together, talking about pilgrims and indians, and family and the Lord....together cultivating gratitude in our hearts. These times are so special.

As an act of Worship, in this worship series, I want to raise the roof with shouts of praise and thanksgiving. Thank you Lord for directing us in this way. Help us to be passionate and proactive about thanking You for every good thing.

Worship Series #2: WHEN is Worship?

2008-11-20T08:40:00.004-05:00

How often have I heard comments, post-service, like this:
- The Worship was great!
- I loved the worship tonight!
- "Thank you for that wonderful time of worship. And now, as we head into the Word..."

Huh? When the last note rang out, was worship done? Is worship confined to a timeslot? WHEN is worship?

It seems in our North American, evangelical tradition, we have allotted a certain portion of time to "Praise and Worship". Often, it comes across as the portion of the corporate service that is the warm-up for the Word of God. Our tradition has almost made it seem as though worship has a starting and ending point.

As I walk alongside my husband, a worshiper and worship pastor, I can't help but be affected by the way that the Lord is opening his eyes to Truth. And as I delve into these thoughts myself, I am increasingly thankful for a husband and worship pastor that points me in this direction. For I have been discovering more and more about worship over the last few years, most of which has flown in the face of what I had thought before: There is no WHEN to worship. Worship is ALWAYS. It is never-ending. It, perhaps, looks different at different times, but there is no start and no stop to it.

My husband recently shared this truth with me: God is a God who continually pours out. We are made in His image. Therefore, we are continually pouring out. The question is, to what are we pouring ourselves out? The recipient of our outpouring is the object of our worship.

So, does that mean that when I'm buying groceries, I am worshiping? When I'm talking to my child's teacher, I'm worshiping? When I'm wiping the runny nose of my fluish child, I'm worshiping?

Romans 12: 1-2 (The Message) says this: So here's what I want you to do, God helping you: Take your everyday, ordinary life—your sleeping, eating, going-to-work, and walking-around life—and place it before God as an offering. Embracing what God does for you is the best thing you can do for him. Don't become so well-adjusted to your culture that you fit into it without even thinking. Instead, fix your attention on God. You'll be changed from the inside out. Readily recognize what he wants from you, and quickly respond to it. Unlike the culture around you, always dragging you down to its level of immaturity, God brings the best out of you, develops well-formed maturity in you.

It seems that here, Paul is eager to see the Romans being conscious to submit all parts of their lives - not just their times of corporate worship, but even their everyday moments - to the Lord, making each moment an offering. If we are beings of continual outpouring, and the apostle Paul shows the importance of continual submission to the Lord, I can easily draw the conclusion that each moment of my everyday has the potential to be poured out to the Lord as an offering of Worship.

And so, with this perspective, and a heart bent on honoring and exalting the Lord above all else, I can look at this current moment (seated alone with my Bible, my coffee and my laptop) as an opportunity to worship. I can look at 11:00 (when my daughter bursts in on the scene, home from Kindergarten) as an opportunity to worship. I can look at my time sorting laundry or preparing a meal, or driving to the post office all as unique opportunities to honor and exalt the Lord.

How? It's definitely a perspective shift for many of us to go from hurriedly checking off a to-do list, or huffing and puffing through the mundane, to continually finding ways to see the Lord in those moments, to be thankful, to lift Him up and to share Him.

John 4: 23-24 says this: But the time is coming—it has, in fact, come—when what you're called will not matter and where you go to worship will not matter. It's who you are and the way you live that count before God. Your worship must engage your spirit in the pursuit of truth. That's the kind of people the Father is out looking for: those who are simply and honestly themselves before him in their worship. God is sheer being itself—Spirit. Those who worship him must do it out of their very being, their spirits, their true selves, in adoration."

Jesus, as he spoke with the Samaritan woman at the well, shared that the place of worship mattered not anymore. He spoke of "who you are and how you live" directly before speaking of worship engaging your spirit in the pursuit of the truth.

To me, this wraps it all up together, it is one and the same. As I live, as I ENGAGE with the Lord, and allow my perspective to be filled by the beauty of His presence in every moment of my everyday, I can fold laundry to His glory - being thankful for a lovely family to care for and for the many, many amenities I have to do so; I can grocery shop to His glory - being thankful for nourishment, physical and spiritual, and for people in the grocery store to pour out kindness to; I can drive to the post office to His glory - praying for those I see along my drive, sharing love with the post-mistress; I can wipe a runny nose to his glory - thanking the Great Physician for His power to heal and for healing my sin-sick soul, and I can gently nurture the beautiful little one(s) entrusted to my care with the love He has placed inside of me. God never leaves me nor forsakes me, and He is in every moment with me. With that perspective, my opportunity to worship Him never ends.

And when I arrive to corporate service on the weekend, I will simply continue my outpouring, and celebrate the beauty of the Body I have to join with in Worship....because worship does not end.

Worship Series #1: Corporate Worship Conundrum

2008-11-13T13:14:00.003-05:00

The longer I walk the road of both worshiper and worship leader, the more a conundrum I find is Corporate Worship in North America. The Worship movement has been consistently propelled forward over the last few decades, attempting to appeal to the insatiable appetite of the "Church" and the Christian with a walkman/discman/iPod. Songs have become more personal, music less chordy but more arranged, atmospheres revered. Hymns are loved or Hymns are hated. Guitars are necessary or guitars are just wrong. The service needs to be only an hour and a half, the lights need to be low, the media needs to be spectacular, the congregation needs to be stroked and the timing needs to be just so....and somewhere along the way I think that we have forgotten just Who the worship is for.

Slow down....What is worship?

It is the pure expression of our hearts to the Lord. In truth, it doesn't need to be convinced out of us...rather, in truth, it naturally emanates out of our hearts, our mouths and our bodies in song, testimony, praise, dance, love and service.

What is worship not?

It is not dependent on just the right worship set.
It cannot be contained inside of 90 minutes on a Sunday morning.
It is not dependent on whether or not the overheads, video or power point work that day.

It is not the feelings I get when I sings songs I like.
It should not be affected when songs are sung that I don't particularly care for...

Because...corporate worship is not for me! WORSHIP IS NOT ABOUT ME!!

I'm on my own worship journey. This is where I am right now. Over the next few days or weeks, I plan to delve into my own worship philosophies, and lay them all out before you and before the Lord, to see where He takes me next on this journey. Hope you join me.

Beautiful Art

2008-11-04T21:14:00.003-05:00

I have a beautiful friend and sister, Laura Mitchell...daughter of the King, missionary, worshiper, artist, servant. I have added a link to an online Art Gallery of Laura's beautiful art collection, 1000 Words. These make wonderful presents...take a few moments to see for yourself. You will be blessed.

New Online Music Store

2008-10-30T23:14:00.002-05:00

I was proud of myself for figuring out:

a) What NIMBIT OMT is
b) How to set up my own Merch Table with NIMBIT OMT
c) How to apply that store on my Blog, Facebook and Myspace so that
d) I can begin to digitally distribute my music

Yes...I am a technological genius.

*Blatant Ad*
"Undefiled Worship" is available as an mp3 download from my OMT for $0.99...contact me directly for a chord chart if you're interested.

New Songs Up on Myspace

2008-10-28T21:43:00.003-05:00

Just wanted to let bloggers know that I have 2 new songs up on Myspace: Undefiled Worship and Source of Life. Undefiled Worship isn't mastered yet, but I was excited about sharing it. I'll have the final mastered edition next week-ish. I talked a little about Undefiled Worship in my last post. I just wrote Source of Life a couple of weeks ago. Since I happen to have a great guitarist, * ahem* Michael David Chapman, living in my attic, I was able to have him record it a few days ago. I'll still mix it more, but I thought I'd throw it up on Myspace to see if there's any feedback.

I love both songs, and I'd love to hear your thoughts. Thanks for checking them out!

M is for Missions....M is for Music

2008-10-21T09:33:00.003-05:00

I was praying with one of my 2 fabulous prayer partners this morning, and she said something exceptionally encouraging as she was praying for me....but, let me back up.

Many months ago, I felt the Lord showed me that He would use the music I write to impact His Kingdom by affecting the un-churched. As any truly, highly spiritual person would do, I immediately responded with "Yes, Lord...thank you."

.....Well, actually, what I said was "Huh? There's no way that people in the secular world will listen to my music! I don't know how you're planning to do that, Lord." Thankfully, the Lord is infinitely patient with His doubting daughter, and He continued to re-affirm that He would use it to impact the lost.

Some months later I wrote a song called "Undefiled Worship" based on the passage in James 1 which talks about true and undefiled religion (worship) being caring for widows and orphans and remaining unstained by the world. It was a catchy tune, and it caught on enough that several churches and ministry groups wanted to begin to use it. Since it seemed like a song that could go somewhere, I decided to record it professionally, as the Lord had already given me a creative marketing plan to be able to raise funds to record. That involved writing and arranging and recording an instrumental worship cd, "Be Still", which I released last year at Christmas. It is intended as a quiet and worshipful backdrop for personal prayer and bible study time etc. I sold several hundred of those cds, and all of the proceeds were put toward recording "Undefiled Worship" in a great studio downstate, Innercircle Productions. The song Undefiled Worship will be ready for release in the next week or two (it's sounding great!)

As I've gotten feedback about Undefiled Worship, I realized that, though it is a song intended for the church, it can impact the lost by inspiring believers to live out James 1:27 lives...seeing the entirety of their lives as an opportunity to purely worship the Lord by loving and serving the people in need of His love. This excited me and confirmed what I had felt the Lord had shown me many months before.

But then it got even better. I saw that the Lord had shown Himself faithful to His promise to use this music to affect the lost...but then I saw Him do more.

Last week I was invited to include one of my acoustic songs, "Surrender is Sweet" on a New England Christian Acoustic compilation album produced by Quickstar Productions. Excitingly, a fairly large portion of the proceeds from this album, "Unified by Grace", goes directly to a medical mission clinic in Uganda, specifically to purchase malaria medication for the patients there. One of the Production Company owners was burdened for the clinic he has done short-term mission work in, and the Lord laid out a plan for how he can continue to help the clinic by doing compilation albums like this one and directing the proceeds that way. I will have the "United By Grace" compilation album ready to sell in the new year.

Talk about exciting! I can again see the Lord directly using this music to affect the lost! Praise HIM!

And so, back to my prayer partner (who is headed out on a month-long medical mission herself tomorrow morning). As she prayed she said,

"Father, I thank You that You are going to be providing medical resources for children on the other side of this world because Elizabeth sat at her piano and worshiped you." Huh....wow.

Now, I realize that the Lord is not helping those children because of me. Rather, He is helping them because He loves them, and He is letting me see Him do it because He loves me. The Lord works all things together for good for those who are in Christ Jesus. It is in Him that all things are held together! I will continue to sit at my piano and worship Him, and write for Him, and pray for Him to use the music to affect His Kingdom. Not my glory, Lord, but YOURS alone!

If you are a worship pastor, and you are interested in hearing and using "Undefiled Worship" for your church, please be in touch and we'll work together to encourage our congregations to live James 1:27 lives. "Undefiled Worship" will be available soon on my myspace as well.

At all times thankful,
Elizabeth

If you have a baby (-ies), you may not want to read this...

2008-10-12T19:07:00.002-05:00

Parenting is THE single most difficult thing I have ever done, and I need to confess something: When my children were babies/toddlers, and people whose children were older than mine spoke to me about how easy I had it compared to them, I thought they were CRAZY. Surely, they had just forgotten how difficult it is to raise babies and toddlers. Surely, since their kids had grown up a little more, they just were being selective in what they remembered about those most difficult years...right?

WRONG. Boy was I wrong. I can't tell you how often I reminisce and almost wish that my 9, 7 & 5 year olds were 4, 2 & 0 again. How often do I long for those days back when the craziness fluctuated between diapers, spit-up, potty-training and wiping sweet potatoes off of the wall. Goodness, throw 100+ girls in 3 dorms and all of the craziness that brings on top of all of that, and many days I'd still take it back in an instant!

But those days are gone for me now, and I have three children, all in school, all finding their way in this crazy life we have. Throw in a ministry that is thriving and 2 parents' hearts that long to live life with His people and to pour oil and wine on the hurting, and you have....well, our life.

But here's where it's hardest. Our kids' craziness is no longer spit-up, wakeful nights, toilet training and remembering to stock the diaper bag. Even the sweet potatoes on the wall has settled down slightly. But now it's self-esteem, bullies at school, social studies tests and questions about God and Heaven so deep they send me running to the Word over and over. It's self-discovery, sibling squabbles, unique personalities and learning styles. It's knee-bending, heart-wrenching, persistent prayer about their sweet souls, relying solely on the Lord to soften their hearts and grab hold of them early. It's early morning petitions, mid-day interventions, and late-night head-shaking and "how will we do this again tomorrow, God?"

It's utter submission to the Lord's direction. It's sheer dependence on Him for sanity and strength. It's "God, help them...shape them, keep them, preserve them this day. Shield them from the darts of the enemy. Remind them you're there with them when they feel lonely. Fill their minds with encouragement even when their teacher is yelling at the class again. Protect their little hearts. God help me help them. Holy Spirit, fill my mouth to speak Your Word to them...I can't do this without You!"

How do people who don't know the Lord and have His joy as their strength raise children without going off the deep end?? Seriously...how do they do it?

Parenting children: It's chasing down lies with Truth. It's crying over their hurt feelings. It's reminder after reminder that God never leaves them nor forsakes them. Over and over it's placing them back in the Lord's hands.

It's thanking God over and over for the delight that they are, the unique gifts they have, and the roadmap He gave us in His Word for how to train them up. It's calling out the gifts that God has made in them. It's steering them with those gifts. It's repeatedly relinquishing control while maintaining their parameters.

It's not looking another 4 years down the road, and simply trusting the Lord to give is the strength, courage, wisdom, peace and patience to make it through today.

It's hard...it's harder than I ever imagined. But there's nothing like hearing your 9 year old say, "I can't wait to talk to King David someday. And Paul...I really want to talk to Paul when I get to Heaven." It's not beating your head against the wall when his very next statement has something to do with hating his brother!

Oh Lord...how I need your wisdom and your strength. Help me never to trust in my own capabilities. Help me never take any of these difficult, crazy and wonderful moments for granted. They're Yours....help me love them the way that you do.

Things I'm Learning As I Grow Up

2008-10-09T07:31:00.002-05:00

- I am not yet grown up.
- In fact, I often act a lot like a toddler.
- God has a remarkable amount of patience.

- Mistakes are opportunities for something new and beautiful to begin.
- It's easy to miss the extraordinary moments that are inside of ordinary moments.
- God is in each ordinary moment.

- My life is like a grand puzzle.
- It puzzles me, when I can't see how the pieces fit together.
- When pieces DO fit together, my perspective enlarges.

- There is nothing like butterfly kisses from your little girl.
- There is also nothing like a running-leap bear hug from your little boy.
- I bet this is how God feels when we just come to Him to love Him, and not ask for something.

- God wants me to pray.
- When I'm praying, He directs my thoughts and requests.
- God really, actually answers prayer.
- He really does.

- I am not yet grown up.
- In fact, I often act a lot like a toddler.
- God has a remarkable amount of patience.

Where I Find You

2008-09-17T16:27:00.003-05:00

In the midst of my pride, You share with me humility.
In the midst of my strife, You share with me consistency.
In the midst of my clamor for control, You show me Your sovereignty.
In the midst of my sadness, You show me hope.

You meet me with grace,
You quiet me with Your love.
You draw me by Your faithfulness,
You overwhelm me with mercy.

One God,
One Father,
One Redeemer,
One Friend.

Thank you for meeting me here, right where I need You. How like God.

The Pursuit of Valor

2008-08-29T16:53:00.002-05:00

I will blog soon about my thoughts regarding contributing to the HNIC anthem challenge, but for the moment, I would simply appreciate your support and feedback directly on the anthem challenge site about this 4th and final submission. Comments and ranking by fans helps out!! Thanks so much :)

My second Hockey Anthem

2008-08-22T14:07:00.003-05:00

I entered two more Hockey Anthem submissions today! I'd love for you to head on over to cbc.ca, and sign up to comment and rate all three of my submissions! I appreciate your help and support so much!!

This on is called "Coast to Coast".

Your Support Please...

2008-08-15T20:21:00.001-05:00

I have entered a submission for the Hockey Night in Canada Anthem Challenge! I hope to get a few more submissions in before the deadline on the 31st. I'd love for you to visit the cbc.ca site and leave some comments...apparently comment and viewer ratings play a small part in the judging process. Check back again to see more of my stuff!

It's all fun and games, but it's Canadian history in the making! :)

NOT For Rent

2008-08-06T22:45:00.003-05:00

Earlier today I almost blogged a picture of my kids with a "For Rent" sign on them...

We all were in need of much grace. Thankfully I know the ultimate Grace-Giver. He had much to give today. Tomorrow has GOT to be quieter...it has to be uphill from where we were!

However, in the midst of their noise and my impatience, I was grateful to see some significant efforts on the part of my Mackenzie today to be a helper. He made me coffee...TWICE. He weeded a very weed-y garden (of course, his Dad had promised him a sizeable reward, but, regardless...) He even picked up cat poop without me asking him to. And he made his sister breakfast.

Those are little big things which I don't take lightly. The Lord was working in Mackenzie's mind and heart today to show love by serving, and I'm glad that the Lord helped me look outside of my selfish, want-to-run-away mindset to see it. And in the midst of chaos, I was very thankful.

I love it when God invades my littleness with His bigness.

Time flies when you're having fun

2008-07-29T19:18:00.005-05:00

It's already a month since I last blogged. Where did that time go? Well, let's see:

It flew by as I loved loving and relaxing with my family, immediate and extended. It sped by as I sang my guts out in a studio downstate. It raced by as I stood by my husband at his ordination, taking mental snapshots of this special moment. It flew by as I felt the sun inspire my skin to brown. It flew by as I took long strokes with my oar in my kayak out on the lake. It flew past as I sped across the lake as fast as I dared go on a seadoo. It raced by as I read stories and played Barbies and parade with my niece, nephew and cousins. It flew by in laughter and the giggles from little bellies. It sped along as I painted 30 little toenails and 30 little fingernails in alternating colors. It flew by as I had once-in-a-year in-person chats with my sister as we cooked and cleaned and played with our kids together. It ran along as we celebrated our parents' 40th Wedding Anniversary. It soared past while we collected starfish, razor clams and hermit crabs. It rushed on as I cooled my feet in pools, lake and sea, and as I flew a kite high above the sandbar. It sped by as I reconnected with friends from long ago, and as I reminisced, loving being back home in my home city. It flew by as I sadly contemplated, again, why our family is so spread out across this vast continent, and as I asked the Lord, again, to help me to recognize and appreciate the family He has given me here.

It flew and yet I captured each moment. Time flies when you're having fun...be alive in every moment of every day.

Celebrating Eleven Years

2008-06-28T21:13:00.004-05:00

On June 28th, 1997, I promised to love my man for better or worse, for richer or poorer, in sickness and in health, until death parts us. Our wedding day was everything we wanted.

Since then, we have lived in 6 different homes, changed jobs 4 times, and celebrated 3 little miracles born into our family. We have grown closer and closer to the Lord, learned how to give and receive, how to communicate honestly, love unconditionally, apologize and forgive, serve and sacrifice, encourage and come alongside, and how to extend our arms to welcome many into our home and family.

We love to laugh together, play and parent together. We love to minister together, and love people together. We can finish each others' sentences and one-up one another with '80s music trivia. He is better at Scrabble, but I'll play with him anyway. When one is tired, the other will take over. When one is sad, the other knows it, even from across the room. When one sings a wrong note the other smiles encouragingly and doesn't laugh. :)

We are a team, and we know very well that we are blessed to have one another.

I love Scott, more now than I did on our wedding day. I thank the Lord for giving me these years to share with this man.

I Can't Believe My Baby is FIVE!!

2008-06-24T09:14:00.005-05:00

June 24th, 2003....our beautiful baby GIRL arrived! Grace Elizabeth Anne Rhyno

June 24th, 2008...our beautiful big girl celebrates with her birthday pancake for breakfast.

Currently Reading...

2008-06-20T15:41:00.002-05:00

I'm reading this book, and it's putting words to the thoughts that have been swirling in my head and to the conviction that's been boiling in my heart over the last year and a half. I will report some thoughts when I can come up for air a little bit.

This, it seems, is a MUST READ.

The Body - expounded

2008-06-08T21:48:00.002-05:00

How do you, a member of the Body of Christ, get outside the walls of your church and BE the Body in the world? What do you do personally?

I originally posted this several days ago, and though I've had nearly 200 readers since then, there was not one answer to my question.

**This is something that is weighing heavily on my heart, and I honestly am looking for some helpful feedback. As my understanding of worship has changed over the years, and as I've become more and more aware of how justice is in the heart of our worship, I am very aware that I need to find more and more ways to be light in my community. I need to do more than just be kind to the people who serve me at WalMart and volunteer at my kids' schools...I need to be actively involved in my community so that I purposefully evidence Christ there by meeting people's needs. With so much of my time being spent teaching and ministering in the church building, I am looking for your great ideas of how you have become actively involved in your communities.**

I hope this makes my question less daunting and less vague.

Band on the Run; A lesson in versatility

2008-06-06T21:46:00.003-05:00

I have been taking a Songwriting course for three months. Recently, the owner of the Management Co. that offers the course gave me some opportunities to learn by doing: to write or collaborate on some music for a new artist heading into the studio in the next month or so. OF COURSE I jumped at that opportunity! So last week and this I wrote some songs for her, and I have discovered some exciting challenges along the way:

-When you write words for someone else to sing, you don't necessarily form them the same way you might say them yourself.
-When you write music for someone whose style is very different from your own, it is a lot more work to make it work!
-You can only learn this by trying, and trying again.
-There are definite musical and lyrical things that play into the commercialism of a song.
-Sometimes it's easy to limit yourself to whichever style has worked for you in the past...writing for someone else helps you jump back out of that box, dust yourself off, and try something new.

So I'm learning as I go...I'm walking through all of the open doors I see, and I'm eager to keep trying new things. Whether any of these songs make it into her studio or not, I don't know, but I've learned some valuable lessons in versatility. I'm excited to see what the Lord has in store next!

And if I hear someone else singing my words on the radio someday, that would be very cool.

100th Post

2008-05-20T09:13:00.002-05:00

Made New

Tired hands, weary of clinging, grasping.
Pierced hands, open in surrender.
Muddy feet, acquainted with the wide path.
Wounded feet, broken in rescue.
Furrowed brow, crying out for the answers,
Punctured brow, mixing blood with tears.

Lost sheep in the shadows, afraid of the Light,
Gentle Shepherd, shining into the darkness.
Wounded child, not trusting, not knowing,
Protective Father, faithful to guide.
Timid bride, hesitant to respond,
Adoring bridegroom, strong, sure.

Voice of distress, crying out,
Only Answer, echoing in the dark.
Aching fingers, dirty, desperate,
Strong arm reaching, mighty to save.
Miry clay, familiar, suffocating,
Solid rock, firm, faithful.

Once alone, dead in sin,
Now re-born, alive in Christ.
Once in rags, filthy, torn,
Wrapped up in righteousness, never earned.
Bloody tree, an empty tomb,
Life exchanged, all things made new.

What better way to celebrate 100 posts than to glory in the completed work of the cross...

Amazed

2008-05-13T21:02:00.003-05:00

When I hear of the tens of thousands of people killed in side-by-side, horrific weather catastrophes, and think on significant events that point to Christ's soon return, it amazes me how we can still be so focused on ourselves, what we want, and how we absolutely must make our lives better.

God help us.

You Give And Take Away

2008-05-08T12:06:00.002-05:00

I think a lot about the family we have who we live so far from. I miss them very much. Sometimes I look at the majority of people around us who live near to brothers, sisters, parents, grandparents, aunts uncles....and I get a little sad that ours are so spread out across this enormous continent, and we see them so seldom.

I think a lot about the friends that the Lord has blessed us with, especially in the last 10 years...friends who have spurred us on in our faith, who have shared their deep hurts and overwhelming joys with us...who have loved us, encouraged us, challenged us and loved our children....so many of them live far away.

Many missionaries are called overseas, and away from the familiar, lovely faces in their lives. We have not been called overseas, but we have been called to this mission field for a season - away from so many who we hold dear and miss dearly. Still others to whom we've grown close in this place have been called away, some who may not to return as expected. Small pieces of our hearts follow after them.

But I know that all of the people that the Lord brings into our lives are significant. He uses them to shape us, and He uses us to shape them. I am thankful for the way He has caused my heart to learn to love, and the way in which my love can remain strong for people He has separated me from.

I pray diligently that my children will grow to LOVE. I pray that the Lord protects their precious little hearts as they experience the loss of separation from friends and extended family. But I pray that, through those separations and the challenges they bring, that their tender hearts will understand a breadth of LOVING that can only come from the Father Himself.

Spring Break, day 2

2008-04-22T10:28:00.002-05:00

This is the kids' Spring Break week from school. This is what has happened so far:

- Daddy left for a week in Indiana for a Flame course... unfortunate timing :(
- Friday evening pizza with my friend Cheryl and her kids
- Played for worship at regular weekend services.
- Youth group
- I preached my first "official" sermon in Youth
- Youth Band meeting to plan for a new ministry opportunity this week
- Mack had a 7:40 am appointment with the orthodontist Monday morning
- I put up and repaired the net around the trampoline.
- Several hours a day of jumping on said trampoline.
- A lengthy bike and scooter ride on the bike path with 2 of the kids' friends
- Monday with 8 friends and a communal roast beef dinner, complete with brownies & ice cream and iced coffee
- More jumping
- I'm fighting a cold...hard!
- Catching up on 5 days' worth of Beth Moore homework
- Practice today for our Youth Band's opportunity at Job Corps tomorrow
- I got a bit of a sunburn!

It's only Tuesday. This week I also want to complete at least one more song, write a new one, finish a school assignment, take the kids to the park, go on more bike rides, rake the yard, get groceries, fight this cold to the death, spend a few hours in complete solitude and completely gut my dresser and closet.

Spring Break is very different as a grown-up than it used to be in school.

Talkin' the Talk

2008-04-15T10:07:00.002-05:00

I'm in the early stages of a one-year Songwriting course through a Christian Music organization that does Artist and Songwriter Development programs. It's great for my technique and for increasing some of my intentionality when it comes to crafting lyrics. We study theory out of a popular secular lyric writing text, complete that book's assignments, and then have further assignments which are more specific to the writing of Christian music. Later, I will have 12 of my songs critiqued, and will have the opportunity to have some of my songs pitched to other artists.

It was in one of the latter assignments that I was asked to think about "Christianese", and how it affects the message of the music. ( I have very definite thoughts about using our culture's "Christian" lingo in music....AVOID IT AT ALL COSTS! However, I have to admit that it still has crept into a few of the worship and contemporary Christian songs I love very much.)

My take on Christianese, for clarification: "happy" is replaced with "joy", "talented" by "gifted", "excited" by "blessed", "effective" by "anointed" in some cases... etc. (By the way, I think the heart behind much of Christianese is good...to honor the Lord before man...but I think that it's church-speak, and not really applicable to the non-churched).

My theory: Some songs are written for the church-folk, and for them alone. I think of Southern Gospel, and some late 20th Century worship music. It is filled with the lingo (you know what I mean), and it resonates very strongly with much of the church-culture.

BUT: If a Christian songwriter is writing music with the hopes of it reaching the ears and ipods of a secular audience, the message of the hope of Christ should be apparent, but without any Christian-culture lingo. Songs that have the potential to influence the lost for Christ, I think, should present the reality of life's struggles, the reality of life's questions, and the reality of Truth, but without using any language that could be culturally unfamiliar or even "church-y".

Can you think of any great "Christian" songs which do that....whose lyrics could potentially impact the lost, but which very decidedly steer away from "Christianese"?

Thanks for helping me with my philosophical development as I improve my craft!

Shepherd

2008-04-08T20:37:00.002-05:00

Last evening, I meditated on the 23rd Psalm with my oldest son. We talked about how the Lord is our Shepherd, and how that means that we are like little lambs. We talked about how his rod and his staff are for our protection, guidance, and ultimately our good. I told Mackenzie that the Lord has millions of sheep in his fold, but that each of His little lamb is precious to Him...He knows each one by name, and will rescue the little one that wanders away or gets hurt. I wanted Mackenzie to remember that his Shepherd will never leave him nor forsake him.

This morning, Mackenzie, age 9, went in for his very first surgery. He needed to have his adenoids removed and his nasal passages widened out. He was VERY nervous. But God showed Himself faithful to my son...He showed Mackenzie that He never leaves nor forsakes His lambs. He showed Mackenzie, first of all, that Mackenzie has a huge circle of people who not only love him, but who are faithful to intercede on his behalf....people who are persistent to pray God's will, and expect God to answer them. He showed Mackenzie that our strength is the Lord's, not our own. He showed Him that His protective hand can be trusted. Mackenzie knew that he had not been forsaken.

I thank the Lord that He has given us this delightful boy. I thank Him that He gave Mackenzie this opportunity to learn to trust God in the face of what seemed uncertain. I thank the Lord that He has blessed us with friends and family who come alongside in prayer. I thank Him that His almighty hand of protection covered my son today. I thank God that healing has already been done in Mackenzie's body, and that we will witness that play out. And I thank God that He has a unique path for my son, filled with opportunities to grow more intimate with the One who came to save his soul.

I thank Him for rescuing my little lamb today.

Update

2008-04-05T13:52:00.003-05:00

Mr. AND Mrs. Malodorous have moved to another neighborhood! We were not sad to see them go.

Oh, these are the people in your neighborhood...

2008-04-01T10:51:00.007-05:00

We have a new neighbor. Well, he's not completely new, he moved in last fall when our previous neighbor became, um....deceased. Our new neighbor is pretty quiet, really. Keeps pretty much to himself. On occasion we have observed a few of his little idiosyncracies. Some are more noticeable than others, I guess. Mostly he just goes about his day to day business.

But...we want him gone. OUT. We don't really enjoy having him in our neighborhood. He doesn't really fit in the mould here in our block...with the Pastor, the Pharmacist, the Lawyer and the Grocer. (Of course, I would NEVER say that to his face!)

So we've come up with a devious little plan. We've invited him for dinner. It will be pleasant enough...we're fixing what we think is his favorite dish. But we're going to spare the pleasantries...and (*smack*) just get down to business. I'll be brief on details here, because I really don't want the word to get out of our plan to run him out. It must go just right.

But you can be thinking of us. We'd really rather not have this neighbor much longer. He just doesn't fit with our crowd.

Oh...here's his picture, just in case you find him moving into your neighborhood. TRUST ME...your neighborhood is better off without him too!

Easter

2008-03-23T20:00:00.004-05:00

So much cause to celebrate the empty tomb! Tetelestai!!

On holidays, I miss my family a lot...I wish we all lived closer so we could celebrate these special days together. But, I am thankful for my little family, and for a celebratory day together today. I am increasingly aware of the importance of being thankful for each day we have together. We celebrated the Resurrection at church this morning, and discussed the Easter story throughout the day. The kids had fun searching the house for colorful eggs this afternoon, and then we had an outing to see the movie Horton Hears A Who. We finished with a yummy Easter dinner this evening.

I thank the Lord for my precious family, and for giving us the privilege of teaching these kids of the reality of the empty tomb.

Tetelestai...paid in full...it is FINISHED.

The Craze of Our Faces

2008-03-14T10:35:00.005-05:00

I sat in front of my computer yesterday to take a new Facebook profile photo in Photobooth. And it struck me...I was alone, taking a picture of myself, with the technology to see it right away, edit, delete, and make it look as good as possible. Inside of that was the desire to do just that. As I continued thinking, I thought about how much of a "craze" it seems to be right now to self-portrait...to take multiple pictures of oneself, funny faces, serious faces, edited and enhanced faces....and then display them to the world.

How many times have you looked at someone's Facebook, Blogger, Myspace photo albums to see album after album of self-portraits?

Why do we do that? Are we becoming increasingly vain and self-centered? Or are we merely enjoying our technological advancements?

Aren't there myriad other beautiful things in God's creation to take pictures of then ourselves?

Just a random thought.

Unexpected, Undeserved and Unbelievable

2008-03-09T22:09:00.003-05:00

I absolutely must praise and thank the Lord, because someone has anonymously given me a great blessing. I believe that when someone blesses me anonymously it is a great opportunity to speak, Sing, SHOUT thanksgiving to the One who is the greatest blessing of all.

I count my blog as a great place to testify of His goodness, His graciousness, and His amazing desire to bless, beyond measure, someone who most certainly has not earned it.

As you may or may not know, I love to make music. Specifically, I love to make music for my God. I write a lot, I play always, and I love to sing for Him. I have a desire inside of me to share some of this music publicly so that others may sing new songs of praise to Him. I often must relinquish self to the Lord in this...as any of you who are musical will know, it is so easy to be enticed to be prideful about a musical gift, and it is intensely important to remain humble, remembering just Who created the gift. I must pray often that I would not be seen or heard, and that only the Lord would be glorified.

But at the same time, I believe it is wrong to hide a gift simply to avoid the inner conflict of it all. I know that I know that the Lord has gifted me, and that this gift has an ultimate purpose to glorify Him and affect His Kingdom. With humility I must pursue it, develop it, serve with it and be bold with it.

I have been blessed beyond measure this week with unexpected resources to facilitate some of this. Someone has anonymously gifted me with an incredible amount of studio recording equipment which will enable me, in my own home, to do much more with the music I am writing that I've ever thought possible. I am stunned, humbled and overwhelmed with both a need to thank the Lord, and a responsibility to get to work on the music that is stirring around within my heart. (Oh...and to learn how in the name of time to use this stuff!)

I am amazed at His timing...He has gifted a worshiper with resources to facilitate the expression and production of musical worship, while at the same time is teaching her that true, undefiled worship is SO much more than just music. He baffles me and humbles me.

Ever will I praise Him.

Community

2008-03-06T14:22:00.003-05:00

Things in the Rhyno household are never dull. We are doing our best to raise our kids to be people-lovers, and so we seem to be getting the whole "living in community" thing down. We love to have people in our house. Some come to visit. Some come to sleep over. Some come to live for a while. Some join our family for a long time.

For instance, this week has included:

- 2 lovely, fun and helpful Bethany girls, Candice and Carly, staying with us for their March Break week.
-A snowy Saturday afternoon of Lego-building with several extra kids and adults.
- Liz, Isaac and Tyler Andretta here for 2 1/2 days...we love our regular Andretta visits and sleep-overs.
-A great dinner party shopped for, cooked and hosted by C&C, with 6 other guests: lots of food and lots of Wii action.
-An impromptu "I'm coming over and bringing lunch" lunch date with Melinda, Asa and Lily McNeil.
-And a tour for soon-to-be-resident, Mike Chapman, who moves into our tower next week.

And it's only Thursday.

Life in our house would be very different if we didn't regularly host people. I like functioning with lots of people around, as long as there is some quiet time and we all have a common focus of working together to make the stuff of life happen. I love how our kids love people, and very readily accept them into our family. I love teaching them that the Lord has blessed us with a home for the purpose of blessing other people, by providing shelter, respite, warmth and meals. I love seeing the gift of hospitality growing in our kiddos. ( I also love that our children aren't phased by the hustle and bustle, and will still get their homework done, and go to bed well in the middle of it all.) I love it when my husband sits beside me in a sea of people in our home and whispers, "This is worship."

Because it is...loving people, investing in them and caring for them is an act of worship. I love loving the Lord by loving the people He's put into our lives.

Community...it's cool to see it working.

A Pure Tongue

2008-02-29T08:35:00.003-05:00

Pure and undefiled religion {worship} in the sight of our Lord is this: Caring for widows and orphans in their time of distress, and keeping oneself unstained by the world.

I've been talking about stains...or more specifically, about how as Christians we can keep ourselves unstained by the world. I've talked about the worldly atmospheres of drunkenness, and materialism.

Now let's talk about the mouth. James talks a lot about it...GOSSIP. You know, that juicy little tidbit of info. that will make you explode if you can't share it with just one person. Or that little thing that irked you about someone that you'd love to hash over with a friend. Or that news you think you heard, but you aren't sure if it's true, but maybe so-and-so knows if it's true...

GOSSIP...It's enticing and exciting, and dangerous and divisive. It's a tempting little trap of the enemy of our souls. It's acceptable in the world, but spoken of in Scripture as that which defiles our whole body. It causes friendships to break up, churches to divide, ministries to crumble and people to be destroyed.

How do we avoid it? How do we resist the temptation? How do you live life in this world and consistently sidestep it? Have you overcome a struggle with the tongue?

Without engaging in it, let's talk about it. After all, to refrain from it and point others away from it is an act of Worship.

Practical Application

2008-02-23T12:27:00.002-05:00

So...no comments on my last post makes we continue to wonder what y'all think. I had a good conversation with one of my favorite friends yesterday who said, "OK, oh wise one...exactly how do I go about living the way that you said in your blog post?" :)

I replied, "Well since, clearly, I have it all together, let me explain..."

(Actually, I said "Ummm...I don't know".)

Lest my readership think that my "Materialism Expounded" post comes out of a life of pure perfection and complete understanding of the way to live in, but not of, the world, I will share some of my personal struggles with this, and some practical ways I have found to honor the Lord.

1. For many years after I was first married, I felt an intense pressure to present a home that was perfect...perfect in order, perfect in decor, and mature in furnishings. I looked in other people's homes and felt a desire to have the nice things that they had. I was always finding things about my home that did not satisfy me and that I felt needed improving. I devoured Home Decorating shows and magazines.

Eventually, I recognized that the Lord was trying to get my attention. He was showing me that my focus was wrong. As I was growing with Him, my confidence in who I was in Him grew, and my need for the approval of man was dwindling. I recognized that my need for a perfect home had come from a need to look good to my friends. The Lord convicted me of this so much that I quit Home Decor shows etc. cold turkey. What I found was, as I stopped filling my mind with the worldliness of those shows, my urgency to continually improve my home diminished. I began to appreciate what I had, I recognized how blessed I was to have a beautiful house to raise my family, and I began to see my house as a home, not a showpiece. I finally came to realize that the Lord gave us our house to bless others, and not only for ourselves. With that recognition, I can now honor the Lord by sharing our home for meals, for housing, for counseling, and for refuge. What makes our home most beautiful is a spirit of hospitality, not a new rug, a fresh coat of paint or a sweet new set of furniture.

I can truly praise the Lord that He has brought me through this one, and given me victory over this stronghold.

2. We are a Pastoral family. We have 3 children, and we have made our house a home for more than just our immediate family. On a limited income and a tight budget, we often are faced with bills we are unsure how to pay. I have often found myself despairing about how to pay the mortgage, pay for heating etc. , make student loan payments, fill the gas tank, and get groceries for 6+ all at the same time. I was often tempted to withhold my tithe to make it possible to pay something else. Does that sound familiar? I bet it does.

This reflects directly on the scripture I mentioned in my last post about worrying for your next meal etc. I definitely discovered the words of the WORD to be true...worrying did not add a day to my life. Nor did it pay the bills. I also discovered that my pure ingenuity of working out the bills just so did not feel like an act of worship. I could make numbers work out, but I would be bound by my own intellect, and would hold my breath from paycheck to paycheck.

So, I started laying out the bills on the table before me, and praying over them before I paid them. I thanked the Lord for providing me with heat, with electricity, with water, with food. I thanked Him for the money that we earn, and I told Him that I want to be a good steward with it. I thanked Him that He gave me a sound mind to reason with and to think through things with, and I asked for His help as I determined which bills to pay when. And He answered...He helped me to see clearly in what order to pay things. He helped me to worship Him by first setting aside the money for my tithe. I began to see more clearly just how much I had, and how it really was all His.

As I made it a habit to approach my bills in this way, I couldn't believe how the Lord responded. He was faithful to show me how to pay my bills. He was faithful to increase my faith, by working out the numbers for me. He was faithful to give me peace as I saw Him at work. He was faithful to provide surprise funds just when I needed them most. And He was faithful to show me ways to use what I had to bless others, not just pay the bills.

There are still expenses, and there will always be bills. When one comes unexpectedly, I am often tempted to try to figure it out myself, or to worry about it. But God is faithful to remind me what He's already brought me through with this.

So, I hope that those practical applications make some sense and totally reflect God's goodness, as I endeavor to honor the Lord. I have much to learn. I am still affected by our materialistic culture, but I love it when I am convicted and given the opportunity to submit something new to the Lord.

John 8:47 says "Anyone who belongs to God listens gladly to the words of God".

I know that if we listen gladly to His words which tell us that we don't need to worry about things like food or clothing, He will be faithful to show us just how abundantly He can provide not only the supplies, but peace and an increased faith in His ability and desire to provide for u.

Materialistic Stains, expounded

2008-02-20T12:35:00.004-05:00

So, I opened up discussion about being stained by the world in the area of Materialism. This is a tricky one to address, as all North Americans have been born into a culture which thrives on excess. We can't dwell in guilt for having been born into this nation while so many are born into poverty...God is sovereign, and has a sovereign purpose for placing people where He does. But, we honor the Lord by considering how to be stewards of what we've been given, and we worship Him by being cautious to remain unstained by the materialistic mindset of our culture.

HOW?

1. Let's consider the things we think we "need". Luke 12 gives an account of Christ speaking about this sort of thing. You know it, I know you do. He talks of ravens and the grass of the fields. He speaks of earthly treasures and how our heart is shown in what we deem valuable. He speaks of faith, and reminds us of how much more valuable we are to God than the birds of the air or the flowers of the field.

-Do you daily recognize the abundance you live in?
-Do you know that you have far more than you could ever need?
-Do you daily acknowledge that all of it belongs to the Lord?
-Do you gladly give first to the work of the Church or do you give whatever is left over after you pay your bills and buy that thing you've been waiting to get?
-Do you store up for yourself, or do you trust the Lord for His provision, and pray about ways you can use your abundance to bless others?
-Are you entrenched in home decorating, the latest finds, the cutest and best for your baby, or the best way to maximize your retirement dollars?
-DO YOU REALLY NEED THOSE THINGS?

2. Let's consider the things we think we have a "right" to.

North Americans have a perspective that we have a right to certain things...like a home, heat, food, clothes, education, a steady income, health care and a secure retirement plan. In our society, we have been taught that those things are the "right" of the people in the land of the free.

Consider how the Bible often deems "riches" with a negative. In the parable of the seeds sown into different soils, (Mark 19), Jesus speaks of the worries of the world and riches being deceitful, and the desire for other things coming in and choking out the Word, making it unfruitful.

That's pretty clear.

Do you want the Word to be choked out of your life? Do you wish to be unfruitful?

The Lord knows what we need, and is faithful to supply our needs. Consider the Bond-servant...no right to anything, but a willingness to serve his master completely and forever. Nothing is his own except his eternal reward. The bond-servant has no earthly riches, but his needs are provided for, and he gladly serves.

I think that is a picture of what we are called to be as true disciples. Our hearts are to be concerned with serving in gladness, our wealth, our abilities and our time to be used for giving, our hope to be in our eternal reward not earthly treasures. Our focus is not to be on the latest and greatest, but on the least and the lowest. Our sovereign placement in a rich society is to be used for His purposes in advancing His Kingdom. Our heart bent is to trust, obey and to love through sacrificial servant-hood.

Our undefiled worship is in remaining unstained in this materialistic world, as we share Christ with the people who make it and like it that way.

Stains

2008-02-12T12:08:00.001-05:00

A while ago I posted about stains...specifically, how we, as Christians, can live in a filthy world, love and share the Gospel with the lost, but remain unstained. After all, it says in James that pure and undefiled religion (worship) in the sight of our Lord is ....to care for widows and orphans in their distress, and to keep yourself unstained by the world.

My first topic in this unofficial "Stains" series was about drunkenness, or more specifically, if Christians can live a lifestyle around parties and drunkenness, yet worship the Lord by remaining unstained all the while. My own thoughts on that were pretty clear, and those posts generated good discussion...thank you!

Next in line: Materialism

Let's face it, most of my readership lives in North America, a very affluent, and extremely materialistic society. We are blessed to have been placed in such affluence, when millions around the world go hungry. But at the same time, we are extremely challenged as Christ followers, not to fall into the trap of materialism. This is less by choice than my last topic, as it touches each of us by default.

I would like to have some discussion with you about this: How do we live in an affluent part of the world, but remain as pure and undefiled worshipers of our Lord by not bowing our knee to its affluence? What is the difference between need and want in our society? What can we do to pour out purer worship on our Lord in this respect? Does living in this part of the world mean we are automatically stained?

If you live outside of North America, I would love to hear about this from your perspective!

I value your Biblically-founded discussion.

Much needed time away...and Happy Birthday Mackenzie

2008-02-08T21:13:00.000-05:00

Mackenzie, my first-born is nine. No, I don't think you heard me right...I said NINE! As in, one year shy of a decade.

It's not even right.

Instead of a party, this year we decided to take a mini-vacation as a family. Of course, living where we do, in the great white middle of nowhere, this meant an overnight trip to...you guessed it...Bangor. It was our kids' first hotel stay, and they were quite excited about 1) the elevator, 2) the free continental breakfast, 3) the fishy bowls on the breakfast tables, 4) the pool, hot tub and sauna, and 5) our one and only night to watch American Idol, since we no longer have cable.

It is so much fun to watch your kids' delight! We are so blessed to parent this brood. they are fun-loving, well-behaved and dynamic children. We have a blast together!

Our outings included the Children's Discovery Museum, Toys'R'Us, Petco, Bugaboo Creek and Applebee's. And of course, we did a lot of swimming in the Marriott pool. Best of all...it all happened thanks to Christmas money and gift cards we'd saved!

Sometimes it's just SO nice to escape, if even for only 36 hours!

See all of our adventure on film over here

The Best-Laid Plan

2008-01-29T09:43:00.001-05:00

Have you ever heard anyone use the phrase, "The best-laid plans of mice and men often go awry" ?

Well, it is absolutely true. BUT, I know a Master, whose Master Plan has never failed, is still strong, and will never be thwarted.

I love how God lays out His plan for us in Genesis 5, in the lineage of Adam, from Adam to Noah. Have you ever seen this before?

ADAM.......means "MAN"
SETH.........means "APPOINTED"
ENOS.........means"MORTAL"
KENAN......means "SORROW"
MAHALALEL....means "THE BLESSED GOD"
JARED.............means "SHALL COME DOWN"
ENOCH............means "TEACHING"
METHUSELAH...means "HIS DEATH SHALL BRING"
LAMECH............means "DESPAIRING"
NOAH..............means "REST"

Man appointed mortal sorrow. The Blessed GOD shall come down, teaching (that) His death shall bring (the) despairing rest.

There it is...the Best-laid plan. In Genesis. From the beginning.

It will not be thwarted. It will never go awry.

Pretty Lady

2008-01-21T17:16:00.001-05:00

ANNOUNCING: THE NEWEST PIERCED EARS IN THE RHYNO HOUSEHOLD...A VERY BRAVE AND EXCITED LITTLE LADY!

Unstained, Part Deux

2008-01-17T12:38:00.000-05:00

I have enjoyed reading the dialogue that came out of my last post. Thank you to those who took the time to chew over this discussion, and formulate thoughtful responses. I especially appreciate comments which are not merely opinion, but which are based on the Word of God. As I grow in the Lord, I realize more and more how little my opinion matters, and how much the Word of LIFE does!

Some thoughts I've had about being in the world, yet remaining unstained:

1) I cannot agree with the opinion that, as Christians, we don't need to worry about becoming stained, or that salvation is the end of all of that. Yes, the Blood of the Lamb can wash us white as snow. But we still live in a dirty world. The Bible is very specific that we are to keep ourselves unstained by the world. A direction like that indicates that we are not to just rest on our laurels, but that we are to work at remaining unstained.

In John 6:27, Jesus directs the people, "Spend your energy seeking the eternal life that I, the Son of Man, can give you." (NLT)

He was there with them; They had Him. But they still needed to spend energy seeking eternal life. There is so much more to living a Christian life than just accepting His unmerited grace. There is energy to spend in pursuit of more of Him. There is life to gain. There are stains to wholeheartedly avoid.

2) If our unsaved friends have major issues with Christianity and God, they should have major issues with us. It's not that we should "hold ourselves apart from them", it should just be very clear that we are different. Christ in us, if we are in hot pursuit of Him, should radiate from us. I liked what Roni asked, "Are you standing out or are you blending in?" If He radiates from us, then in a setting like what I described in my previous post, we should stand out like a sore thumb.

3) Jesus was around all kinds of people. We all know that to be true. But we also all know this: NONE OF US IS JESUS. He was unstained....completely. He was entirely without sin. We were born with a nature bent toward sin. Christ in us is replacing that nature to resemble His nature, but we are still sinful beings that have been washed in His blood. WE ARE NOT INVINCIBLE...that is why Paul admonished the Philippians to "work out your salvation with fear and trembling for it is God who works in you to will and to act according to his good purpose......so that you may become blameless and pure, children of God without fault in a crooked and depraved generation, in which you shine like stars in the universe"

If I rest on my laurels, assuming invincibility because I claim Jesus as Lord, but I do not follow Him in hot pursuit and obedience, I will not shine like a star in this crooked and depraved generation. I am called to "make disciples", not make friends. It should be a higher priority for me to be around the unsaved for the purpose of making a disciple than to make them feel comfortable because I look the same way they do.

4) As we grow in Christ, and are continually transformed into His image, the things that grieve Him begin to grieve us. Mark 7: 21-23 discusses some of the things which defile someone and make them unacceptable to God. As I read through that, I am reminded of the things that drove me, the thoughts that consumed me, the things which I thought were normal when I lived a worldly life. It is these things which are so very prevalent in the party scene of the world. It grieves me to be around it.

1 Peter 4: 2-5 admonishes to "live the rest of the time in the flesh no longer for the lusts of men, but for the will of God.
3For the time already past is sufficient for you to have carried out the desire of the Gentiles, having pursued a course of sensuality, lusts, drunkenness, carousing, drinking parties and abominable idolatries. 4In all this, they are surprised that you do not run with them into the same excesses of dissipation, and they malign you; 5 but they will give account to Him who is ready to judge the living and the dead.

So....I can see in Scripture that my presence around those who lust after drunkenness should be startling to them, because it should be very evident that I don't run with them to it. I also see in Scripture that I need to work to remain unstained. I also see in Scripture that I am to "go into all the world and make disciples." I must be around the unsaved, with a heart to see them become disciples of Christ. I must be there, shining like a star in the universe...unstained.... so that they can be attracted by His unblemished light. If I look just like them, what is there for them to be attracted to?

Unstained

2008-01-08T21:07:00.000-05:00

I've mentioned before how James 4 has been on my mind a lot. Loosely translated: Pure and undefiled religion (worship) is caring for widows and orphans, and keeping yourself unstained by the world.

So, being in the world, but not blemished by it. What does it mean to remain unstained by the world? How can a Christian live in this world, love the lost, and keep from picking up the stains of worldliness? How do we remain, forgiven sinners amongst unaware or unbelieving sinners, and not compromise the moral values and standards set for us by our pursuit of holiness?

I think much of it has to do with motive and the intent of the heart. Sometimes two Christians can do the exact same thing, and one be unblemished, while the other accumulates a stain.

Let's take just one scenario out of the potential hundreds of decisions we, as Christians, need to make regarding this. And just to make it interesting, let's choose a topic that has lots of vehement and colorful opinions attached to it! :)

Should a Christian go to places with their unsaved friends where not only drinking, but drunkenness is a guarantee? Let's say, a bar or a party where the intent of many people is to get drunk.

Many would say "yes" to this question, using the argument that you have to meet non-believers on their turf, to build real relationship with them in order to have the opportunity to share Christ with them in the future. They may go further and say that their own habit of sobriety may serve as a witness, and that if they themselves don't get drunk, then they will not be affected by worldliness.

Others would say "absolutely not", because your very presence in such an atmosphere speaks approval to drunken behavior. They may go further to say that a party atmosphere where much drinking is the intent is not a likely place or time for an un-believer to hear or accept the Truth of the Gospel, and there are many other times and places you could choose to build relationship and have real conversations.

I think it comes back to heart motive. I think you would have to ask yourself these questions: What is my true intention for being in such an atmosphere? Is it truly to share the Gospel? Is a bar or party the best place/time to do that? Can I be there without being stained by the worldliness of the place or atmosphere?

I think two Christians can approach these questions with a similar "yes" answer, and one be right in his heart and the other be wrong.

I have more thoughts, but I'd like to leave this post open for thoughts. I have not made a clear-cut statement about it because I don't necessarily think it is clear-cut. But I'd like to hear your feedback.

Before commenting, please be respectful of these things:

1) I'm not looking for the answer to the question "Should a Christian be allowed to drink?" I'm more interested in the question "Can a Christian be in the party atmosphere of the world and remain unstained by it?"

2) In no way do I want to hear comments about denominational stances on alcohol. Thanks. :)

3) Please do not gossip. I ask you to refrain from naming names. Let's stick to philosophy and understanding of Scripture. I'd love it if you included direct scripture references!

Snow White

2008-01-07T12:26:00.000-05:00

Santa brought me Crest Whitestrips. I'm 7 days into the Snow White challenge. Crest guarantees you will see "whiter teeth in just 5 days". What do you think? Are they true to their word?

BEFORE WHITESTRIPS

MID-WHITESTRIP CHALLENGE

7 DAYS INTO THE SNOW WHITE CHALLENGE....ONE WEEK TO GO

*No animals were injured in the execution of this challenge...well, I threw my cat off of my computer once or twice....but he wasn't injured.*

Christmas fun

2007-12-27T11:31:00.000-05:00

It is so much fun to share Christmas with family.

Highlights in the Rhyno household include:

- Seeing how much the kids enjoyed picking out and giving gifts to each other.
- 5 people's hands co-operating to make a Christmas feast.
- Many Wii tournaments....lots of laughter and sore muscles.
- The enjoyment of fine art and budding artists.
- Talks about things that really matter.
- Delight on the faces of 3 precious children.
- Brain Quest, Are You Smarter that a Fifth Grader, The Little Rascals
- Glow-in-the-dark face paint.
- Family enjoying family.

Thank you Lord for the privilege of loving people and doing life with them.

Sssshhhh....you might wake them up!

2007-12-25T00:18:00.000-05:00

Christmas Eve service is done.

The Christmas story has been read.

The children are all nestled snug in their beds.

The tree is all ready.

The stockings are filled.

Outside, the night is silent and still.

Shhhhhhhhhh....you might wake them up! (Oh Lord, may they sleep past dawn!)

Merry Christmas!

Be Still this Christmas

2007-12-18T09:32:00.000-05:00

"Be Still" is my first instrumental worship cd. It is designed as a background music cd for prayer time or quiet time. And...it is ready! Yay! I have a few tracks loaded on my music players on Facebook and Myspace. Check them out. If you're interested in a copy, just be in touch. They're $15 plus shipping if you're not local. In that case, we can use PayPal.

I have multiple stories about how the Lord brought this album to mind as a fundraising project for my next full band/vocal album, and about how He then brought all things into place to make it happen. He blows me away ALL THE TIME!

A Challenge

2007-12-14T12:06:00.000-05:00

My friend Heather challenged me to blog 7 random things about myself. Good thing my thoughts, in general, are often very random.

1. You can take a girl out of the Maritimes, but you can't take the Maritimes out of the girl, eh?

2. I was a kilt-wearing, sword-steppin', toe-pointing highland dancer for nearly 10 years of my life. (Don't ask....it didn't stick.)

3. Favorite teenage memory...driving around in my parents' chevy cavalier the summer I was 16, listening to good old Elton John as loud as I could stand it. Ahhhh....Elton. Too bad about his passionate, Anti-Christian beliefs.

4. I became a Believer when I was pregnant with my first son. I was baptized when I was pregnant with my second son. I began to learn how to be an actual Christ-follower as my daughter was learning to walk. I am continuing to grow in the Lord....but I don't plan on any more kids! :)

5. I tend to forgive and forget....and apologize and forget too. If a relationship has been in disrepair, but then restored, I can't even look back and remember what the problem was in the first place. My husband complimented me about this today by saying it was Christ-like to be able to continue to move forward without harboring resentment. In the past, though, I have always thought of it as brain-fogginess or forgetfulness. I like his description better. :)

(So...if we have had a relational breakdown in the past, trust me, I can't remember why!)

6. I love our Youth Group. They rock!

7. I am very blessed to have the husband I do...someone who challenges me in my walk with the Lord; someone who is unafraid to be challenged in his. I love him more truly and deeply today than I did the day I became his wife.

How's that for random thoughts? :) Thanks for the challenge, Heather.

******Along with this challenge, I'm also supposed to challenge 7 of MY friends to do the same. I choose Liz Brewer, Kelly Thomas, Kristi Benson (I'd especially love to hear her new-baby-sleep-deprived random facts), Angela MacPherson, Melinda McNeil (you KNOW you want to come back to Blogger!), Lor Mitchell, and my dear husband Scott....TAG, YOU'RE IT!***********

Refining Perspective

2007-12-06T17:06:00.000-05:00

Do you ever find that your perspective shifts? Or, maybe "broadens" might be a better word. I can't even put into words all of the ways in which I feel my perspective shifting. For this post, I'll talk about 3 which are very real right at this moment.

1) Christmas "stuff". This year I'm really struggling with all of the "stuff" of Christmas, more than ever before. I'm challenged every time people talk to me about what they want for Christmas; I'm challenged every time I hear what people are buying my kids for Christmas. I'm challenged every time I'm asked what I want for Christmas. There's too much stuff. We have too much stuff. We've made Christmas all about stuff. I want to give, not receive, this Christmas. But, at the same time, people want to give to me, and so I must receive. How do we do this in celebration of the Christ Child's birth, but not get sucked in to the materialistic mindset of our fat culture? One thing we've done: when we've been asked what we want, we've voiced only needs, not wants...gas cards and grocery cards. And I'm praying that the Lord would help to strip me of any desires that are beyond what I really need, that I might be more others-focused, and not self-focused.

2) Life is here and now. As our family and church family mourn the recent death of a wonderful young man and friend, I have been made so much more aware of the importance of living life here and now, not assuming that I'll have time for it in the future. This perspective encompasses so many things: my relationship with the Lord, my relationship with my husband, my kids, my friends, the urgency of developing disciples and sharing the gospel. The time is now.

3) "Pure and undefiled religion in the sight of our God and Father is this: to visit orphans and widows in their distress, and to keep oneself unstained by the world." The Lord been laying this one heavy on our hearts for the last few months...so much so that I wondered if He was getting us ready for something. And now, in my immediate circle, I have a young widow to be Christ to, and some who I recognize are "orphans" for whom the Lord has burdened my heart to be ready to minister to in any way He directs. And so, I am in awe that offerings which require sacrifice and are filled with heart-ache are still pure and undefiled religion; That worship which costs me is truer worship than that which feels good.

Perspective shifts. Some I'm immediately happy about, some hurt and cost. But all are part of the Refiner's fire. For that, I'm so grateful.

My sometimes-aspirations

2007-11-25T11:41:00.000-05:00

It has happened, on occasion, that I have aspired to some different things. Sometimes I think I'd like to try these things. Some of them I may still. They are in no particular order.

1. Being a movie soundtrack composer.
2. Inventing something cool.
3. Living in community.
4. Joining with my husband on his dream profession: Youth Pastor by day, Rock star by night.
5. Adopting a brood of unchosen children.
6. Moving to Nashville to be a studio musician.
7. Selling all my possessions.
8. Being a cartoon voice-over voice.
9. Having a family band with a name cooler than "The Rhyno Family".
10. Living life as a hermit.*

* This one is definitely dependent on my mood. :)

Clearly I have multiple paths of interest.

Vroom!

2007-11-19T23:52:00.001-05:00

Sometimes I feel like I don't have the ability to keep up with the pace that my life runs in.

Community

2007-11-06T22:22:00.000-05:00

Often I wish that more people would take the time to answer the questions I pose on Blogger, or to comment on my musings. I think Blogger is about community, and community involves dialogue. Any Blog minus comments remains one-sided, and without community.

Thoughts?

Here's a question for you:

2007-10-25T07:55:00.001-05:00

What are your thoughts on praying without ceasing? How do you continue to boldly approach the Lord in prayer, with confidence, when you have not seen your prayers answered?

This is an aspect of prayer I'm pondering right now, as an afterthought from a conversation I had with a dear friend yesterday.

And further: Does praying without ceasing refer to continually bringing your same petitions before the Lord until you see them answered? Or does it have to do with moment-by-moment conversations with the Lord about everything? Or both?

I'd appreciate your thoughts.

I'm thinking a lot about prayer. My perspective and participation in prayer has been something that has continually evolved. Here's something of its history thus far:

As a child, I prayed by rote...standard blessings at mealtime, standard prayers before bed, the Lord's Prayer. It seemed to me that prayers were something of tradition, something that was good to do, and something which ministers scripted out so they wouldn't stumble or forget anything.

As a teen, well, I really didn't pray at all. I was far from the Lord. Except on occasion when I would petition Him to help me not get in trouble for something. I didn't even realize then that He wasn't hearing my prayers at that point.

As a new Believer in my young adult years *ahem....this is of course, NOT to say that my young adult years have passed*...I ran the gamut. I had moved into a circle where prayers WEREN'T scripted, and where I was realizing how much I didn't even know what to pray about or how to do it. I was uncomfortable in prayer circles, and feared man's judgement of my praying ability more than I feared the Lord Himself. Mostly I remained silent and trusted that the Lord knew my heart. But, I was listening, hoping to learn how to really pray.

I came to an understanding a few years back that there weren't necessarily right and wrong words to pray. I realized that, though I may not sound as eloquent as someone else, that my pretty words didn't matter the way that a heart of humility ad expectancy did. So I would venture out more and more in prayer. I was happy to discover in the Word that people were admonished NOT to babble on and on. Vain repetitions and eloquence for the sake of eloquence alone would not ensure their prayers would be heard.

I have much to learn. I surfaced a few years back out of a time where I wallowed in unbelief that prayer mattered, or did anything at all. I mistakenly dabbled with the thought that, if God is sovereign, then how could my prayers affect anything? But I have discovered that the Lord actively responds to active prayer. I have discovered that He has given man the charge- the responsibility-to pray, and that ferverent prayers from hearts truly after His heart will move Heaven and earth.

But I am discovering that it is necessary to seek His will. And to seek His will I need to know His heart. And to know His heart, I need to know His Word. As I'm in the Word, hiding it away in my heart, my thoughts become like His thoughts, my prayers come more in line with His heart. And then my prayers will be more effective.

I've also discovered the admonition to come BOLDLY before the Lord in prayer. Hmmmm.....boldly. What does that mean? Scripture is clear that my heart first needs to be clear (i.e. contrite, humble, free of bitterness and resentment, and with a desperation to know God's heart). And then, I can have confidence that the Lord will hear my prayers. As I actively engage in praying Scripture and praying God's heart, God will respond. Of that I can be confident.

I have found that as I grow in this (and, trust me, I know I have so much more growing to do!) that the Lord is gracious to respond to me by laying things on my heart and mind to pray about. As I respond in prayer, and God answers those prayers, my faith is built, and my confidence and boldness in prayer increases.

This is a big topic. This is a big blog post.

More in another post, I'm sure.

Thanks for your feedback! :)

Chris Tomlin - Amazing Grace (My Chains are Gone)

2007-10-17T21:31:00.001-05:00

Not much else to say, but "Thank You, Lord."

God, Songs and Object Lessons

2007-10-13T13:46:00.000-05:00

God is funny. Sometimes He gives me object lessons. Sometimes, I like them, sometimes I don't. But I've noticed that very often He gives them as a way of helping me to write a new song.

The example most current: I have this one song I'm working on. By working on, I mean, I've had this little riff running around in my head for about 2 weeks, with a smattering of words that coincide with the riff here and there. Beyond that, I have the grand song concept. But that's it. And like happens OFTEN, I'm stuck in this place with the song for quite some time. Just stuck, waiting for the next part to come.

And so, today, I realize that I've jumped into the middle of the newest object lesson from the Lord. You see, the grand concept for this song has to do with hanging on to my thoughts and opinions, and holding onto control...so, ultimately "surrender". The last few days I've been battling with ugly thoughts, with selfishness and control. Real pretty stuff, right? So, the battle has been going for a few days. And I get to a point today where I realize that He has allowed me to get to where I've had nowhere else to go except to Him; I've had to take captive my thoughts, and then surrender them to Him.

A-ha moment: that's exactly what the song concept is that He's been whispering to me for 2 weeks. I had to live it to make the lyrics real.

So, thank you Lord for object lessons, and patiently waiting for me to discover them. Next time, can we try a flannel graph instead?

David Crowder Band - Remedy

2007-10-10T22:50:00.001-05:00

I love David Crowder's newest album, Remedy. Haven't picked a favorite song yet, but I like this one and I really like O For A Thousand Tongues...so good!

I Really Am OK! :)

2007-10-09T07:53:00.000-05:00

I guess lots of you were quite concerned about me after my last post. I had several emails, phone calls, and comments of encouragement. (Thank you). In re-reading it, I can see why you were thinking I might be pretty sad. I think I conveyed a little more sadness than I was actually feeling. It actuality, my longings are just that: longings, minus the sadness you might expect. While I miss my friends, and long for them at times, I still enjoy the steadfast strength and presence of the Lord. While I long for more time with my husband as just "us", I still have the assurance of our unbreakable covenant and still-true love.

I still long for a mentor, and have discovered from your responses through email etc. that many of you do, too. And so, I guess many of us just need to be proactive to pray about it without ceasing, and to approach people as they are laid on our hearts. That seems a little intimidating, but I recognize that several of the girls I attempt to mentor did just that...they approached me.

And so, I remain thankful for the people who are in my life, and for the tremendous opportunities I have to fulfill Titus 2:3-4. I pray that the Lord will continue to use me in the lives of other girls and women, and trust Him for His words, strength, wisdom and perseverance to do just that.

Who Are You?

2007-10-03T17:04:00.000-05:00

I can see from my ClustrMap that I have regular visitors from all over the globe, yet my commentors remain infrequent. I'd love to know who reads, and where you're from! Please let me know who and where you are! :)

Undone

2007-09-28T12:28:00.000-05:00

And she couldn't even really put more than two thoughts together about it, for it was too vast. The unexpected realization that her perspecive of Him and of herself were not accurate threw her. She was coming undone.

That the Person whom she worshipped, on whom she focused, of whom she read, to whom she talked, about whom she thought, around whom she centered her life, could be different than she had perceived was more than she thought she could handle. How had her own self slyly slipped into the foreground of all of her beliefs and assumptions about Him? How had the Person she loved been formulated around whom she wanted Him to be?

For He was so much bigger than her perception. He was infinitely more detailed than she could ever conceive. His purpose was so much greater than her own, and yet she had so glibly packaged it into something she could comprehend and plan for.

She didn't need to know what the outcome would be. Wasn't part of being a bond-servant laying down her own plans? While she thought she had already set aside her reputation, her goals, her life, somewhere along the way she had found it again and unwittingly picked it back up. It had seemed obvious to her that, if she obeyed Him in this, the outcome would be logically sequential. But He was above her logic. Wasn't He?

The salt of her tears stung her skin as she knelt and realized where her wholeness lay. Only in His outstretched hands. No matter that she couldn't know the outcome, He alone was Truth and Life. She felt small, alone and yet not. This tightrope was familiar...this journey new, but seen before. She knew it was the time for a layer to be stripped, leaving her exposed, uncertain, and yet certain.

In the quietness, humbly and desperately, she surrendered...

I Can't Stop

2007-09-25T21:23:00.000-05:00

I have a problem. Well, it's not really a problem, maybe it's just a quirk. OK, maybe not a quirk exactly, maybe it's just a quality. OK, I guess it's really more than only a quality, because it's all-encompassing. I mean, it is so all-encompassing that I just can't stop. I mean, I really can't stop.

I can't stop making music.

Morning, noon, afternoon, night...during conversations, as I read, as I think, as I drive, as I go about everyday stuff, as I play with my kids, on the odd occasion I talk on the phone, as I drift off to sleep...I am always thinking about, feeling, enjoying, trying out, making up music.

I can't stop.

I'm so glad I don't have to stop!

I'm also so grateful that the Lord has brought me to a place in my life where I can be surrounded by music constantly...I am blessed beyond measure to have the opporutnity to sing, play, create, teach, mentor, enjoy music throughout each day. I am blessed beyond measure to have a husband with similar gifts. I am blessed to have friends who love the same thing I do, and with whom I can share this love. I am blessed to have the opportunity to share music with a youth band who help me stay excited and stay current! I am blessed beyond measure to have such constant immersion in something I love so much.

These lips will always sing new songs. These hands will always play...and if someday these lips and hands can no longer offer up music, my heart will still sing.

I just can't stop.

My heart is steadfast

So this is Christmas

Merry Christmas from the Rhynos!

What is Worship?

To speak

Advent: Hope

Thanksgiving and Advent

Uncomfortable

My Life With You

The HEAD of worship

What a God

Missing and Clinging

The Beauty of the Body

Perspectives: A heart for our congregation

Leading Worship in Life

Come Thou Long Expected Jesus

This is why I sing

Turning Tides

Seasons

Victorious

The Greatest Gift

The Hand of God

Why the Pregnancy Care Center?

Home

On Life and Calling (pt.2)

On Life and Calling

Expect the unexpected

Check it out

From Where I Sit...

Looking Back and Ahead

Does the Address Matter?

Music Updates

What Really Matters?

Dog Bite

Changing Direction

Quote of the Day

I Love This Video about Worship

I Am Second

Time for Tea

The line between discipline and self-righteousness

Worship Series #6: Going Against the Grain

Worship Series #5: Worship in Testimony

Worship Series #4: Week of Thankfulness, Day 3

Worship Series #3:Week of Thankfulness, Day 1

Worship Series #2: WHEN is Worship?

Worship Series #1: Corporate Worship Conundrum

Beautiful Art

New Online Music Store

New Songs Up on Myspace

M is for Missions....M is for Music

If you have a baby (-ies), you may not want to read this...

Things I'm Learning As I Grow Up

Where I Find You

The Pursuit of Valor

My second Hockey Anthem

Your Support Please...

NOT For Rent

Time flies when you're having fun

Celebrating Eleven Years

I Can't Believe My Baby is FIVE!!

Currently Reading...

The Body - *expounded*

Band on the Run; A lesson in versatility

100th Post

Amazed

You Give And Take Away

Spring Break, day 2

Talkin' the Talk

Shepherd

Update

Oh, these are the people in your neighborhood...

Easter

The Craze of Our Faces

Unexpected, Undeserved and Unbelievable

Community

A Pure Tongue

Practical Application

Materialistic Stains, expounded

Stains

Much needed time away...and Happy Birthday Mackenzie

The Body - expounded