All that's gold doesn't glitter...

I can't exactly say that we're moving into the Christmas season now, when Walmart has been playing Christmas tunes for over a month now, but I'm a late shopper. Still before I hit the stores I make sure to stop and take an inventory of what exactly is of value in my life.

The holy spirit turned me on to this article in his usual perfectly timed way. I highly recommend this article in Boundless entitled The Wealthy Ones. It sure puts everything into perspective.

Everything I buy this season will eventually turn to dust. But there is one thing that I can hold fast too that will never change. Thank you God for your steadfast love.

Casting Crowns

This is the song of my heart.

Life Song
Copyright Casting Crowns

Empty Hands held high
Such Small sacrifice
If not joined with my life
I sing in vain tonight

May the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to you
Chorus:
Let my lifesong sing to You
Let my lifesong sing to You
I want to sign your name
to the end of this day
Knowing that my heart was true
Let my lifesong sing to You

LORD, I give my life
A Living sacrifice
To reach a world in need
To be your hands and feet

So may the words I say
And the things I do
Make my lifesong sing
Bring a smile to You

Chorus

Hallelujah, Hallelujah,
Let my lifesong sing to You

For two years every evening my daughter and I settle into my bed to read the Bible. I read it to her, and we stop frequently to discuss things that come up. It's such a precious time to me. When we're done reading she always asks, "Can we talk now?"

And the talks that we have can be serious, or goofy, but they too are precious.

She turned 13 last week. That's an incredible milestone. But every night she still says, "Lets go read the Bible and talk now".

And that is the greatest gift the Lord has ever given me. I know it won't always be like this. There will come a time when we won't read the Word every night. But I'm so grateful for this time that we have together. So grateful that she still /wants/ me to read to her, and that she still wants to talk every night before we sleep.

God is so good.

The Year of Leaning Forward

Our Senior Pastor Jeff Leake started the tradition of 'naming your year' with is wife. It's a cool idea that allows you to give the coming year a 'theme'.

Last year I named my year "Diligence and the Holy Spirit". I was trying to be diligent not only in my faith, but also in my work, and personal life. And I was seeking to become ever closer to the Holy Spirit.

This year is going to be the Year of "Leaning Forward". This phrase "Leaning Forward" has been used around our Church for some time. Pastor Jeff uses it and a very dear friend of mine even named her Blog after the concept. And I feel sad that I do not know the name of the person who originated the phrase with this particular definition so that I can credit him with this clever verbiage.

Our definition of "Leaning Forward" means to lean forward INTO the arms of God. I don't want to lean back into his arms, I want to lean forward aggressively. I want to have that kind of faith.

So here is to the new year, and my Year of Leaning Forward into your arms Lord, trusting in you in all the situations of my life. I will not be prey for any spirit of fear, but I will trust that your Grace is sufficient for me. Amen.

Jeff Deyo

Jeff Deyo - one of the pioneers of modern worship music is going to perform a concert at Allison Park Church tomorrow night: Thursday November 6, 2008, and everyone is invited! The as if this weren't enough to get everyone excited, the concert is also FREE.

I am thrilled for the chance to see Jeff Deyo live and in concert in our own Sanctuary! Jeff was formerly the singer/songwriter for SONICFLOOd on their first two albums. But I didn't know very much about this blessed and talented man until I heard that he was coming to our Church. I would encourage everyone to read this interview with Jeff, as it clearly shows his heart for worship. His music is God-centric, and that's what makes it so powerful and intense.

He speaks about how being a part of a worship band changed his life. How he began to go to work, close the door and sing songs to the Lord - something I can very clearly identify with. Singing to the Lord helps me to remember - as I apply surgery to the days computer - that I do it for God. This gentleman has a heart for the worship of our Lord and Savior, and he gladly shares that with all who will listen! I can't wait to share that with him tomorrow night.

And you're all invite to the concert to help us kick off Harvest Cry!!!

Oh, and please pronounce it DEEyo. *grin*