Today I found a video showing my son’s directorial debut!! I had no idea that he ignored my orders to not touch my camera. (I am still in shock that he did not listen! *Insert sarcasm*) But now I found a family jewel that I didn’t know I had!! Enjoy!

When I woke up this morning I engaged in my daily ritual of WORRY!  As I read Philippians 4:6 again for the millionth time, I thought of this movie.  What would it be like to only be afraid of one thing?  I would just stay away from ladders and elevators, and escalators! (WAIT!! How would I get to the second floor of the mall?)

But I find myself worrying about EVERYTHING!  Seriously, I even find myself ignoring the reality of the day, just so I can process and get through.  But this morning, the Holy Spirit wouldn’t let me.  I opened the ever familar passage that says…

Philippians 4:6-7

⁶ Don’t worry about anything; instead, pray about everything. Tell God what you need, and thank him for all he has done. ⁷ Then you will experience God’s peace, which exceeds anything we can understand. His peace will guard your hearts and minds as you live in Christ Jesus.

So today I chose to believe! I can’t say that I will not worry, but when I do I will remind myself that His peace will guard my heart and mind! All I have to do is pray!!!

And then the question came…”Andrea, what do you feel like your calling is in the ministry?”

I have been asked that numerous times.  I have even questioned myself with that very thought during my own prayer time.  I have always answered the question with something like, “to see God’s people free in worship” or “to lead people into the presence of their Savior”.

But this time the answer came out so quickly, that I didn’t have time to reconsider it.  In a plain and assured voice i exclaimed,”I am an encourager.  I love to see people excel to their greatest potential in the gifts God has given them.”

I realized the place God has brought me in the past few months.  Having been a Music Pastor for the past 10 years, I didn’t realize how much my identity has been wrapped up in a Sunday morning experience.  But that has changed…

I realized that a stage is not the main place for true ministry.

And this verse came to me…

Romans 12:10 “Love each other with genuine affection, and take delight in honoring each other.”

No competition for the larger church, or ministry.  No jealousy over the success of others.  But a true delight in watching others blossom and grow in the gifts our Creator has given!  That’s my prayer today.  That we can rejoice with those who rejoice and mourn with those who mourn.

My Praise and Worship Study Bible from 2002 has been that one for me.

As I sat in my chair in our Study this morning, taking the few moments of solitude granted a mother of 3, I found myself reaching past my pretty leather bound NLT with the cute flower on the front. (And yes that is how I leave my Bible!!! lol!)

And instead I opted for the much more delicate copy of my Father’s Words. (Delicate in packaging, Atomic in content!!!)

As I opened it, carefully holding Psalms-Ezekiel in place, I turned to the Lord’s prayer. In the footnotes of Matthew Chapter 6 it states that some manuscripts add “For Yours is the Kingdom, and Power, and Glory forever. Amen.

There at the bottom I had three things written…

1.Seek God’s Kingdom      2.Depend on God’s Power     3. Live for God’s Glory

My prayer this week,  that I can honor my Savior with these endeavors!

I will never be alone, He’s is faithful with every step
My God will lead me through

I see Your glory on the other side of this valley
I hear redemption’s voice calling my name

In Your hands I find healing
In Your words I am believing
Jesus, You will lead me through

Through this desert of fear
In my anguish I can hear, You singing over me

In Your hands I find healing
In Your words I am believing
Jesus, You will lead me through

Today, I started a book by Beth Moore called “So Long Insecurity”.

And although I would never throw another book away, I did have the urge to put it back on the bookshelf for a later date. It’s funny how God sends us by things shows us another facet of our own mortality. We just need to try to accept our weaknesses and let Him heal them. What is God challenging you with today? Don’t put it off. Face it head on, and with His help you WILL succeed.

Grateful for the the marker I have to clean off the cabinet, because it means my Journey Grace is an artist who loves to express herself. Grateful for the mud and grass stains I have to try to get out of my son’s white baseball pants, because I have an amazing little boy who loves to run and play. Grateful for the explosion of music books I have to clean up off the floor, because my Jordy Faith has fallen in love with the piano.

Today take a SELAH from your stress. Even if it is just for a moment!! And begin to thank God! Because it’s the stress that keeps our life from being boring!!

The Next Christian by Gabe Lyons

(And yes I know the picture is backwards!! lol!!)

Unfortunately it took so much money to get it…now I am broke and can no longer afford starbucks coffee!!!

Oh well!!!

I was at Lee University in the Edna Minor Conn room.  We just had a worship service for my sorority Sigma Nu Sigma and Stephanie Culberson (one of the most beautiful and talented women I have ever met) was playing this amazing song.  I walked up to her and asked her to teach me to play the piano.

So she did! She taught me 4 chords and how to play a chord chart in less than 20 minutes.  I fell in love with playing.  I would go to the Curtsinger Building and sit in the practice rooms for hours, playing the only song I knew.  Eventually I got better and taught myself some new chords.  But to this day I love playing and singing this song.

We sang it last night at Vertical. 12 years ago when I started playing I never thought I would be leading worship from the piano.  I am so thankful my friend took 20 minutes out of her night to show me something that has been a outlet for my worship in such a huge way!!