Catching up

So, the singing went well both services, even though I didn't sleep all night Saturday night. Rachel Hauck called me at 7:30 am to let me know she was praying. Man, I'm so blown away by what great friends I have. People who listen for God's voice on my behalf and pray for me. God had so blessed my life with all of my friends.
Had a nice dinner with Rusty's brother and his wife last night. They were in for a family reunion and came over for a bbq last night. Stayed up late. But it was worth it.
Summer school started today for one of my kids. This is opt in fun stuff. Not take-summer- school- or-flunk kind. He's excited. I think after one week out, he's ready for 2nd grade to start. The other kids chose not to go to summer school. Which is fine with me as long as they let me get my writing done.

Today I started a low carb diet again. Weight watchers didn't motivate me much. I think I'm just so busy. It's hard to focus on diet. My friend Rhonda is also starting low carb today. Maybe it'll help to have an accountability partner. You never know...
Anyway, if I stick with it, I'll make it part of the daily blog.

I better get some work done.
Have a great day!

The Power in David's Swing

I'm singing in church tomorrow. ARRHHHHHHHHHH. (That was a big panicked scream, incidently). My pastors are out of town being incredible in Somoa which is somewhere hot and tropical, I think. Some sacrifice for the Lord, eh? No just kidding. They are amazing and God is using them not only in our region, but all over the world now. I'm so grateful to be a part of this ministry. That's why singing in church tomorrow is such a big deal to me. Our music is the best around. Remember the name Aimee Flanders, because she will be a household name someday. Seriously. She sings better than 90% of the recording artists today, secular or Christian. Aimee is our pastor's wife and directs the worship team. She almost won Branson Idol, should have, I imagine, but Branson's a country town, and hey, she's not country. So why would have wanted to win anyway?
But I digress in a major way.
Back to me. After all, it's MY blog.
So, tomorrow I sing a "special". Funny name. I SOOO don't feel special. :)
I'd really like to crawl under my covers and hide for a couple of weeks. But where would David have been if he'd failed to recognize that God was leading him TOWARDS Goliath instead of giving him a way of escape. Sometimes we have to FIGHT. Take a step in the direction of what looks bigger than us and accept the challenge. David remembered how he had killed a lion and a bear. Now, he HAD to knwo that a shepherd boy would not have had the power to do that in his own strength. Anymore than he could kill Goliath in his own strength. David knew whose arm would be swinging that sling. not his. That's why he had the guts to say, Goliath, you Phillistine freak, I'm going to kill you, then I'm going to cut off your head and send it home to your freak, pagan mama. and if your freak buddies don't start running, I'm going to kill them too." Okay, I paraphrased, but David was pretty mouthy, despite that fact that he was probably shaking like a building in an earthquake. ANd God's chest swelled with parental pride. This kid trusted him. He had no choice but to make sure he succeeded. ten minutes later, David stood on Goliath's chest holding his big freak head by his stringy, dirty hair, and declairing there's NO god like Jehovah (ooh I should have sung that).
Anyway, I'm facing a Goliath today. Seriously. TO some people singing isn't a big deal. To me it leaves me up all night on Saturday, praying that god will anoint me and not let me fail. (And that's just the two times a month I sing harmony on the worship team where no one is paying attention to me or listening for my voice in the line of backup singers) It's a step TOWARD the ministry in music that God has for me. I could go back to my comfort zone. Hide behind the piano and sing something familar (and even that would be terrifying). But God is asking me to launch out into the deep. Sing with a Sountrak to a bunch of people who are already disappointed because Aimee's not singing. I don't know how much more humility I can take, so I'm believing God to be the force behind my efforts to sing for Him. My church does everything with excellence. Very quality, professional. I so hope I'm not the 'foolish to confound the wise' lesson. SIGH.
Anyway, pray for me tomorrow. please

Summer!

Well, it's been forever since I wrote.
May has been a crazy month with end of the year stuff and personal challenges.

My brother was in the hospital. Serious stuff. I love him. He's one of those special kind of people that you just want to be around all the time. He's brilliant, hilarious (a hard combination to find), a fantastic dad and husband, and the kind of big brother that every little girl should have and every woman should be able to count on. Pray for him will you? His name is Bill. (My son Will is named for him).

Well today is the first official day of summer vacation for my kids. They are lazing around the house, eating because they're bored and arguing.
Ahhhh Summer. Gotta love it.

I've decided not to attend CBA in Denver. Too many things to do at home. I hate to miss, but there's always next year.

Next month I'll be adding an interview section to my website. One professional, one hopeful author, each month. So please stay tuned. And if you visit my website, please sign the guestbook.

Love to you all

Changes

My son turned 11 yesterday. I shouldn't be so bothered by it, two others have turned eleven before him, but I'm not ready for this one to grow up. He is my pal, my American Idol/Amazing Race/Survivor watching buddy. I know that in another couple of years, his focus will turn, he'll become a young man, instead of a little boy.

I know I'm going to be the mother in law from hell with this kid's poor wife. :)

Don't get me wrong. I love all of my children and have special bonds with each. But the other three are much more independant. They don't "need" to be close to me the way this one does. Anyway, new days.

This week has been busy. Editing, starting a new project, starting another new diet and exercise program. The kids are gearing up for the end of school. Ours gets out on May 20th. I have mixed feelings. But mostly I'm looking forward to it.

We're moving in August. Not sure where our new house will be, but once August comes, that's that. Could use prayer that we find the right one. I;m too busy to even look right now.

Hugs until next time.