Assembly 2010

Today is the second day of rehearsals and preparations for the United Methodist Women Assembly 2010.  The rehearsals have been great, especially since it's an opportunity to fellowship with musicians who are on one accord.  Today I walked into the Dome, where the main stage is for the weekend-long conference.  It looks amazing!  The center of the stage is a painting of Earth.  That's where I'll be standing for my solo on Saturday morning.

An overwhelming feeling of gratitude has come over me while standing in the middle of the stage.  God has given me this opportunity to display my gifts on an incredible platform, and I'm expecting a mighty move from Him.  God is about to elevate me, and I'm going to enjoy the ride while maintaining my focus on His will.  Gotta rehearse!

Trying Times

I'm thinking of that Boyz II Men song called "Trying Times" as I'm typing this in church.  I know, I know.  I should be listening to my pastor talk about 2Kings, but I've been a little occupied with recent events that have been going on.  I left my boyfriend of 4 years, and I found out after Easter that my job position is being eliminated effective July 1st.

Although these events are going on, I am not feeling worried, scared, or any kind of negativity about them.  I am reminded that On Christ, the solid rock, I stand; all other ground is sinking sand...  I look at other people who are worried, angry, and even terrified about what's happening.  It's amazing how my maturity in this walk with Christ has helped me deal with issues that pop up like this.  I praise and thank God for the peace that I have.  Even if the door closes with Normandy, I know that another door will open with better things for me.

NEW YORK CITY?!?

I'm blogging from a UMW boarding home in Greenwich Village.  The place is pretty nice, but there are no televisions. I will be sleeping on a twin sized bed (I don't know when was the last time I slept in one!).  There is WIFI though, so I'm able to type on my iPod and/or the laptop in the lobby.  So far, the trip has been nice.  There's plenty of snow here, like every place else.  I'm waiting on delivery from Fat Sal's Pizzeria; wanted an authentic NY pie tonight. 

We rehearse for the UMW Assembly tomorrow with everyone except for two people.  I was asked to bring my violin; I slipped and used my outdated music resume. lol  Anyway, I'll be here in NYC until tomorrow evening. Then I'm off to D.C. for a couple of hours, then back home to STL. 

God continues to bless me, and I'm just glad for the opportunity to use my gifts to praise HIS name.  PIZZA'S HERE!  Gotta go. :-)

New Year, New Beginnings

This post is a month late, but here it is...

Merry New Year!!!  We are now in the year 2010 guys.  Can you believe it?  A new year means a new start; begin things with a new frame of mind.  That's what I'm trying to do regarding the Praise Team at church.  Unfortunately, I'm not really feeling it.

Usually when I go to church, I'm ready to warm up, pray, and give God my praise and worship.  For the past few weeks, I've been ready to get it over with. After talking to a couple of people who are on the team, I started feeling angry.  I recently brought these two ladies to my house to look at different dvd's of various Gospel artists so they could see how other people worship God - just for observation.  For some reason, they thought I wanted them to act like the singers and musicians on the videos.  After telling them that I only wanted to open their eyes to other things that are going on besides what we do, I started shutting down when they would talk to me, or wanna rehearse new music.  I'd start thinking, "Why do new music; it might influence you."

A really popular group is coming to town, and I'm reluctant to telling them about the concert.  I don't want to be an improper influence, so I haven't said anything to them about it.  Maybe I'll change my mind by Sunday; highly doubt it though.

My Family

Here I am between two of the most important women in my life: my mom and sister.  Mama and Cooky got up to hear me when I did my first sermon 8:30 am.  They didn't have to come that early to hear me speak, but they did.  This was one of the most exciting days in my life, and I was truly honored to have shared it with them.

First Sermon

Yesterday I preached my first sermon since answering my call to the ministry.  It was a great experience.  I was so happy to see my family there, along with a few of my friends.  I talked about the Prodigal Son, and I must say it was pretty good.  I can't wait to do my next sermon.

God, is that you???

So I answered my call to the ministry.  I'll deliver my first sermon this Sunday morning.  Since I was told that I would be ministering, I have been trying to figure out what I would be speaking on.  At first I thought I was speaking on bribing God with our fake worship.  Then I was influenced by Psalm 139 that states 'I am fearfully and wonderfully made.'  Now I'm undecided.  Through all of this, I'm wondering if God really wants me to speak on these particular scriptures.  It's hard when you want to do a great job for God.  You basically want to do your best for your parent, ya know.  You don't want to let Daddy down, so you study and study until you fall asleep.  You try to memorize certain scriptures.  You think of what you want to say, yet you want it to sound fresh - not too rehearsed.

I need prayers people.  I'm about to study some more.  Love and peace to you - oh! HAPPY THANKSGIVING!!!!  GOBBLE GOBBLE!!!