Who Doesn't Love Music?!?

Updated 4/3/22

Music helped shape my life.  Is that kind of a weird statement?  And I’m not talking about hymns or rock songs or anything like that, but basically Christian children’s music.  My parents say that these were the first songs I enjoyed and began singing to.  It’s strange, but these songs include simple truths set to simple melodies which make them easy to remember and recall. 

When I was little, my dad was the music director at his home church so music was prevalent all around the house.  I’ve got pictures of me singing along to the music he was listening to for church with a fake microphone in my hand. J  Believe it or not, I was a bit of a ham when I was little…okay, so some of you might believe that, ha ha.  My parents would buy children’s musicals and play them in the car.  Those were fun to listen to, my favorite was We Like Sheep.

G.T. and the Halo Express was another favorite.  G.T. and his “heavenly gang” were always available to help kids remember specific Bible verses when they were faced with certain situations.  These musical Bible verses still stick in my head to this day!  Here's a clip of a few:

You can actually purchase albums here: https://www.gthaloexpress.com

Psalty the Singing Songbook was another popular selection around the house and this even had videos to go along with it too!  Along with Psalty was Colby’s Clubhouse.  I loved the Colby Computer videos so much, I named my 2 cats after two of the characters on the video…computer disks Flip and Flop.  Both Psalty & Colby had songs that were centered on certain truths that they were discovering during particular video.  This Psalty video talked about how God has a plan for our lives:  

The full "film" can be found here: https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=uBlWHuplK14&t=1231s 

Last, but not least, who could forget the Donut Man?!?!?...and how life without Jesus is like a doughnut - 'cause there's a hole in the middle of your heart!

The connections of these songs to God’s Word and truths were connections that helped shaped me into the person I am today.  For instance, the “We Like Sheep” musical taught me that Jesus is my shepherd who loves and guides me and all other believers.  My favorite G.T. & the Halo Express song was “Matthew 19:14” which was a song quoting the verse verbatim about how Jesus asked for the children to come to Him and not to hinder them; shaping my love for helping to bring children to the presence of Jesus.  So many Psalty and Colby songs talked about love for God, Jesus, and others; the first time I ever heard the song “Make Me a Servant” was from the very first Psalty video – shaping my desire to be God’s life-long servant.

The music and lyrics were catered to my age range, allowing me to better comprehend and understand what I was listening to.  I believe that music + God’s Word & truths is a very important combination that can help everyone (but especially children) praise God and shape their future (obviously if further nurtured…and I know not every child is privy to that). 

Psalm 98:4 says, “Shout for joy to the LORD, all the earth, burst into jubilant song with music.”  Psalm 119:11 says, “I have hidden your word in my heart that I might not sin against you.”  I think that when you combine these verses it gives a very strong case for integrating music and God’s Word/truths together.

Today there aren’t as many characters like Psalty or G.T., but kids can still praise God and learn truths through praise songs (sung on their level, of course), VBS songs (which are always fun to sing AND dance to), and more updated children’s musicals (which they can be involved in at a local church).  YOU, too, can learn truths through music…listen to Christian radio, Christian artists on i-Tunes, or at your local church’s worship service.  If you stop and listen to what is actually being said and reflect on what you are listening to, you will learn some great truths and scriptures about how much God loves and cares for you.  Then, when you begin to learn the song...sing it...to God because He LOVES to listen to His children praise and worship Him...no matter what age or vocal ability! J

I leave you with one of my more **UPDATED** current favorite truths through music!  Although, not a child’s song, this song reminds me that God is my foundation and He won't fail or leave me, no matter what happens.

Living with a Servant's Heart in Phoenix, Arizona!

This has been a truly awesome week!  I have spent this week in hot Phoenix, AZ working at the Southern Baptist Convention as a page.  Being a page means you are responsible for having people fill out papers with their motions/amendments/points of order/etc. and delivering that motion/amendment/etc. to the platform.  The platform page is then responsible for delivering the motion/amendment/etc. to the page coordinator for editing and then to the Recording Secretary of the Convention for permanent record in the Convention books.  The platform page then makes copies of all the motions/amendments/etc. for delivery to The Committee on Order of Business, the press room, the Recording Secretary's office, and various other members of the platform.  I am the platform page and have been for the past 3 years.


I must confess, I love my job as a page.  It is so exciting as I get to experience everything from a birds-eye view.  Many of the other pages man microphones and thus only get to see what goes on at their particular microphone. Their job is not easy by any means!  Sometimes they have some pretty contentious people to deal with!  From where I stand on stage, I am able to see the entire convention floor and whether or not stations are covered, help is needed, or if meeting the page half-way might be better than having them walk the whole way.


According to the Recording Secretary, this year's convention has been historic:
1) It was the smallest convention since WW2
2) It was the first time a resolution was made and passed overwhelmingly (chosen resolutions are normally pre-determined and are not allowed to be discussed); however, the SBC body voted to vote this one through
3) It was the first time a person got up & nominated himself for president of the SBC (he didn't win)


I must admit, for a small convention, I thought it was quite busy.  There was a lot of back & forth among amendments and many questions for many of the convention entities.  But...I wouldn't trade that for the world...it kept me busy & completely engaged.  


All of this is to say...I love the Southern Baptist Convention...I love being a Southern Baptist, I love what the SBC stands for, & I love being able to work for the people who are the face of Southern Baptists.  If I could be a life-long page or a life-long convention worker, I would do it in a heart-beat.  Who knows, maybe I can?!?  


You see, I have dreamed of being able to work for the SBC or one of its entities.  I knew this time around, I had to network & market myself.  I was able to make some contacts and they gave me some great advice & encouragement.  They also said they would keep their ears & eyes open.  Some even offered to be references for me!  That's so affirming & I am so thankful!


Being a page helps me fulfill my life goal of being a servant for Christ & live with a servant's heart.  This week I have adhered to Colossians 3:23: Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for men. God is the ultimate One that I want to please.  He is the source of my strength & the One I should praise, honor, magnify, & glorify with my life, actions, & service.


I thank you Lord for the gifts you have afforded to me and that you have allowed me to use them to follow you!  You have blessed me immensely this week by providing for me, allowing me to make key contacts, and by reaffirming the call you've placed in my life to serve you.  I desire nothing more than to live my life wholly and fully for you.  You are the One that I praise.  You are the One I adore.  I love you Lord.


A sidenote: for the record, it has been quite hot here in Phoenix!  Today's high was 107.  Arizona heat is dry, however, & so your hair doesn't do wacky things and it doesn't make you (or I guess me) sweat that much.  Phoenix is a very beautiful, clean city & I would love to return to sight-see someday.

Start Spreading the News...I'm Leaving for NYC (at First Baptist Church that is...)

So VBS (Vacation Bible School) starts this coming week.  Yay!  Boys and girls coming together to learn about, sing about, create things about, and run around for JESUS!  I L-U-V it!

VBS growing up for me was so much fun and I looked forward to it every year.  My earliest memories are of attending multiple VBS' at multiple churches each summer.  It was fun to do different themes throughout the summer.  My most favorite VBS' are the ones that I attended in Hong Kong and then the ones I taught in Hong Kong.  They are my favorite because they were the most unconventional.  Hearing the VBS message preached in English & translated in Chinese is definitely not something you'd hear in a normal church in America!

I really like the theme this year - Big Apple Adventure.  I think its one of the first VBS themes that meets kids where they are in life.  I know some probably have a negative look at it because of the negative NY connotations, but the music/atmosphere/look/media is so much more 2011-kid-friendly.  I am praying for this VBS that it will touch many lives.

I am missions director this year.  The missions theme is very local this year which is good.  I am looking forward to highlighting local missions and making the kids aware of what goes on as far as missions goes around my area.  One day we are learning about the ZOE Church in Brazil.  I am excited because I have a friend who is a missionary with the ZOE Church in Brazil; he has agreed to talk with the kids via Skype from Brazil.  I know they will think that is so cool.  Our mission project highlights that "We CAN help the homeless."  Any idea what kids will be bringing in?  Yup...cans...canned foods for our church food pantry & our local food kitchen - The Daily Bread.  It's a missions competition against the boys & girls again so I know it'll be OUT OF CONTROL...which is a tremendously awesome thing!

Later this month, I will be leading music for a Backyard Bible Club VBS...so this won't be the end of my Big Apple Adventure!  Sadly, I will not be going to Hong Kong this year to do VBS, but will be praying for the team that does go as they have a Big "Chinese" Apple Adventure.. :)

I'm sure that if Jesus were on the earth today, he would most definitely promote VBS.  In Matthew 19:14 he said, "Let the little children come to me and do not hinder them for the kingdom of heaven belongs to such as these."

Lord Jesus, prepare the hearts of those children that come into your Father's house this coming week.  Help them be receptive to your word, seek to find answers to their questions, and find the love that only you can give.  Thank you Jesus.  Amen.

Slow Updater...

Guess I'm not so hot at updating a blog...yeah, sorry 'bout that....so updating you....

School...as always...got to be intensely insane and if I wasn't working, I was reading; if I wasn't reading I was writing a paper; if I wasn't writing a paper, I was sleeping; if I wasn't sleeping I was working...you can see where this is going... :)  SO things just had to give a little.  Thankfully, I made it through and came out of my first 4 grad classes quite well (although writing a 14 pg. research paper about hell...on my birthday...was a little bit of a downer...)  I have an unspoken prayer request concerning school that I would appreciate your prayers on...so thank you in advance for praying.

I've joined a Bible Study that a friend of mine started.  It is for 20-somethings that are out of college and we are studying The Truth Project.  I'm excited to see God move through this Bible Study, we had a good first meeting and I met some new friends.  If anyone out of college and around our age is interested in this, let me know; we'd love to have more join us!!

Work has increased, especially this month.  Work @ First Baptist is going well, I just love designing different things and using my creativity.  Catering work has been insane this May...we've worked our little tails off...but I love catering weddings, especially because each event is completely different and unique.

This summer offers to be a pretty busy one and I hope to update you throughout the summer about my 'ventures :)  I'm sadly not going overseas, it just was too costly this year, and that absolutely breaks my heart, but I know it was God's will for me this year, and am going to build up the funds for next year.

Well...time to gear up...VBS starts next week and I am the missions director...excited to see what God does next week!! :)

I Refuse

So...it's been a little bit since I last posted; life's just been crazy...you know how it goes!  I've grown so much these past 8 weeks in my graduate study courses!  God's opened my eyes and heart to some amazing things.

I heard a song on the radio yesterday and it just resonated in my heart so much.  There are things going on in and around my life that are of great burden to me.  I hate to see so many people hurting and sad.  It's really been frustrating for me to just sit back and let those who God has put in particular capacities take control of the situations because I want to be doing something to help and comfort others.  After a time of just crying out in desperation to God about these hardships in mine and others lives, this song began playing on K-LOVE.  It's called "I Refuse" by Josh Wilson.

This part of the song was my heart at that very moment:
To stand and watch 
The weary and lost 
Cry out for help.
I refuse
To turn my back 
And try and act like all is well.
I refuse
To stay unchanged,
To wait another day,
To die to myself.
I refuse
To make one more excuse. 

Wow.  God spoke to me through these lyrics.  Understandably, I am not in appropriate leadership positions to handle these problems at this point in my life, so I have to let go in the situations that are going on right now and let those that God has placed in these leadership roles take charge.  However, I realized as I listened to this song that, when I am in these same leadership roles very soon (as I get into the job force), I CANNOT sit back and live like everything is going fine.  I have to get out there and make a difference in other's lives.  I can't wait for someone else to do it because chances are there isn't anyone else who even wants to do it.  I could choose not to move, not to care, and just act like everything is hunky-dory, but I REFUSE.  I must impact others lives.  I must reach those in the kingdom to delve deeper into the kingdom while at the same time reach those outside the kingdom for the kingdom.  People get ready, 'cause Jesus is coming...and that's a whole different blog post... :)

Do you ever feel like a song was written just for you?  I sure do right now.  What a great life-song.

Sometimes I, 

I just want to close my eyes

And act like everyone’s alright 

When I know they’re not.

This world needs God

But it’s easier to stand and watch. 

I could pray a prayer and just move on

Like nothing’s wrong.

But I refuse.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.

I don’t want to say another empty prayer.

Oh, I refuse to

Sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself.

Oh, I could choose

Not to move but I refuse.

I can hear the least of these 

Crying out so desperately, 

And I know we are the hands and feet 

Of you, oh God.

So, if you say move,

Then it’s time for me to follow through,

And do what I was made to do.

Show them who you are.

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.

I don’t want to say another empty prayer.

Oh, I refuse to

Sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself.

Oh, I could choose

Not to move but I refuse.

To stand and watch 

The weary and lost 

Cry out for help.

I refuse

To turn my back 

And try and act like all is well.

I refuse

To stay unchanged,

To wait another day,

To die to myself.

I refuse

To make one more excuse. 

‘Cause I don’t want to live like I don’t care.

I don’t want to say another empty prayer.

Oh, I refuse to

Sit around and wait for someone else

To do what God has called me to do myself.

Oh, I could choose

Not to move but I refuse.

- Josh Wilson

Conquered Fears

"Do not fear for I am with you.  Do not be afraid for I am your God.  I will strengthen you and help you.  I will uphold you with my victorious right hand." - Isaiah 41:10

Today I conquered a fear and it felt great.  It's amazing how fears can grip us and hold us captive.  That's why I love this verse so much...God tells us not to fear because He's there with us and for us! 

We all have fears in this life...spiders, clowns, public speaking, heights, facing those who've hurt us, and the list goes on.  They make us nervous, fill us with dread and anxiety, and consume our mind constantly.  What we have to remember is we can't let those fears hold us down.  It's important to remember when we are going through those difficult fears that God is ever-present and there to carry us through.  Before facing my fear today, I prayed that God would give me strength as I overcame it.  He was there with me through it and I had a peace that passed my mere understanding...it was definitely a God-thing!

Do you have a fear that is gripping you?  Give it to God.  Ask Him to help you conquer it.  Believe me...when you do, you'll be so glad you let go & let God.

Incidently, this is my little sister, Lauren's, favorite verse in the Bible.  She is always quoting it to my family and/or to friends whenever they feel afraid or worried about something.  Thank you "L" for your constant reminder of this verse...it's definitely a good one!

Feeling a Change Coming On?

Isaiah 43:18-19 (The Message):
Forget about what's happened; don't keep going over old history.
Be alert, be present. I'm about to do something brand-new.
It's bursting out! Don't you see it?

Change.  Some like it, some don't.

As you can see, I've changed the look of this blog.  I really like it.  I think it fits my personality!  I hope you like it too.  To me this is a good change.


But sometimes things change and we don't necessarily like it.  We'd rather go back to what we've been accustomed to, what worked, what was convenient.  I understand that, I've felt that way many times too.  Like the time we moved back from Hong Kong.  At the time that was the hardest change I'd ever gone through.  I loved that city...it had become home.  My best friends were there, the church I was able to first serve in was there, my life was just beginning to revolve around this incredible city.  But because it was only a 2 year term, we had to leave and come back to the US.  I had to interact with a culture that I had not interacted with for 2 years...and for a preteen, a lot happens in those 2 years!  At the time, I did not like that change and I spent a lot of crying hours during those few months after we got back.


Sometimes change is scary.  We don't know what to expect, how to react, or what to think about it.  We let this change produce fear that grips us to the point of seemingly insanity.  I get that too...another emotion I've felt in my life.  The story I mentioned above includes feeling this emotion too.  I was so scared of making new friends and fitting in that I let that fear grip me to extreme sadness. 


It wasn't until I stopped thinking about what I had lost and began focusing on what I had that I realized how God was working in my life.  For instance, during that time, I was able to serve more in church...a passion that has continued even until this day.


This verse from Isaiah says to forget about what's happened...it's old news.  It encourages us to be alert -- not fearful or focusing on what will happen. We need to live in the here and now.  He's going to do something completely different in our lives, that we can be sure of.  I think another verse that complements this Isaiah verse is Jeremiah 29:11.

Jeremiah 29:11 (The Message):
I know what I'm doing. I have it all planned out—plans to take care of you, not abandon you, plans to give you the future you hope for.

Change will come, whether we like it or not, God tells us that.  However, God also tells us that He has great plans for us that will prosper us and give us a hope and a future.


So...next time you feel the winds of change blowing around/on you, don't fear and don't think about the past, but embrace the present and consider what God is doing in your life NOW that will in turn affect your future.  God's gonna do great things in your life..that I know.