Pushing Through to the Music

Hello everyone!! Sorry for my lapse in blogging duties these past couple of weeks. Life has just been crazy for me! One of the projects I am working on at Kayla's school, which I originally thought would be fun and exciting, has actually turned out to be a frustrating, exhausting, and stressful endeavor. I should be finishing it up in the next few days though, so hopefully things will be looking better soon. It is amazing to me how these types of activities can truly bring out the best and worst in me, I guess that is why God's grace is so abundant!

On an up note, there is one thing I find myself looking forward to all week long.... worship at Ladies Bible study at Calvary Chapel. My dear friend Liz asked me if I would agree to lead it every week, and I don't know if she even realizes what a blessing that has been for me. Once again I find myself so in awe of God's ability to bless us through those simple acts that bless Him.... He is so good! My friend Lynda Bartley is my partner in crime (again) and always manages to bring out the best in me as she sings by my side. And of course, our favorite pianist, Donna Burnett, has been eager to help us along. It has been just like old times for us since the three of us used to lead music at a couple of the CC ladies retreats.

Our ladies have been working through the study of Esther by Beth Moore on Wednesday nights. I have to say, it has been really interesting, although the homework is pretty hefty! No complaints though! What is most exciting is the fire that seems to have reignited at our church! These women are amazing! It is super exciting! I just can't wait to see what God is going to do next! It is no secret that our church has had kind of a tough year with a few personal struggles, but we seem to be finally bouncing back to where God would have us. I suppose it is to be expected that we should hit a few road blocks along the way... I have often heard a church compared to a hospital full of sick people.... And, just like in a hospital, you will have a few patients who are in denial of their sickness, who don't like or agree with the treatment options, and even a few who threaten to sue for malpractice in reaction to the doctor's treatment. It is a sad reality I'm afraid. But, I am proud of the leaders at my church. They have had to make the hard decisions that come along with loving God's people and sometimes it is necessary to say the things that people don't want to hear. "Better is open rebuke than hidden love." (Proverbs 27:4-6) The truly sad reality of it all is that there have been many stones cast towards our church leaders of late for doing precisely as God has instructed them! Of course, our leaders have always responded in love and prayer to each attacker.... I don't know that I would have reacted that way if I were in the same position. It really amazes me! But, I am praying too and God's grace abounds!

Well, off I go to work on the school project and then later to practice for this week's worship. Should be fun! We have picked out an excellent selection of songs that we haven't done in a while!! I pray you all have a wonderful week!!!