I can hardly believe that it's been more than a year since I sang with the worship team at CLC. Wow, what a year it has been! This time last year, we were wondering where God would lead us and where our next home church would be. It was so hard to see the church people we loved scattered to one place or another. Now I can say that God's plans were to grow us all. He has given Mike and Leah a wonderful place to call home and they are being used to help Richard and Andrea do what God has called them to do.
So...now what am I to do? Well, this week I will make my debut with the choir! For nearly 10 years I found my church "identity" in being on the worship team. I held a microphone and tried to lead the congregation in worship every Sunday morning. I'm not the best singer in the crowd, but there was always a place for me. I was always expected to be there early and to be ready to lift the name of Jesus. The past year I have been a spectator....and it's been nice to sit back and enjoy the wonderful music at CFM. Now my time has come...I have joined the choir and we will be singing for the Resurrection service on Sunday. I'm excited and a bit nervous...I hope my voice holds out. It seems a little weak after not singing much for the past year.
I think the best thing that has come of taking a break from singing, is that I appreciate it more now. I appreciate the CFM worship team. I appreciate their hearts and their commitment to God. And I now realize that my "identity" is not found in singing. My identity is found when I lift up holy hands and join with the congregation in praise to the King of Kings and Lord of Lords. He sees me whether I am holding a mic and standing on the platform, or standing in the pews in the midst of the congregation. I am a worshiper...no matter where I stand. I am called to proclaim the goodness of God, no matter who knows my name and who doesn't. I know who I am....I AM HIS!
Monday, April 18, 2011
Sunday, April 10, 2011
A refuge for my children
What an eventful couple of weeks we have had around here. My children have been diving head first in to making big decisions. Business trips, new jobs, new cars and even an engagement! WOW!
It's hard to believe that the babies that I once held, are now adults. It's hard to believe that the toddlers whose hands I held so tightly to keep them from danger, are now fully capable adults. It's hard to believe the children who came to me with homework problems, are now smarter than I am. It's hard to believe that the teenagers who kept me busy with activities are now leaving me behind as they create lives of their own.
It's times like this when I ask myself if I've done enough...if I've done too much. I know that as they were growing up, I trusted God to help me raise them. We publicly dedicated them both to the Lord when they were babies as a sign of our total dependence on God to help us care for the gift he had blessed us with. I have spent countless hours caring for my children...and now I must trust Him that He will keep them as they begin their adult lives.
I came across this scripture today that seemed to sum up my complete confidence in God and His plan for my children. Proverbs 14:26 Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children.
I have raised my children in the reverential awe of God; in the fear of the Lord. I have trusted Him to be the perfect teacher when I have failed. As our lives and roles change, I will also trust Him to be their refuge.
Thank you Lord for being a helper, a friend and a refuge for my children. Amen.
It's hard to believe that the babies that I once held, are now adults. It's hard to believe that the toddlers whose hands I held so tightly to keep them from danger, are now fully capable adults. It's hard to believe the children who came to me with homework problems, are now smarter than I am. It's hard to believe that the teenagers who kept me busy with activities are now leaving me behind as they create lives of their own.
It's times like this when I ask myself if I've done enough...if I've done too much. I know that as they were growing up, I trusted God to help me raise them. We publicly dedicated them both to the Lord when they were babies as a sign of our total dependence on God to help us care for the gift he had blessed us with. I have spent countless hours caring for my children...and now I must trust Him that He will keep them as they begin their adult lives.
I came across this scripture today that seemed to sum up my complete confidence in God and His plan for my children. Proverbs 14:26 Those who fear the LORD are secure; he will be a place of refuge for their children.
I have raised my children in the reverential awe of God; in the fear of the Lord. I have trusted Him to be the perfect teacher when I have failed. As our lives and roles change, I will also trust Him to be their refuge.
Thank you Lord for being a helper, a friend and a refuge for my children. Amen.
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