Thursday, August 18, 2011

A Story That Needs ToBe Told


"I pray that you may be active in sharing your faith, so that you will have a full understanding of every good thing we have in Christ." Philemon 6

My journey in singing started when I was very young. I was still in elementary school. I entered a "when I grow up" speech contest...and I WON! Well...I won the first round. I went to the semi-finals, and there, I placed 3rd. I was one of the youngest students in the competition, if not the youngest. What did I write about? Much to my family's surprise, I wrote about becoming a singer. My parents thought I wanted to be a vet, or a dancer, but definitely NOT a vocalist.

Partly due to my parents shock, partly due to teasing from peers, and mostly due to my self doubt, I didn't re-visit this dream for many, many years.

When I entered highschool, I got involved with the drama club. I L-O-V-E, love singing, acting, and dancing, so I was so excited to be involved. After performing in my first musical, Kismet, I was hooked.

I became a closet vocalist. I found that cheerleading helped me find, and develop my voice because it helped me learn to support it. I finally got the courage to sing in front of people a few times. I shook horribly the first time, but I vowed to keep making myself perform in front of others until I was comfortable with it.

Fast forward...I've done talents shows, and contests, and sang on a couple different church worship teams (which I LOVED) but nothing has really happened with my singing. As much as I would like to make a career out of it...I can't see that ever happening. I prayed for God to take the desire off my heart and out of my mind so that rather than be sad over it, I would never think of it again.

He said no.


I was confused. I didn't know why God would have me continue to do something that I couldn't be successful at. Too often I forget that I am incapable of seeing the big picture, and that I need to just put all my trust in my Father.

Our local festival, which is held annually, was on the horizon, and they always hold a singing competition. I was going to skip it this year. God kept bringing it back up. I finally said "Fine! I will do it. I have no idea what I will sing though." He said I would sing a Christian song to help spread the message of our savior Jesus Christ so that other's might be saved. Ok...but what song. "Here I am to worship" came to mind, but I dismissed it because it is SO popular. The next day Jason told me he thought I should sing the same thing. That was confirmation enough for me. So...I will be singing "Here I am to Worship"...A Cappella. I'm not even sure I know all the words. I've only been able to practice it a few times...but, as He reminds me often, because like a toddler I'm constantly forgetting...It's not about me!

So I will sing my heart out, and pray that I win even one more life for Jesus. If I advance in the competition...wonderful, my song for every round is a Christian choice, and I feel at peace because I truly am not competing for myself this time, which is a wonderful feeling. I pray that God will use me, and that I will bring glory to His name.

I really feel that God is telling me I will be using my singing for something. I am going to try my best to just ride the wave and see where it takes me. I know as long as it's all for His glory, it has to be good! I'll try to update with pictures, and how it goes. :) Thank you so much for stopping by and reading!

Image: Pixomar / FreeDigitalPhotos.net

Monday, August 8, 2011

Cutting the Carbs of Idleness!

I'm guest posting today at Joyful Mothering! Go check out my post on what the "bread of idleness" is, and how you can cut it out of your spiritual diet!

Joyful Mothering

Sunday, August 7, 2011

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

The Homeschool Mother's Journal

In our homeschool this week… I think I have decided that we are going to use My Father's World as our curriculum. Now I just need to decide on an affordable, effective, spanish curriculum for the kids.

Places we’re going and people we’re seeing…This was finally a relaxing week, but we have lots of stuff coming up in the next few weeks!

My favorite thing this week was…when I told Coby to hurry up and get dressed or he could stay home with Brutus and he told me "but Mama, Brutus is not a great talker!"

Questions/thoughts I have…Holy wow...I hope I can begin to make sense of all these different choices before it comes time to choose a curriculum for next year!

Things I’m working on…a new blog!!! Curriculum planning for the Fall. Finalizing plans for this month. A crocheted dress, inter-change-a-bows for my store, and a doily for my mother-in-law.

I’m reading…Anne of Avonlea, Biblical Motherhood

I’m grateful for…my family, my children, and so many other blessings that I've received from God

I’m praying for…the fallen soldiers this week, a ticket to Relevant, provision in our finances, the health of members of my husbands family, and for a few different friends as well.

A photo, video, link, or quote to share…
Eating smores at our backyard campout!