Christmas Thoughts 2010

This morning I had the privilege to go to Camelot and help pass out gifts that were purchased for kids that live there.  I really had no expectations other than showing up and letting God do His thing.  We took the girls their gifts first. As I watched the kids begin to tear into their bags of goodies … I couldn’t help but hold back tears. They were pulling out coats, shirts, pants, shoes … then I watched a young girl (about the age of 13-15) pull out a cookbook from her bag of goodies.  She was so excited and hugged the lady that gave her the bag.  She kept saying “Thank you … thank you”.  They both eagerly began looking through it.  She then looked up and said, “I looked under the tree last night and saw no gifts.  I didn’t think we were going to get anything.” It simply broke my heart and yet made me thankful for a place that allows these kids to come and get help … it made me thankful that people sacrificed their money to buy gifts for these kids.

We then moved to pass out gifts to the boys.  I was blessed to give a bag of stuff to a little boy who got the same as far as clothing, but also got his set of toys too.  He got a big box of Pirate Legos and a Lego watch … along with some other stuff.  He was most fascinated with the Lego watch.  And … He smiled from the time he came into the room till the time he left.  

What an awesome blessing to be a part of something that means so much on this Christmas day! 

After that, I came home and wrapped my gifts that I had purchased for the my family (a little late … I know) and was greeted by a white Christmas.  When I had left earlier that morning there was just a couple of spots of snow on my deck.  However, in the few short hours I was gone, my yard was completely white.  I got out of the car and just stood there for a few minutes. Again, I had tears in my eyes as I watched the snow fall.  One thing I love about the snow is how quiet it is outside.  Snow truly is peaceful. As if all of that wasn’t enough … drove down to my parents house and had an awesome time of food and fellowship with my family.  

I write this because I know that Christmas isn’t a happy day for a lot of people, but I can’t help but to think of those kids.  They don’t have “family” around … but there was such joy in that place this morning.  They didn’t have a tree full of presents … and yet they were so happy to get the bag of goodies.  I even can’t help but to think of the kids and families around the world who have absolutely nothing and yet have joy. I have been to an area in Nicaragua that makes our poor look wealthy … and yet they smile from ear to ear because they have found the love of Christ. There truly is a joy that can overcome all adversity … there is a peace that can pass all understanding.  My prayer is that everyone reading this finds that peace … and finds that joy.

Merry Christmas to all of you!

New Project

One thing that I haven’t done in many years is to seriously sit down and write.  Tonight on my way home from work, God placed it on my heart to really commit to start work on that new project.  It’s going to be called “My Prayers”. I want this project to be raw … no fancy studio over processed work.  Just a time to hopefully capture a conversation between me and God. I’m not going to put a time limit on it … I don’t want it to be forced and I definitely want it to be from a deep place in my heart and soul.

I desperately covet your prayers as I embark on this new journey. Pray my heart stays pure and open and I don’t get selfish or prideful.

Hopefully, as songs come along, I’ll begin to post them here. 

So, stay tuned ….

Peace~

Cha cha cha changes

Well … most of you know, but obviously some of you don’t.  My roll at Cokesbury is changing.  I am leaving leading worship and moving to video and graphic production.  Both of which are full-time jobs and I simply can’t keep doing both.  I’ll still be involved with the music (singing and playing at all 3 campuses and leading from time to time as needed), just not every week.  I’ve been working at Cokesbury for 8 years and been involved with music here for about 9 1/2 (started with Soulworx).  I’ve learned so much and have grown not only spiritually, but musically.  I can’t say enough thanks to our band and all those involved to making Sundays and Thursdays happen.  

I’m definitely excited about my new position! I’m excited for new opportunities to learn and grow! I can’t wait to see where God is going to lead me! 

Thank you all for the overwhelming thank you during yesterday’s services! All of you made me feel loved … I truly don’t deserve it! :)  I can’t wait for this next chapter and I can’t wait to experience it with Cokesbury!