Posts
To my dearest friends and family,
One of the hardest things to do in a Christian’s life is to wait! I want my blessings and my breakthroughs now! Many Christians would rather make things happen themselves or just completely give up rather than to wait. This is really natural. But it’s important to remember that waiting is not the same as giving up. We are to wait expectantly and to seek and to look for His guidance to take the next step. Sometimes we don’t understand why God would let His people go through trials and struggles, but I believe with every trial, we get wiser and stronger and our faith grows as we see that God is faithful. And most importantly, God gets the glory, not you! Actually, I think as Christians, we would be pretty spoiled and prideful if we got everything we wanted when we wanted it without any effort! Matthew 5:45 says “He causes His sun to rise on the evil and the good, and sends rain on the righteous and the unrighteous.” God never promised an easy, carefree life for His people.
Right now, I've come to a complete standstill with the music ministry. I had to focus on the baby (now I’m 19 weeks pregnant) and it seems that my voice has changed because of hormones and it’s not usually a good idea to spend a lot of money in the recording studio when you have a hormonally altered voice! A year ago, I thought I’d be making a full album this year. I thought huge things were going to happen in 2009! Then I got one reality check after another. The next thing I knew, I could only record four songs because that is all I could afford. Then, the whole music making process was so stressful and I was facing harder decisions than I ever imagined so I had to take a step back! Now that I've been resting, I feel like I could possibly move forward, but it isn't wise because of my voice, and I also feel that God has given me a bigger responsibility right now, which is taking care of the baby. I don’t even know when I’ll have the opportunity to pick it back up! Maybe I will after I have the baby in 2010; maybe not! But I’m trusting that God has a plan for me and He has a perfect timing! Isaiah 40:31 says: “But they that wait upon the LORD shall renew their strength; they shall mount up with wings as eagles; they shall run, and not be weary; and they shall walk, and not faint.”
Whenever I find myself trying hard to make things happen that are just not working, I get extremely stressed out and begin to lean on my own understanding (Proverbs 3:5-6), which for men, is usually doubting and using the wrong means to make things work! When I give it over to the Lord and wait on Him, He gives me a peace and a rest! Right now, I’m resting, and it has honestly been a big relief! As much as it has been disappointing that things did not happen when I wanted them to, I am so thankful for God’s rest, and trusting that when His time comes, He will let me know, and I will be running and soaring!
I hope this encourages you as you are waiting on God’s promises. Stand on God’s promises, not the devil’s lies!
God bless,
Sarah
P.S. Our baby is supposed to be a girl, and we are naming her Cloey or Khloe!
Tuesday, October 13, 2009
Wednesday, September 2, 2009
Partakers of Christ's Sufferings
Hello friends and family,
It’s been a long time since I’ve written so I thought I’d write today. August was a really crazy month. I have been collaborating with Eric Byrd on music for four of my songs. Then, I thought I was ready to record but had a couple monkey wrenches thrown into my plans! For one, without going into any detail, there was a lot of drama and what seemed like opposition to me throughout the whole music making process. Also, as many of you know, I had a couple of scares with my baby (I’m 13 weeks pregnant) that brought me to the hospital twice so far. But there’s been a lot of prayer and support, and right now, the doctor/nurses are saying that baby looks great, has a strong heart rate and movement, and is a good size for how far along he/she is. I’m believing and hoping for the best. It’s quite possible that the stress of trying to orchestrate everything with the music and get it done while I’m pregnant is what got to me, so that’s why I’m resolving to make the baby my only priority right now and take a rest from music, as much as I want to get this done yesterday! My mother-in-law and husband have been taking good care of me and my son so that I can rest, thank God!
I’ll share a post from David Wilkerson’s (founding pastor of Times Square Church in New York City) blog that really spoke to me in my current situation and maybe it will speak to you too:
"Stop trying to figure out how and why you got hurt. Your situation is not unique at all. Whether you were right or wrong means absolutely nothing at this point. All that matters is your willingness to move on in God and trust his mysterious workings in your life.
'…Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy' (1 Peter 4:12, 13).
Most likely you did what you had to do. You moved in the will of God, honestly following your heart, willing to give of yourself. Love was your motivation. You did not abort the will of God, someone else did. If that were not true, you would not be the one who is hurting so. You are hurt because you tried to be honest.
You can’t understand why things blew up in your face, when God seemed to be leading all along. Your heart asks, 'Why did God allow me to get into this in the first place if he knew it would never work out right?' Even Judas was called by the Lord; he was destined to be a man of God. He was handpicked by the Savior and was used of God. But Judas aborted God’s plan and broke the heart of Jesus! What started out as a plan of God ended in disaster because Judas chose to go his own way.
Lay off all your guilt trips. Stop condemning yourself. Stop trying to figure out what you did wrong. It is what you are thinking right now that really counts with God. You did not make a mistake; more than likely, you simply gave too much. Like Paul, you have to say, 'The more I loved, the less I was loved' (see 2 Corinthians 12:15)."
I can’t say I agree with this word for word, but overall, the message was really timely and encouraging. Also, some of you know I was a big fan of Danny Gokey on American Idol last season. He is a Christian and sang a lot of inspirational songs with passion, conviction, and soul during the show. He just got signed to a record label who is taking him in the direction of country music with a soulful edge, due to his excellent delivery of Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood songs on American Idol. This instantly made me think of a country song I wrote called “He’s Not Finished With You”, and I just wanted to tell you that I secretly (or not so secretly) wish that he could sing this song! I think it would fit perfectly with his life testimony and singing style. I just wanted to put it out there so you can pray for me and maybe give advice/tips on how one goes about doing this? I think it’s worth a shot.
God bless and thanks for keeping in touch.
Love you all!
Sarah
It’s been a long time since I’ve written so I thought I’d write today. August was a really crazy month. I have been collaborating with Eric Byrd on music for four of my songs. Then, I thought I was ready to record but had a couple monkey wrenches thrown into my plans! For one, without going into any detail, there was a lot of drama and what seemed like opposition to me throughout the whole music making process. Also, as many of you know, I had a couple of scares with my baby (I’m 13 weeks pregnant) that brought me to the hospital twice so far. But there’s been a lot of prayer and support, and right now, the doctor/nurses are saying that baby looks great, has a strong heart rate and movement, and is a good size for how far along he/she is. I’m believing and hoping for the best. It’s quite possible that the stress of trying to orchestrate everything with the music and get it done while I’m pregnant is what got to me, so that’s why I’m resolving to make the baby my only priority right now and take a rest from music, as much as I want to get this done yesterday! My mother-in-law and husband have been taking good care of me and my son so that I can rest, thank God!
I’ll share a post from David Wilkerson’s (founding pastor of Times Square Church in New York City) blog that really spoke to me in my current situation and maybe it will speak to you too:
"Stop trying to figure out how and why you got hurt. Your situation is not unique at all. Whether you were right or wrong means absolutely nothing at this point. All that matters is your willingness to move on in God and trust his mysterious workings in your life.
'…Think it not strange concerning the fiery trial which is to try you, as though some strange thing happened unto you: But rejoice, inasmuch as ye are partakers of Christ’s sufferings; that, when his glory shall be revealed, ye may be glad also with exceeding joy' (1 Peter 4:12, 13).
Most likely you did what you had to do. You moved in the will of God, honestly following your heart, willing to give of yourself. Love was your motivation. You did not abort the will of God, someone else did. If that were not true, you would not be the one who is hurting so. You are hurt because you tried to be honest.
You can’t understand why things blew up in your face, when God seemed to be leading all along. Your heart asks, 'Why did God allow me to get into this in the first place if he knew it would never work out right?' Even Judas was called by the Lord; he was destined to be a man of God. He was handpicked by the Savior and was used of God. But Judas aborted God’s plan and broke the heart of Jesus! What started out as a plan of God ended in disaster because Judas chose to go his own way.
Lay off all your guilt trips. Stop condemning yourself. Stop trying to figure out what you did wrong. It is what you are thinking right now that really counts with God. You did not make a mistake; more than likely, you simply gave too much. Like Paul, you have to say, 'The more I loved, the less I was loved' (see 2 Corinthians 12:15)."
I can’t say I agree with this word for word, but overall, the message was really timely and encouraging. Also, some of you know I was a big fan of Danny Gokey on American Idol last season. He is a Christian and sang a lot of inspirational songs with passion, conviction, and soul during the show. He just got signed to a record label who is taking him in the direction of country music with a soulful edge, due to his excellent delivery of Rascal Flatts and Carrie Underwood songs on American Idol. This instantly made me think of a country song I wrote called “He’s Not Finished With You”, and I just wanted to tell you that I secretly (or not so secretly) wish that he could sing this song! I think it would fit perfectly with his life testimony and singing style. I just wanted to put it out there so you can pray for me and maybe give advice/tips on how one goes about doing this? I think it’s worth a shot.
God bless and thanks for keeping in touch.
Love you all!
Sarah
Saturday, August 8, 2009
He's Not Finished With You!
Hey peeps!
So I’m turning 30 this year and sometimes I think, like many people probably do, that I’d be further in my calling in life...that I’d be doing more for the kingdom of God by age 30. Some of my friends went to a Joyce Meyer conference in Hershey, PA this weekend. I so wanted to go but couldn’t make it, but Joyce Meyer didn’t start her ministry until her early 30's, and it didn’t have far reaching impact until much later. Now she’s in her 60’s and going strong! That is part of why she’s so inspiring to me. The truth is, God can use anyone at any age. Look at Sara, Abraham’s wife in the Bible...He didn’t begin to use her to be the mother of many generations and nations of Israelites until she was 90! Satan will lie to you (John 8:44), and remind you of all the mistakes you made and tell you you’re useless or you’re too old or you’re too ugly, etc...don’t let the devil lie to you! Stand on the promises God has made to you! The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6: “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
The Word also encourages us not to be “double minded”….in other words, not have some faith mixed with some doubt…to be steadfast in believing God’s Word!...
James 1:2-18 says:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created."
Often, when something I wanted for a long time (years and years) finally comes...my hubby seems a little sheepish that it took us so long to get it, but then I remind him, we can appreciate blessings (and victory) sooo much more when we've waited so long and worked so hard for it...we can really enjoy it!
Finally, I will leave you with some lyrics from my song “Nobody Told Me”…despite all of the trials and hardships in life, “You can be wise, you can survive, you can arise, be more than alive; You can fly above all the lies; keep going high into sky; you can believe in your dreams; you can achieve almost anything! (Philippians 4:13) So get on your knees so you can see what I’m telling you”….
Keep the faith!! Feel free to post a comment on my blog about how God is still using you! What are the promises He made to you in secret that you must shout to the world?! (Matthew 10:27)
Love,
Sarah
So I’m turning 30 this year and sometimes I think, like many people probably do, that I’d be further in my calling in life...that I’d be doing more for the kingdom of God by age 30. Some of my friends went to a Joyce Meyer conference in Hershey, PA this weekend. I so wanted to go but couldn’t make it, but Joyce Meyer didn’t start her ministry until her early 30's, and it didn’t have far reaching impact until much later. Now she’s in her 60’s and going strong! That is part of why she’s so inspiring to me. The truth is, God can use anyone at any age. Look at Sara, Abraham’s wife in the Bible...He didn’t begin to use her to be the mother of many generations and nations of Israelites until she was 90! Satan will lie to you (John 8:44), and remind you of all the mistakes you made and tell you you’re useless or you’re too old or you’re too ugly, etc...don’t let the devil lie to you! Stand on the promises God has made to you! The Bible says in Hebrews 11:6: “without faith it is impossible to please God, because anyone who comes to Him must believe that He exists and that He rewards those who earnestly seek Him.”
The Word also encourages us not to be “double minded”….in other words, not have some faith mixed with some doubt…to be steadfast in believing God’s Word!...
James 1:2-18 says:
"Consider it pure joy, my brothers, whenever you face trials of many kinds, because you know that the testing of your faith develops perseverance. Perseverance must finish its work so that you may be mature and complete, not lacking anything. If any of you lacks wisdom, he should ask God, who gives generously to all without finding fault, and it will be given to him. But when he asks, he must believe and not doubt, because he who doubts is like a wave of the sea, blown and tossed by the wind. That man should not think he will receive anything from the Lord; he is a double-minded man, unstable in all he does. The brother in humble circumstances ought to take pride in his high position. But the one who is rich should take pride in his low position, because he will pass away like a wild flower. For the sun rises with scorching heat and withers the plant; its blossom falls and its beauty is destroyed. In the same way, the rich man will fade away even while he goes about his business. Blessed is the man who perseveres under trial, because when he has stood the test, he will receive the crown of life that God has promised to those who love him. When tempted, no one should say, "God is tempting me." For God cannot be tempted by evil, nor does he tempt anyone; but each one is tempted when, by his own evil desire, he is dragged away and enticed. Then, after desire has conceived, it gives birth to sin; and sin, when it is full-grown, gives birth to death. Don't be deceived, my dear brothers. Every good and perfect gift is from above, coming down from the Father of the heavenly lights, who does not change like shifting shadows. He chose to give us birth through the word of truth, that we might be a kind of first fruits of all he created."
Often, when something I wanted for a long time (years and years) finally comes...my hubby seems a little sheepish that it took us so long to get it, but then I remind him, we can appreciate blessings (and victory) sooo much more when we've waited so long and worked so hard for it...we can really enjoy it!
Finally, I will leave you with some lyrics from my song “Nobody Told Me”…despite all of the trials and hardships in life, “You can be wise, you can survive, you can arise, be more than alive; You can fly above all the lies; keep going high into sky; you can believe in your dreams; you can achieve almost anything! (Philippians 4:13) So get on your knees so you can see what I’m telling you”….
Keep the faith!! Feel free to post a comment on my blog about how God is still using you! What are the promises He made to you in secret that you must shout to the world?! (Matthew 10:27)
Love,
Sarah
Tuesday, July 28, 2009
Expecting Good Things
Hello all!
It has been too long since I've written, probably because I haven't been feeling well. But I haven't been feeling well because I am expecting my second baby sometime near March 8, 2010! It's interesting how before a mother can have a baby, she must endure a lot of trials, morning sickness, inability to sleep well, aches and pains, and of course the big hurdle of labor and delivery! It's also interesting how the worst pain comes right before the blessing...I have been fortunate to hear the preachings of Evangelist Danette Crawford of Joy Ministries many times, and she speaks a lot about how God prepares us for our calling in life, and for the next phase in life. At one of her conferences in Virginia, she illustrated how sometimes there is just a thin paper (metaphorically) between us and our next breakthrough; we just have to break through it! When things get tough, if we knew we were so close, we wouldn't so easily give up. A laboring mother knows that baby is coming out any minute, so she doesn't give up. Likewise, we should always know and trust in God that our next breakthrough is coming. Keep the hope and never give up!
This concept has kept me going lately, because the process leading up to recording my songs has been a difficult road. This is something that's been in my heart for well over a year. Really, it's been probably at least 10 years, but over a year since I started writing the songs. I'm someone who didn't have the money, the confidence, or the ability to do anything besides write the lyrics and sing the melody. I don't write chords or play any instruments so it's tough for someone in this position to go anywhere with their music. It would have been easy for me to give up on the idea altogether or settle for something less than I knew what God had for me...but I feel led by the Holy Spirit to keep pressing, and when obstacles arise, I still feel a peace and feel encouraged that in the end, it is going to be great and my labor will not be in vain! Please pray for me during this process of music making, and most of all, that the music will be annointed and that God will open the doors for the music to be heard so that it can draw hearts closer to Him. I would also like for people to join me in faith that these few songs I am recording right now are not the end, and that I will be able to do more in the future.
One thing coming up locally, in the immediate future, is a Christian Coffee House night. It's at the Westminster First Church of God on August 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. The location is 27 North Center Street in Westminster, MD. There will be musical performances, poetry readings, and light refreshments. If you write or are musically inclined and are interested in participating, you can contact Sister Brenda Clarke at 410-596-2097. Or you can contact me (sarahvministry@gmail.com) and let me know what you're thinking and I can pass the information onto her. In any event, I hope you can make it! I hope to be singing one or two songs myself. Admission is free, and the church will be collecting donations to help cover the cost of refreshments.
God bless you!
Love,
Sarah
It has been too long since I've written, probably because I haven't been feeling well. But I haven't been feeling well because I am expecting my second baby sometime near March 8, 2010! It's interesting how before a mother can have a baby, she must endure a lot of trials, morning sickness, inability to sleep well, aches and pains, and of course the big hurdle of labor and delivery! It's also interesting how the worst pain comes right before the blessing...I have been fortunate to hear the preachings of Evangelist Danette Crawford of Joy Ministries many times, and she speaks a lot about how God prepares us for our calling in life, and for the next phase in life. At one of her conferences in Virginia, she illustrated how sometimes there is just a thin paper (metaphorically) between us and our next breakthrough; we just have to break through it! When things get tough, if we knew we were so close, we wouldn't so easily give up. A laboring mother knows that baby is coming out any minute, so she doesn't give up. Likewise, we should always know and trust in God that our next breakthrough is coming. Keep the hope and never give up!
This concept has kept me going lately, because the process leading up to recording my songs has been a difficult road. This is something that's been in my heart for well over a year. Really, it's been probably at least 10 years, but over a year since I started writing the songs. I'm someone who didn't have the money, the confidence, or the ability to do anything besides write the lyrics and sing the melody. I don't write chords or play any instruments so it's tough for someone in this position to go anywhere with their music. It would have been easy for me to give up on the idea altogether or settle for something less than I knew what God had for me...but I feel led by the Holy Spirit to keep pressing, and when obstacles arise, I still feel a peace and feel encouraged that in the end, it is going to be great and my labor will not be in vain! Please pray for me during this process of music making, and most of all, that the music will be annointed and that God will open the doors for the music to be heard so that it can draw hearts closer to Him. I would also like for people to join me in faith that these few songs I am recording right now are not the end, and that I will be able to do more in the future.
One thing coming up locally, in the immediate future, is a Christian Coffee House night. It's at the Westminster First Church of God on August 15 from 6 to 8 p.m. The location is 27 North Center Street in Westminster, MD. There will be musical performances, poetry readings, and light refreshments. If you write or are musically inclined and are interested in participating, you can contact Sister Brenda Clarke at 410-596-2097. Or you can contact me (sarahvministry@gmail.com) and let me know what you're thinking and I can pass the information onto her. In any event, I hope you can make it! I hope to be singing one or two songs myself. Admission is free, and the church will be collecting donations to help cover the cost of refreshments.
God bless you!
Love,
Sarah
Thursday, July 9, 2009
God uses the willing, not the qualified...
Hey there!
I haven't had much to speak of lately because possible doors are opening, but I never know if they're going to shut back up so I don't want to speak of something to come too prematurely. I was told I would be able to participate in something this month but it fell through, and that's why I'd rather wait until something is happening until I let you know!
This brings to mind an important point in the Bible in Matthew 5:34-37: "But I tell you, do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." This means there is no need to swear or promise because we should be people of our words! Don't you ever get tired of people who don't follow through with what they said? Be a person of integrity and do what you said! When people tell me they're going to do something, I really count on it, maybe naively at this point, but because I always strive to follow through with my word, I take people at face value.
I haven't been up to that much lately for the ministry. I've just been trying to perfect my songs and get them ready to possibly record. I've been studying the Bible and Bible-based books. The Bible says to study to show yourself approved, and that's exactly what I'm working on!
I have also had the priviledge to start working with a young girl in our church for private voice lessons. I got a very timely blessing of vocal technique CD's that I am working with her on. After I agreed to help her, God provided the CDs! The Lord will provide when you take a step of faith! I'm also working with a friend to help our church teens with putting together songs to perform at church. My friend, Trish, and I did not feel ready or quite knew how this was going to work with the teens, but just as I knew He would, the Lord is working through our willingness and through those teens! They have already blessed Trish and I tremendously with their enthusiasm and hearts of worship and praise. I believe big things will come of this in our church!
Know that God uses the humble and willing, not necessarily who the world would consider "qualified"! So I encourage you to have a willing heart for whatever the Lord would lead you to do. He will show you a need or give you a vision of something to come. He will plant the desire in your heart...
Well, keep in touch with me and keep me in prayers! God bless!
Love,
Sarah
I haven't had much to speak of lately because possible doors are opening, but I never know if they're going to shut back up so I don't want to speak of something to come too prematurely. I was told I would be able to participate in something this month but it fell through, and that's why I'd rather wait until something is happening until I let you know!
This brings to mind an important point in the Bible in Matthew 5:34-37: "But I tell you, do not swear at all: either by heaven, for it is God's throne; or by the earth, for it is his footstool; or by Jerusalem, for it is the city of the Great King. And do not swear by your head, for you cannot make even one hair white or black. Simply let your 'Yes' be 'Yes,' and your 'No,' 'No'; anything beyond this comes from the evil one." This means there is no need to swear or promise because we should be people of our words! Don't you ever get tired of people who don't follow through with what they said? Be a person of integrity and do what you said! When people tell me they're going to do something, I really count on it, maybe naively at this point, but because I always strive to follow through with my word, I take people at face value.
I haven't been up to that much lately for the ministry. I've just been trying to perfect my songs and get them ready to possibly record. I've been studying the Bible and Bible-based books. The Bible says to study to show yourself approved, and that's exactly what I'm working on!
I have also had the priviledge to start working with a young girl in our church for private voice lessons. I got a very timely blessing of vocal technique CD's that I am working with her on. After I agreed to help her, God provided the CDs! The Lord will provide when you take a step of faith! I'm also working with a friend to help our church teens with putting together songs to perform at church. My friend, Trish, and I did not feel ready or quite knew how this was going to work with the teens, but just as I knew He would, the Lord is working through our willingness and through those teens! They have already blessed Trish and I tremendously with their enthusiasm and hearts of worship and praise. I believe big things will come of this in our church!
Know that God uses the humble and willing, not necessarily who the world would consider "qualified"! So I encourage you to have a willing heart for whatever the Lord would lead you to do. He will show you a need or give you a vision of something to come. He will plant the desire in your heart...
Well, keep in touch with me and keep me in prayers! God bless!
Love,
Sarah
Saturday, June 27, 2009
Taste and See...
Hello Friends and Family!
I have been hearing a lot about death lately and am once again reminded and sobered by how short life is. I have quoted this scripture before. In Ephesians 6:15-20, the Word reminds us to make the most of life and every opportunity:
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
In James 4:14 and 17, the Word again reminds us that life is short and we need to do good in our short life:
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
However, God’s is gracious, loving, and merciful!! I was so excited this morning to find out that in the end, Michael Jackson received Jesus Christ as his savior. Several weeks ago, Sandra and Andre Crouch spent some time with Michael Jackson. Michael asked them to play “It Won’t Be Long and We’ll Be Leaving Here.” Then he prayed with them and accepted Christ into his heart. How the Angels must have been rejoicing! But sadly, you won’t hear about that on TMZ or other Entertainment shows. As most of you probably know, there was a thief who was crucified with Jesus. He expressed his faith in Jesus as he was dying, and Jesus assured him he was saved! There is also a lovely parable in the Bible about how God freely gives of His mercy to those who receive it. In Matt 20:1-16:
"For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. He went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace. To them he said, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. About the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day idle?’ "They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ "He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right.’ When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.’ "When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius. When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius. When they received it, they murmured against the master of the household, saying, ‘These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!’ "But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius? Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you. Isn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen."
As you have probably guessed, this represents the people who were saved in the end versus those who were Christians for years and years. No person is more worthy of His grace than another! You just have to repent of your sins and turn your life over to God and accept His salvation!
Finally, I just wanted to share a little bit of good news. I have been participating in swagbucks.com. This is a site like Google, except you earn points when you search. Then, you can redeem points for prizes. Well, I entered some points I earned into a “swagstakes” for a little keyboard and DVD lessons to learn piano, and I won! This will not only be beneficial for my husband and I to start learning piano, but also for our kids, as the system is actually designed for children to learn piano. Praise God for giving us another desire of our heart! He is good and faithful.
Let me leave you with a final word of encouragement from Psalms 34:8-15:
"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry."
God bless!
Love,
Sarah
I have been hearing a lot about death lately and am once again reminded and sobered by how short life is. I have quoted this scripture before. In Ephesians 6:15-20, the Word reminds us to make the most of life and every opportunity:
"Be very careful, then, how you live—not as unwise but as wise, making the most of every opportunity, because the days are evil. Therefore do not be foolish, but understand what the Lord's will is. Do not get drunk on wine, which leads to debauchery. Instead, be filled with the Spirit. Speak to one another with psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ."
In James 4:14 and 17, the Word again reminds us that life is short and we need to do good in our short life:
"Whereas ye know not what shall be on the morrow. For what is your life? It is even a vapour, that appeareth for a little time, and then vanisheth away. Therefore to him that knoweth to do good, and doeth it not, to him it is sin."
However, God’s is gracious, loving, and merciful!! I was so excited this morning to find out that in the end, Michael Jackson received Jesus Christ as his savior. Several weeks ago, Sandra and Andre Crouch spent some time with Michael Jackson. Michael asked them to play “It Won’t Be Long and We’ll Be Leaving Here.” Then he prayed with them and accepted Christ into his heart. How the Angels must have been rejoicing! But sadly, you won’t hear about that on TMZ or other Entertainment shows. As most of you probably know, there was a thief who was crucified with Jesus. He expressed his faith in Jesus as he was dying, and Jesus assured him he was saved! There is also a lovely parable in the Bible about how God freely gives of His mercy to those who receive it. In Matt 20:1-16:
"For the Kingdom of Heaven is like a man who was the master of a household, who went out early in the morning to hire laborers for his vineyard. When he had agreed with the laborers for a denarius a day, he sent them into his vineyard. He went out about the third hour, and saw others standing idle in the marketplace. To them he said, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and whatever is right I will give you.’ So they went their way. Again he went out about the sixth and the ninth hour, and did likewise. About the eleventh hour he went out, and found others standing idle. He said to them, ‘Why do you stand here all day idle?’ "They said to him, ‘Because no one has hired us.’ "He said to them, ‘You also go into the vineyard, and you will receive whatever is right.’ When evening had come, the lord of the vineyard said to his steward, ‘Call the laborers and pay them their wages, beginning from the last to the first.’ "When those who were hired at about the eleventh hour came, they each received a denarius. When the first came, they supposed that they would receive more; and they likewise each received a denarius. When they received it, they murmured against the master of the household, saying, ‘These last have spent one hour, and you have made them equal to us, who have borne the burden of the day and the scorching heat!’ "But he answered one of them, ‘Friend, I am doing you no wrong. Didn’t you agree with me for a denarius? Take that which is yours, and go your way. It is my desire to give to this last just as much as to you. Isn’t it lawful for me to do what I want to with what I own? Or is your eye evil, because I am good?’ So the last will be first, and the first last. For many are called, but few are chosen."
As you have probably guessed, this represents the people who were saved in the end versus those who were Christians for years and years. No person is more worthy of His grace than another! You just have to repent of your sins and turn your life over to God and accept His salvation!
Finally, I just wanted to share a little bit of good news. I have been participating in swagbucks.com. This is a site like Google, except you earn points when you search. Then, you can redeem points for prizes. Well, I entered some points I earned into a “swagstakes” for a little keyboard and DVD lessons to learn piano, and I won! This will not only be beneficial for my husband and I to start learning piano, but also for our kids, as the system is actually designed for children to learn piano. Praise God for giving us another desire of our heart! He is good and faithful.
Let me leave you with a final word of encouragement from Psalms 34:8-15:
"Taste and see that the LORD is good; blessed is the man who takes refuge in him.
Fear the LORD, you his saints, for those who fear him lack nothing. The lions may grow weak and hungry, but those who seek the LORD lack no good thing. Come, my children, listen to me; I will teach you the fear of the LORD. Whoever of you loves life and desires to see many good days, keep your tongue from evil and your lips from speaking lies. Turn from evil and do good; seek peace and pursue it. The eyes of the LORD are on the righteous and his ears are attentive to their cry."
God bless!
Love,
Sarah
Monday, June 15, 2009
In the Studio!
Hello All!
I was really in my element yesterday, and there’s not much more exciting than that! I was asked to be a backup singer on an R&B Christian album by local artist Rob Howze. He has a youth outreach ministry called World Wide Community. My father took the day off and kept me company and made sure I didn’t get lost! It was about an hour and a half away! But it was really worth it because we had an adventurous day! It was a nice new experience and I think I took out a lot more knowledge about studio work. It really is work. You may think people are just playing and having fun singing in the studio, but it actually quite time consuming and meticulous! Fortunately, Rob sent me a rough copy of the songs weeks ago, so I was able to listen and get it into my spirit, understand how the melody and lyrics go, and start to think about how I can contribute to the songs.
Rob is pretty sharp and spontaneous in his creativity. While I like to plan and work on music for a while in my home, he can come up with things the day of recording! But I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I can be a little spontaneous too, and Rob took a few of my suggestions and implemented them into the recordings. Also, I took note that I want to take a page out of Rob’s collaboration book when I record down the road. He was working with four female singers (myself included) and he had a nice balance of directing the process and listening to and responding to our input. He was also very patient with our mistakes and retakes, because it took a lot of takes to get every part done. We spent over an hour collaborating and practicing two songs, and then over three hours in the studio recording those two songs, and they weren’t even finished! He mostly got the female vocals and will do his vocals later on, and of course there’s mixing and mastering, so I don’t know when I’ll have a copy of these tracks but I’m anxious to hear it. Once I get Rob’s okay, I’ll be sure to share the recordings, probably by uploading them to my MySpace Music site. I wanted to take pictures to share but we were literally too busy for pictures. It was nonstop singing but I loved every minute of it!
Another bit of exciting news is that the guy running the studio really seemed to like what he heard. He took my business card and said he may be contacting me about backing up other artists! Please keep me in prayer to continue going through the right doors and that the Lord will close the doors that I should not enter.
Obedience is really the way! I am finding more and more over time, when I do things that God is leading me to do that I don't feel ready for or I don't know how they will work, by taking a small step of obedience and faith, He does the rest of it for me! God is good and faithful! Hallelujah!
Ephesians 6:7-8: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he
does..."
Thanks for your support and love. God bless!
Love,
Sarah
I was really in my element yesterday, and there’s not much more exciting than that! I was asked to be a backup singer on an R&B Christian album by local artist Rob Howze. He has a youth outreach ministry called World Wide Community. My father took the day off and kept me company and made sure I didn’t get lost! It was about an hour and a half away! But it was really worth it because we had an adventurous day! It was a nice new experience and I think I took out a lot more knowledge about studio work. It really is work. You may think people are just playing and having fun singing in the studio, but it actually quite time consuming and meticulous! Fortunately, Rob sent me a rough copy of the songs weeks ago, so I was able to listen and get it into my spirit, understand how the melody and lyrics go, and start to think about how I can contribute to the songs.
Rob is pretty sharp and spontaneous in his creativity. While I like to plan and work on music for a while in my home, he can come up with things the day of recording! But I was pleasantly surprised to find out that I can be a little spontaneous too, and Rob took a few of my suggestions and implemented them into the recordings. Also, I took note that I want to take a page out of Rob’s collaboration book when I record down the road. He was working with four female singers (myself included) and he had a nice balance of directing the process and listening to and responding to our input. He was also very patient with our mistakes and retakes, because it took a lot of takes to get every part done. We spent over an hour collaborating and practicing two songs, and then over three hours in the studio recording those two songs, and they weren’t even finished! He mostly got the female vocals and will do his vocals later on, and of course there’s mixing and mastering, so I don’t know when I’ll have a copy of these tracks but I’m anxious to hear it. Once I get Rob’s okay, I’ll be sure to share the recordings, probably by uploading them to my MySpace Music site. I wanted to take pictures to share but we were literally too busy for pictures. It was nonstop singing but I loved every minute of it!
Another bit of exciting news is that the guy running the studio really seemed to like what he heard. He took my business card and said he may be contacting me about backing up other artists! Please keep me in prayer to continue going through the right doors and that the Lord will close the doors that I should not enter.
Obedience is really the way! I am finding more and more over time, when I do things that God is leading me to do that I don't feel ready for or I don't know how they will work, by taking a small step of obedience and faith, He does the rest of it for me! God is good and faithful! Hallelujah!
Ephesians 6:7-8: "Serve wholeheartedly, as if you were serving the Lord, not men, because you know that the Lord will reward everyone for whatever good he
does..."
Thanks for your support and love. God bless!
Love,
Sarah
Wednesday, June 3, 2009
A Few Updates
Hello all!
It's been a while since I have written in my blog. I have had a lot going on! Rich's family from California was in town the last couple weeks and I was busy writing Ehow articles as well. You can view my articles at the Ehow website. Among them, I have one for single women about getting a good Christian man!
I want to thank everyone who voted for my song at yourhymn.com! I missed the next round by one vote, but I do appreciate the support I received from almost 40 people!
On May 23, I visited a local church and sang and ministered for a fundraiser for Mason Dixon Youth for Christ, which is an outreach to young people in and around my area. That went pretty well and that is opening doors to sing at other events at that church. Also, I had a couple family members who have fallen away from the church, but they did make it to this function, which I was excited about!
Additionally, I previously put an ad on Craigslist to offer up my services to sing and minister at local Christian functions, churches, weddings, etc. I had someone respond, so the exciting news is that I will be a back up singer on a Christian R&B album! While this is not a paid gig, it should be a great experience and maybe even open doors down the road! I keep reminding myself of the scripture where the Lord says not to despise small beginnings! I have been doing a lot of free gigs, but I am sowing and I trust the Lord that I will reap the rewards of what I sow! Of course, the primary goal is to be a light and a witness and to shine God's glory and Word!
Another bit of exciting news is that I'm looking into other options for recording my songs. As I mentioned before, I am not yet able to afford a professional studio because it normally costs anywhere from $5,000 to tens of thousands of dollars to make an album. Therefore, I am talking to a local church worship leader who has experience with putting together original songs from scratch. He writes songs himself, plays piano and guitar, and has a private set up for recording. I am sure it is a lot more limited than a full blown recording studio, but I feel a lot more at peace about going this route to start working on my music. I am thankful that he has agreed to start working with me very soon!
Finally, I feel that the Lord has been working on a lot of things in me, and one of them is being flexible. I used to be more of a controlling person that had to have my way and have it right now! I hated when plans fell through, but if you are to be used by the Lord, you need to be flexible! I have been noticing more and more as time goes by, when plans fall through, I get over it fast, and I just make new plans! Also, I want to encourage you to be flexible to stop and do what the Lord is calling you to do in the moment, whether it be praying over yourself or someone else, having quiet time to listen to the Lord, praying or witnessing to someone, giving to someone, and agreeing to last minute plans (if you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to), etc.
Romans 8:14 says "those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God". Galatians 5:25 says "since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit". John 16:13 says "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
Be blessed!
Love,
Sarah
It's been a while since I have written in my blog. I have had a lot going on! Rich's family from California was in town the last couple weeks and I was busy writing Ehow articles as well. You can view my articles at the Ehow website. Among them, I have one for single women about getting a good Christian man!
I want to thank everyone who voted for my song at yourhymn.com! I missed the next round by one vote, but I do appreciate the support I received from almost 40 people!
On May 23, I visited a local church and sang and ministered for a fundraiser for Mason Dixon Youth for Christ, which is an outreach to young people in and around my area. That went pretty well and that is opening doors to sing at other events at that church. Also, I had a couple family members who have fallen away from the church, but they did make it to this function, which I was excited about!
Additionally, I previously put an ad on Craigslist to offer up my services to sing and minister at local Christian functions, churches, weddings, etc. I had someone respond, so the exciting news is that I will be a back up singer on a Christian R&B album! While this is not a paid gig, it should be a great experience and maybe even open doors down the road! I keep reminding myself of the scripture where the Lord says not to despise small beginnings! I have been doing a lot of free gigs, but I am sowing and I trust the Lord that I will reap the rewards of what I sow! Of course, the primary goal is to be a light and a witness and to shine God's glory and Word!
Another bit of exciting news is that I'm looking into other options for recording my songs. As I mentioned before, I am not yet able to afford a professional studio because it normally costs anywhere from $5,000 to tens of thousands of dollars to make an album. Therefore, I am talking to a local church worship leader who has experience with putting together original songs from scratch. He writes songs himself, plays piano and guitar, and has a private set up for recording. I am sure it is a lot more limited than a full blown recording studio, but I feel a lot more at peace about going this route to start working on my music. I am thankful that he has agreed to start working with me very soon!
Finally, I feel that the Lord has been working on a lot of things in me, and one of them is being flexible. I used to be more of a controlling person that had to have my way and have it right now! I hated when plans fell through, but if you are to be used by the Lord, you need to be flexible! I have been noticing more and more as time goes by, when plans fall through, I get over it fast, and I just make new plans! Also, I want to encourage you to be flexible to stop and do what the Lord is calling you to do in the moment, whether it be praying over yourself or someone else, having quiet time to listen to the Lord, praying or witnessing to someone, giving to someone, and agreeing to last minute plans (if you feel the Holy Spirit is leading you to), etc.
Romans 8:14 says "those who are led by the Spirit of God are sons of God". Galatians 5:25 says "since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit". John 16:13 says "But when he, the Spirit of truth, comes, he will guide you into all truth. He will not speak on his own; he will speak only what he hears, and he will tell you what is yet to come."
Be blessed!
Love,
Sarah
Thursday, May 14, 2009
No Condemnation in Christ
Hello friends!
I’m sure that you recall in my last blog entry, I challenged myself and all of you to join me in having quiet time with the Lord every day. I am curious how that has gone for you? I am still working on it! I was probably successful two out of every three days, because sometimes I got caught up in other things while Joey (my son) was napping, and his nap/sleep times are usually the only times of the day I can have quiet. Some of you may only have quiet times while you’re driving to work or while you wake up in the middle of the night. Use any opportunity you have to get into God’s presence. I am working on being more disciplined and I am learning that God’s grace and mercy are never ending! We should not live in a state of guilt and condemnation because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, who are filled by His Holy Spirit and set their minds on His guidance (read Romans 8:1-17).
I want to share a new video I made for an original song. It is called Your Sins Are Washed Away, and my primary purpose for writing this song was to help draw the lost/unsaved closer to God and to begin the process of accepting His grace, love, and forgiveness. As Christians, our biggest goal in life, no matter what your occupation or circumstance, should be to shine God’s glory through the fruit of the Spirit. The popular acronym WWJD asks the question “What would Jesus do?” in any given situation. This is a really a great question to ask yourself daily. Jesus lived by the fruits of the Spirit. In Matthew 7:16, Jesus says that you can identify His people by their fruit. There isn’t a much better explanation, in the Word, of the difference between living by the sinful nature versus living by the Holy Spirit than in Galatians 5:16-25. I used Webster to help elaborate some of the words in parenthesis:
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery (extreme indulgence in sensuality); idolatry (the worship of a physical object or something as a god) and witchcraft (the use of sorcery or magic); hatred, discord (promoting quarreling or conflict), jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions (a tendency to quarrels and disputes), factions (cliques) and envy; drunkenness, orgies (many definitions by Webster), and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness (being reliable and trustworthy), gentleness (free from harshness, sternness, and violence) and self-control (restraint over one’s impulses, emotions, and desires). Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
I will leave you with my new video.
God bless you!
Love,
Sarah
P.S. On a lighter note, agree with me in prayer that Danny Gokey (from American Idol) will sign a recording contract for a Christian Gospel album! That would be so awesome!
I’m sure that you recall in my last blog entry, I challenged myself and all of you to join me in having quiet time with the Lord every day. I am curious how that has gone for you? I am still working on it! I was probably successful two out of every three days, because sometimes I got caught up in other things while Joey (my son) was napping, and his nap/sleep times are usually the only times of the day I can have quiet. Some of you may only have quiet times while you’re driving to work or while you wake up in the middle of the night. Use any opportunity you have to get into God’s presence. I am working on being more disciplined and I am learning that God’s grace and mercy are never ending! We should not live in a state of guilt and condemnation because there is no condemnation for those who are in Christ, who are filled by His Holy Spirit and set their minds on His guidance (read Romans 8:1-17).
I want to share a new video I made for an original song. It is called Your Sins Are Washed Away, and my primary purpose for writing this song was to help draw the lost/unsaved closer to God and to begin the process of accepting His grace, love, and forgiveness. As Christians, our biggest goal in life, no matter what your occupation or circumstance, should be to shine God’s glory through the fruit of the Spirit. The popular acronym WWJD asks the question “What would Jesus do?” in any given situation. This is a really a great question to ask yourself daily. Jesus lived by the fruits of the Spirit. In Matthew 7:16, Jesus says that you can identify His people by their fruit. There isn’t a much better explanation, in the Word, of the difference between living by the sinful nature versus living by the Holy Spirit than in Galatians 5:16-25. I used Webster to help elaborate some of the words in parenthesis:
“So I say, live by the Spirit, and you will not gratify the desires of the sinful nature. For the sinful nature desires what is contrary to the Spirit, and the Spirit what is contrary to the sinful nature. They are in conflict with each other, so that you do not do what you want. But if you are led by the Spirit, you are not under law. The acts of the sinful nature are obvious: sexual immorality, impurity and debauchery (extreme indulgence in sensuality); idolatry (the worship of a physical object or something as a god) and witchcraft (the use of sorcery or magic); hatred, discord (promoting quarreling or conflict), jealousy, fits of rage, selfish ambition, dissensions (a tendency to quarrels and disputes), factions (cliques) and envy; drunkenness, orgies (many definitions by Webster), and the like. I warn you, as I did before, that those who live like this will not inherit the kingdom of God. But the fruit of the Spirit is love, joy, peace, patience, kindness, goodness, faithfulness (being reliable and trustworthy), gentleness (free from harshness, sternness, and violence) and self-control (restraint over one’s impulses, emotions, and desires). Against such things there is no law. Those who belong to Christ Jesus have crucified the sinful nature with its passions and desires. Since we live by the Spirit, let us keep in step with the Spirit.”
I will leave you with my new video.
God bless you!
Love,
Sarah
P.S. On a lighter note, agree with me in prayer that Danny Gokey (from American Idol) will sign a recording contract for a Christian Gospel album! That would be so awesome!
Monday, May 4, 2009
Word of God Speak
Hey friends,
I recently had a realization that I usually write my blogs on Sundays or Mondays. That's because my spirit is freshly fed and inspired by Sunday church! There's a LOT to be said about going to church. Christians aren't (or shouldn't be) going to church to go through the motions or because they feel obligated to. If we open up our minds, hearts, and souls, we can be fed from the manna of heaven! The sad thing is, I also realize I should be inspired every day, not just Sundays.
My mother-in-law sang "Word of God Speak" yesterday. It's one of those songs most people hear and think it's really pretty, but you don't really think about the meaning or let it minister to you, but when someone delivers a song with a few choice words beforehand, it can have such a big impact. Myself, I've heard it dozens of times without really thinking about it. Yesterday, my mother-in-law spoke about how our times of waiting in the Lord may seem kind of like torture to us (my translation), but they are relished by God, and they can be relished by us too! We should be spending time in His presence every day, not just praying, not just reading the Word, not just listening to uplifting music, but silently in His presence waiting expectantly and eagerly for a word from Him. Actually, I don't know ANYONE who does this better than my mother-in-law...I lived with her for three years before my husband and I moved into our own home, and she spent time with the Lord the first thing every morning, and I don't know anyone who displays the fruits of the spirit better than her either! Joy, peace, love, goodness, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, faithfulness, and temperance. My pastor's wife, Sister Marge, is another great example of someone who displays these fruits of the spirit so beautifully.
Will you join me in doing this at least 10 minutes every day, without any outside or inside distractions? I want to start doing this! I've been thinking about how I can be productive in this time of waiting and besides trying to read the Word and work on music, it has kind of eluded me, and after yesterday, I have realized, I really just need to rest in the Lord. I started today for 10 minutes...every time I do this (and it's been a while), I feel so strongly His presence and love, that it brings me to tears...every time!! He IS our daily bread and drink. As for a Word from the Lord I received today, the only thing I heard was that I need to do this every day and I will hear more and more from Him, and He will make my path so clear.
I will leave you with a video for "Word of God Speak".
God bless!
Sarah
I recently had a realization that I usually write my blogs on Sundays or Mondays. That's because my spirit is freshly fed and inspired by Sunday church! There's a LOT to be said about going to church. Christians aren't (or shouldn't be) going to church to go through the motions or because they feel obligated to. If we open up our minds, hearts, and souls, we can be fed from the manna of heaven! The sad thing is, I also realize I should be inspired every day, not just Sundays.
My mother-in-law sang "Word of God Speak" yesterday. It's one of those songs most people hear and think it's really pretty, but you don't really think about the meaning or let it minister to you, but when someone delivers a song with a few choice words beforehand, it can have such a big impact. Myself, I've heard it dozens of times without really thinking about it. Yesterday, my mother-in-law spoke about how our times of waiting in the Lord may seem kind of like torture to us (my translation), but they are relished by God, and they can be relished by us too! We should be spending time in His presence every day, not just praying, not just reading the Word, not just listening to uplifting music, but silently in His presence waiting expectantly and eagerly for a word from Him. Actually, I don't know ANYONE who does this better than my mother-in-law...I lived with her for three years before my husband and I moved into our own home, and she spent time with the Lord the first thing every morning, and I don't know anyone who displays the fruits of the spirit better than her either! Joy, peace, love, goodness, longsuffering, gentleness, meekness, faithfulness, and temperance. My pastor's wife, Sister Marge, is another great example of someone who displays these fruits of the spirit so beautifully.
Will you join me in doing this at least 10 minutes every day, without any outside or inside distractions? I want to start doing this! I've been thinking about how I can be productive in this time of waiting and besides trying to read the Word and work on music, it has kind of eluded me, and after yesterday, I have realized, I really just need to rest in the Lord. I started today for 10 minutes...every time I do this (and it's been a while), I feel so strongly His presence and love, that it brings me to tears...every time!! He IS our daily bread and drink. As for a Word from the Lord I received today, the only thing I heard was that I need to do this every day and I will hear more and more from Him, and He will make my path so clear.
I will leave you with a video for "Word of God Speak".
God bless!
Sarah
Friday, April 24, 2009
Lovely Day
Hey there friends!
I don't have many updates in the way of my ministry. In a month, as many of you know, I am participating in the Hymn Sing fundraiser for Youth for Christ at the First Church of God of Westminster. You can see my upcoming events if you are my friend on myspace or facebook. Actually, you can see my myspace even if you don't have an account. It's at http://www.myspace.com/sarahvministry and on facebook, just look up my name and you'll recognize my face. :) Right now, I just have two events and haven't put the second one up because it's too early. I am confident the Lord will open doors for me and start to fill up my calendar more! In the meantime, I'm enjoying life and being productive with my time. I am working on music and Bible studying so that I will be ready to step out when God calls me to.
A few nights ago, I went to a local coffeehouse with a girlfriend. She also has kids and every once in a while, we like to get away. We both try to be thrifty with our money so we rarely eat out together. We just go to a coffeehouse and get a coffee and talk for hours. I love the fellowship! Anyway, I didn't know that I was walking into an "open mic night" at this coffeehouse. I have never been to one before, but I always wanted to try it. Needless to say, I had no musicians to back me up and didn't specifically prepare anything to sing, but the Word says in 2 Timothy 4:2: "be prepared in season and out of season." So I put my name on the sign-up list, and when I went up, I spoke a few words about my salvation and sang a couple of my original songs a cappella. I still don't know what impact, if any, was made, but it was a really positive experience for me, and someone expressed interest in my visiting and ministering at a church function.
I have noticed a lot recently the Holy Spirit directing me to suddenly step into things I wasn't prepared for. I can already see that this is helping me grow and be more flexible. We can be so much more powerfully used if we are only available to God!
I just want to encourage you that every time you boldly follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, you will be blessed and other people will be blessed by it. In Christ, there's no more need to be fearful. We are new creatures in Christ. All the old things have passed away, so anything anyone ever told you that you negative about yourself, or anything you even believe about yourself and boxes you put yourself in, you need to get rid of that stinkin' thinkin' and let God turn you around!
God bless you all and keep in touch! I love the e-mails people send me. It's very encouraging.
Love,
Sarah
I don't have many updates in the way of my ministry. In a month, as many of you know, I am participating in the Hymn Sing fundraiser for Youth for Christ at the First Church of God of Westminster. You can see my upcoming events if you are my friend on myspace or facebook. Actually, you can see my myspace even if you don't have an account. It's at http://www.myspace.com/sarahvministry and on facebook, just look up my name and you'll recognize my face. :) Right now, I just have two events and haven't put the second one up because it's too early. I am confident the Lord will open doors for me and start to fill up my calendar more! In the meantime, I'm enjoying life and being productive with my time. I am working on music and Bible studying so that I will be ready to step out when God calls me to.
A few nights ago, I went to a local coffeehouse with a girlfriend. She also has kids and every once in a while, we like to get away. We both try to be thrifty with our money so we rarely eat out together. We just go to a coffeehouse and get a coffee and talk for hours. I love the fellowship! Anyway, I didn't know that I was walking into an "open mic night" at this coffeehouse. I have never been to one before, but I always wanted to try it. Needless to say, I had no musicians to back me up and didn't specifically prepare anything to sing, but the Word says in 2 Timothy 4:2: "be prepared in season and out of season." So I put my name on the sign-up list, and when I went up, I spoke a few words about my salvation and sang a couple of my original songs a cappella. I still don't know what impact, if any, was made, but it was a really positive experience for me, and someone expressed interest in my visiting and ministering at a church function.
I have noticed a lot recently the Holy Spirit directing me to suddenly step into things I wasn't prepared for. I can already see that this is helping me grow and be more flexible. We can be so much more powerfully used if we are only available to God!
I just want to encourage you that every time you boldly follow the leading of the Holy Spirit, you will be blessed and other people will be blessed by it. In Christ, there's no more need to be fearful. We are new creatures in Christ. All the old things have passed away, so anything anyone ever told you that you negative about yourself, or anything you even believe about yourself and boxes you put yourself in, you need to get rid of that stinkin' thinkin' and let God turn you around!
God bless you all and keep in touch! I love the e-mails people send me. It's very encouraging.
Love,
Sarah
Monday, April 13, 2009
Enjoy the Manna in the Wilderness
Hey there friends!
I have been out of commission for the last week and a half because I was sick for several days and then my son got sick! He was sick from Tuesday through Saturday. Easter Sunday, we stayed home to ensure his full recovery, and I found out that my mother-in-law couldn't sleep Saturday night and was up till the wee hours of the morning crying and praying for my son. And what a difference in him between Saturday and Sunday! He has literally bounced back and I am thrilled! What a beautiful Easter the Lord gave us. There's nothing like getting sick to put life into perspective! I see now that I was stressing out way too much and not stopping to smell the roses. I am determined to enjoy the here and now while I press on toward what God wants me to do.
When the Hebrews were delivered from Egypt, it didn't take them long to moan and complain in the wilderness and to get sick of the manna that God sent them to sustain them. They quickly lost sight of God's faithfulness to see them through every trial, and all of the miracles He performed to get them out of Egypt. Many Christians are like this today, and I have been guilty of this. We quickly lose sight of the pit that God pulled us out of and start to moan and complain when we feel like we're going nowhere and stuck in a wilderness. But deep down, I KNOW that my God is faithful! Like the Natalie Grant song says, I'm in better hands now! I have no reason to fear, be anxious, or be doubtful!
Right now I'm watching Joyce Meyer, and she encourages us not to lay down and give up! Keep perservering and keep the faith and hope! Boy, God has really used Joyce as an inspiration in my life. Thank God for encouragers like Joyce! Remember, Joyce's wilderness was more than 30 years! She didn't get called into ministry till her 30's and getting to where she is now, in her 60's, was a very long process. We should never be hasty to jump ahead of God, because He wants to make sure we are ready and that everything else is in line!
I don't have a recording of this song yet, but read the lyrics to my song "He's Not Finished With You", and have a blessed week!
What if Joseph never overcame the suffering?
And he lived his life thinkin’ I can’t win
And when Job lost almost everything
He gave up and stopped believin’?
What if David never threw that stone?
Saw the giant and lost all hope?
Where would we be then? Where would we be then?
He’s not finished with you; He’s just getting started!
There’s too much to do to give up now
If only you knew; if only you could see
The plans He has for you
Then you’d believe when I say…
He’s not finished with you
What if Daniel did not pray?
Face the lions and believe for a way?
What if Jesus never carried the cross?
‘Cause He could not bear the cost?
What if you spent your life hiding your light?
When faced with obstacles, you gave up the fight?
Where would we be then? Where would we be then?
He’s not finished with you; He’s just getting started!
There’s too much to do to give up now
If only you knew; if only you could see
The plans He has for you
Then you’d believe when I say…
He’s not finished with you
There’s a hunger deep inside that goes on endlessly
And nothing satisfies no matter who you try to be!
'Cause He’s not finished with you; He’s just getting started!
There’s too much to do to give up now
If only you knew; if only you could see
The plans He has for you
Then you’d believe when I say…
Believe me when I say!...
He’s not finished with you
Love,
Sarah
Friday, April 3, 2009
Lean Not on Your Own Understanding
Dear Friends,
I have a confession to make. It’s quite an embarrassing one, but the truth is I have been leaning too much on my own strength rather than the Lord’s. Sometimes I forget the scripture in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
I think sometimes God allows us to lean on our own strength until we reach a breaking point and have to come running to Him. I am at that breaking point. I am at the point where the planning turned into worries, then the worries turned into headaches and stress, the stress turned into my being sick and bedridden for the last two days, and today I am in tears. I realize the Lord wants me to stop trying to figure it all out on my own, and stop trying to figure out what He has planned next and how everything is going to work. For some reason, I thought I should know, but apparently, I can’t handle it! I realize, once again, that I need to turn it all over to Him in prayer and petition (Ephesians 6:18: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints"). After I have done all I can, all I can do is stand and wait on Him (Ephesians 6:13).
It’s a long story, but to make a long story short...I thought I only needed $1,500 to make an album. Boy, was I naive! I found out that artists typically spend tens of thousands of dollars on a self made album. I had conversations with several people who made an album or who were involved with making and album and they all agreed with this, and they all said you get what you pay for, and if you produce and inexpensive album, it won’t sound good, and I need to hire professional musicians/instrumentalists for the album. Well, at this point, I have received donations of a little over $1,100, and that is after the money I have spent on things like copyrighting new song. I am very appreciative of these donations, and they will be put to good use!! The support and love I have been receiving is helping to sustain me in these difficult times of waiting.
Going forward, I plan to work full force on getting dates at local churches to sing and minister. I visited a recording studio today in Owings Mills and asked the producer what I can realistically do if I had $2,500. He said three songs…maybe one or two more if I’m lucky. Well, all this time, I have wanted to make a full album (and that's what I've been telling everyone!), so this idea of this hit me hard! He also told me I need to narrow down my songs to reach a specific audience, because I have quite a variety of songs (R&B and soul, rock, alternative, contemporary Christian, hymns, etc.) This was also a hard pill to swallow because I like the fact that there is variety in my music. Mind you, this man seems like a hardworking, ethical, and good Christian family man, and he was highly recommended to me. He has a lot of experience with producing and marketing great quality Christian music, and I believe what he is telling me is honest. The more I think about it, the more I do believe that releasing several great quality songs will be much better than potentially releasing a full, low quality album. This would be a start, and God can move mountains!
For the sake of avoiding a lengthy blog, I won’t go into the additional details of everything that’s been on my mind, but please pray for me that it will all come together! I don’t mean to overburden you with this, but please at least keep me in prayer (Matthew 18:19-20: "I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them"). My lists of prayer concerns includes setting up church visits, fundraising, music making (a big challenge for someone who doesn’t yet master an instrument), song selections, marketing, and waiting patiently on God’s timing.
I pray for abundant blessings for those who have already blessed my ministry financially or with their time and prayers. Thank you to Mark and Jen for your donation of voice lesson materials this past week (you know who you are!).
In the meantime, I will be praying and meditating harder than ever before, and I will be calling churches this coming week! I am confident I will have more good news to report to you next time!
Thank you and God bless you all!
Love,
Sarah
Psalms 119:145-148:
"I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises."
I have a confession to make. It’s quite an embarrassing one, but the truth is I have been leaning too much on my own strength rather than the Lord’s. Sometimes I forget the scripture in Proverbs 3:5-6: "Trust in the LORD with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding; in all your ways acknowledge him, and he will make your paths straight."
I think sometimes God allows us to lean on our own strength until we reach a breaking point and have to come running to Him. I am at that breaking point. I am at the point where the planning turned into worries, then the worries turned into headaches and stress, the stress turned into my being sick and bedridden for the last two days, and today I am in tears. I realize the Lord wants me to stop trying to figure it all out on my own, and stop trying to figure out what He has planned next and how everything is going to work. For some reason, I thought I should know, but apparently, I can’t handle it! I realize, once again, that I need to turn it all over to Him in prayer and petition (Ephesians 6:18: "And pray in the Spirit on all occasions with all kinds of prayers and requests. With this in mind, be alert and always keep on praying for all the saints"). After I have done all I can, all I can do is stand and wait on Him (Ephesians 6:13).
It’s a long story, but to make a long story short...I thought I only needed $1,500 to make an album. Boy, was I naive! I found out that artists typically spend tens of thousands of dollars on a self made album. I had conversations with several people who made an album or who were involved with making and album and they all agreed with this, and they all said you get what you pay for, and if you produce and inexpensive album, it won’t sound good, and I need to hire professional musicians/instrumentalists for the album. Well, at this point, I have received donations of a little over $1,100, and that is after the money I have spent on things like copyrighting new song. I am very appreciative of these donations, and they will be put to good use!! The support and love I have been receiving is helping to sustain me in these difficult times of waiting.
Going forward, I plan to work full force on getting dates at local churches to sing and minister. I visited a recording studio today in Owings Mills and asked the producer what I can realistically do if I had $2,500. He said three songs…maybe one or two more if I’m lucky. Well, all this time, I have wanted to make a full album (and that's what I've been telling everyone!), so this idea of this hit me hard! He also told me I need to narrow down my songs to reach a specific audience, because I have quite a variety of songs (R&B and soul, rock, alternative, contemporary Christian, hymns, etc.) This was also a hard pill to swallow because I like the fact that there is variety in my music. Mind you, this man seems like a hardworking, ethical, and good Christian family man, and he was highly recommended to me. He has a lot of experience with producing and marketing great quality Christian music, and I believe what he is telling me is honest. The more I think about it, the more I do believe that releasing several great quality songs will be much better than potentially releasing a full, low quality album. This would be a start, and God can move mountains!
For the sake of avoiding a lengthy blog, I won’t go into the additional details of everything that’s been on my mind, but please pray for me that it will all come together! I don’t mean to overburden you with this, but please at least keep me in prayer (Matthew 18:19-20: "I tell you that if two of you on earth agree about anything you ask for, it will be done for you by my Father in heaven. For where two or three come together in my name, there am I with them"). My lists of prayer concerns includes setting up church visits, fundraising, music making (a big challenge for someone who doesn’t yet master an instrument), song selections, marketing, and waiting patiently on God’s timing.
I pray for abundant blessings for those who have already blessed my ministry financially or with their time and prayers. Thank you to Mark and Jen for your donation of voice lesson materials this past week (you know who you are!).
In the meantime, I will be praying and meditating harder than ever before, and I will be calling churches this coming week! I am confident I will have more good news to report to you next time!
Thank you and God bless you all!
Love,
Sarah
Psalms 119:145-148:
"I call with all my heart; answer me, O LORD, and I will obey your decrees. I call out to you; save me and I will keep your statutes. I rise before dawn and cry for help; I have put my hope in your word. My eyes stay open through the watches of the night, that I may meditate on your promises."
Monday, March 23, 2009
Waiting Expectantly
Hello there!
I haven't blogged in a little while, but that's because I feel like I haven't had much to report in the way of my music. I am in that difficult period of waiting on the Lord! Sunday, I was supposed to work more on putting music to my songs, but the meeting was canceled and postponed till April. I have been hearing this message a lot that we need to act now, we need to go out and minister to the world, because TIME IS SHORT! Then, when things like this happen, I get a little impatient. I really do believe we should wait and trust in the Lord. On the other hand, I want things to happen fast!! But I know God has a perfect timing for everything. Here are some scriptures on waiting on the Lord:
Psalms 27:14 "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."
Psalms 130:5-6 "I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."
Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 64:4 " Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him."
Lamentations 3:24-25 "I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;"
Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
I hope you feel as encouraged by these scriptures as I do! Also, I previously spoke about facing our fears...well, apparently, I didn't have this concept down enough, because every corner I turn, I hear the same message again! I guess newletters from pastors and evangelists about fear! I turn on the t.v. to a minister, and he or she is speaking to me about fear! This is my focus right now, to consciously not be held back by fear and insecurity.
This week, I was blown away and taken aback that someone asked me to give their child voice lessons! As you can imagine, I have never done anything like that before! A few years ago, my fear and insecurity would have told me to say no. I have literally said no to a lot of things because of fear. But I have come to learn that each step I have taken through an open door has been a step of faith. It shows God that I trust Him to guide my steps. Every time I do this, He is faithful to see me through it, and I come out of each experience with so much joy, fulfillment, and wisdom, and I come out as person who is that much closer to being molded into who He wants me to be. If I keep my faced turned toward Him, He will take me from glory to glory:
2 Corinthians 3:16: "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (from their eyes). Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (no more fear!). And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory (from glory to glory), which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Praise God! Have a blessed week, and stay in prayer and in the Word.
Sarah
I haven't blogged in a little while, but that's because I feel like I haven't had much to report in the way of my music. I am in that difficult period of waiting on the Lord! Sunday, I was supposed to work more on putting music to my songs, but the meeting was canceled and postponed till April. I have been hearing this message a lot that we need to act now, we need to go out and minister to the world, because TIME IS SHORT! Then, when things like this happen, I get a little impatient. I really do believe we should wait and trust in the Lord. On the other hand, I want things to happen fast!! But I know God has a perfect timing for everything. Here are some scriptures on waiting on the Lord:
Psalms 27:14 "Wait for the LORD; be strong and take heart and wait for the LORD."
Psalms 130:5-6 "I wait for the LORD, my whole being waits, and in his word I put my hope. I wait for the Lord more than watchmen wait for the morning, more than watchmen wait for the morning."
Isaiah 40:29-31 "He gives strength to the weary and increases the power of the weak. Even youths grow tired and weary, and young men stumble and fall; but those who hope in the LORD will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint."
Isaiah 64:4 " Since ancient times no one has heard, no ear has perceived, no eye has seen any God besides you, who acts on behalf of those who wait for him."
Lamentations 3:24-25 "I say to myself, "The LORD is my portion; therefore I will wait for him." The LORD is good to those whose hope is in him, to the one who seeks him;"
Psalms 46:10 "Be still, and know that I am God; I will be exalted among the nations, I will be exalted in the earth."
I hope you feel as encouraged by these scriptures as I do! Also, I previously spoke about facing our fears...well, apparently, I didn't have this concept down enough, because every corner I turn, I hear the same message again! I guess newletters from pastors and evangelists about fear! I turn on the t.v. to a minister, and he or she is speaking to me about fear! This is my focus right now, to consciously not be held back by fear and insecurity.
This week, I was blown away and taken aback that someone asked me to give their child voice lessons! As you can imagine, I have never done anything like that before! A few years ago, my fear and insecurity would have told me to say no. I have literally said no to a lot of things because of fear. But I have come to learn that each step I have taken through an open door has been a step of faith. It shows God that I trust Him to guide my steps. Every time I do this, He is faithful to see me through it, and I come out of each experience with so much joy, fulfillment, and wisdom, and I come out as person who is that much closer to being molded into who He wants me to be. If I keep my faced turned toward Him, He will take me from glory to glory:
2 Corinthians 3:16: "But whenever anyone turns to the Lord, the veil is taken away (from their eyes). Now the Lord is the Spirit, and where the Spirit of the Lord is, there is freedom (no more fear!). And we all, who with unveiled faces contemplate the Lord's glory, are being transformed into his image with ever-increasing glory (from glory to glory), which comes from the Lord, who is the Spirit.
Praise God! Have a blessed week, and stay in prayer and in the Word.
Sarah
Sunday, March 15, 2009
Impending Change
Dear Friends,
I have to praise the Lord for blessing the ministry again this week. I mentioned before I was going to try to learn guitar, but I didn't have a guitar or ability to pay for lessons. One my family members felt moved to buy me a new guitar yesterday! It was such a surprise! I also have a couple people in my family who know guitar and can teach me, and I had someone offer to lend me his guitar lesson resources. I have also found there are a lot of free resources online instructing on the basics of playing guitar. Thank the Lord for providing!
I was talking to my dad, Reverend Ted Hill, about the blessings I have been receiving. He told me that God is moving and accelerating miracles and favors because time is short! What a sobering thought! But I know he is right. I'm not just making music for fun and games! God has a purpose for His people in these last days!
Also, my dad was sharing with his church a revelation and prophetic word that was received by Pastor David Wilkerson of Times Square Church in New York City. I urge you to check out Pastor David Wilkerson's blog and his post "An Urgent Message" at http://www.davidwilkersontoday.blogspot.com.
God bless!
Sarah
Galations 6:7-10: Do not be deceived: God cannot be mocked. A man reaps what he sows. The one who sows to please his sinful nature, from that nature will reap destruction; the one who sows to please the Spirit, from the Spirit will reap eternal life. Let us not become weary in doing good, for at the proper time we will reap a harvest if we do not give up. Therefore, as we have opportunity, let us do good to all people, especially to those who belong to the family of believers.
Monday, March 9, 2009
Making Progress
Hi Friends!
I got up at 4:15 this morning! I have the remains of a cold that keeps waking me up really early, but somehow, God has been giving me strength and energy! I am sure the coffee helps too!
Yesterday was an awesome Sunday at church! My Pastor is starting to use me to help him lead praise and worship service. This part of the service normally lasts for 90 minutes. We are quite serious about our praise and worship! I think that's why I love my church so much. They have such a heart for God. They have no qualms about coming to the altar every single Sunday to just rest in God and worship and cry.
Well, as I was saying, my Pastor is a very in the moment, directed by the Holy Spirit type of Pastor. He doesn't tell me in advance whether or not he will have me lead. I walked in a minute after the music started and he beckoned me up front. I have pretty much gotten used to this unpredictability. After all, we should be flexible to be used by God. I have always been an "I must know and plan well in advance" type of person, so this has been quite a transition.
I was thrilled that the service turned out to be a supercharged, anointed praise and worship!! I can't take the credit because I haven't developed a lot of skill with leading. I'm just so thankful that God is using me in my inadequacy! I am thankful that he has taken me a long way from the girl that was petrified in the front of public speaking class, and the girl that was shaking in body and voice when she sang in front of a crowd.
After church was over, 4 people purchased a demo CD from me, which was also very exciting. I have been saving all of the money from purchases and donations toward my ministry so that I can eventually record an album of original Christian songs. So far, I'm up to about $1,180, and that is considering some money I spent to make and mail CD copies, copyright original songs, and things of that nature. My original goal was $1,500, because that is the estimate of cost for an album I recieved from a local studio/producer. At the time, it seemed impossible, but through Christ, all things are possible!!! Thank you so much to those who have supported me financially and in prayer! Please keep up the praying!!!
So, after church, I got together with some church musicians, Brian the pianist, Bob the guitarist, Mark the bass player, and Shawn, Jr. the drummer boy! I didn't intend to spend a long time practicing. But after 90 minutes of singing at church, then we practiced for over three hours! God really held up my voice that whole time, considering I have had a cold! It was awesome. We got a lot done! We started working on about seven of my songs. I am so humbled and honored that these guys are willing to give so freely of their time to help me in working towards a higher purpose!
I'm still trying to figure out some of the "minor" details (even though every detail is major and important to me!), like which musicians to use in which songs, which studio to record in, which songs to record, because finances won't permit recording all of my songs, which is about 20 songs. I need wisdom from God to pick the most effective songs for ministering to others! If anyone is interested in hearing my songs and giving some feedback, please let me know!!!!
I have a lot of decisions ahead of me, work to do, and money to spend. I know God will be faithful in guiding my steps as He always is.
God bless you all!
Love,
Sarah
I got up at 4:15 this morning! I have the remains of a cold that keeps waking me up really early, but somehow, God has been giving me strength and energy! I am sure the coffee helps too!
Yesterday was an awesome Sunday at church! My Pastor is starting to use me to help him lead praise and worship service. This part of the service normally lasts for 90 minutes. We are quite serious about our praise and worship! I think that's why I love my church so much. They have such a heart for God. They have no qualms about coming to the altar every single Sunday to just rest in God and worship and cry.
Well, as I was saying, my Pastor is a very in the moment, directed by the Holy Spirit type of Pastor. He doesn't tell me in advance whether or not he will have me lead. I walked in a minute after the music started and he beckoned me up front. I have pretty much gotten used to this unpredictability. After all, we should be flexible to be used by God. I have always been an "I must know and plan well in advance" type of person, so this has been quite a transition.
I was thrilled that the service turned out to be a supercharged, anointed praise and worship!! I can't take the credit because I haven't developed a lot of skill with leading. I'm just so thankful that God is using me in my inadequacy! I am thankful that he has taken me a long way from the girl that was petrified in the front of public speaking class, and the girl that was shaking in body and voice when she sang in front of a crowd.
After church was over, 4 people purchased a demo CD from me, which was also very exciting. I have been saving all of the money from purchases and donations toward my ministry so that I can eventually record an album of original Christian songs. So far, I'm up to about $1,180, and that is considering some money I spent to make and mail CD copies, copyright original songs, and things of that nature. My original goal was $1,500, because that is the estimate of cost for an album I recieved from a local studio/producer. At the time, it seemed impossible, but through Christ, all things are possible!!! Thank you so much to those who have supported me financially and in prayer! Please keep up the praying!!!
So, after church, I got together with some church musicians, Brian the pianist, Bob the guitarist, Mark the bass player, and Shawn, Jr. the drummer boy! I didn't intend to spend a long time practicing. But after 90 minutes of singing at church, then we practiced for over three hours! God really held up my voice that whole time, considering I have had a cold! It was awesome. We got a lot done! We started working on about seven of my songs. I am so humbled and honored that these guys are willing to give so freely of their time to help me in working towards a higher purpose!
I'm still trying to figure out some of the "minor" details (even though every detail is major and important to me!), like which musicians to use in which songs, which studio to record in, which songs to record, because finances won't permit recording all of my songs, which is about 20 songs. I need wisdom from God to pick the most effective songs for ministering to others! If anyone is interested in hearing my songs and giving some feedback, please let me know!!!!
I have a lot of decisions ahead of me, work to do, and money to spend. I know God will be faithful in guiding my steps as He always is.
God bless you all!
Love,
Sarah
Friday, March 6, 2009
Fear Not: Have Power, Love, and a Sound Mind
The Lord has been giving me a revelation in the past year, really longer than that, but I have started to grasp it...He has not given us the spirit of fear! He has given us power, love, and a sound mind! (2 Timothy 1:7) Power over what? The enemy and our lives! What about love? Perfect love casts out fear! (1 John 4:18) When we become secure in God's perfect love, we begin to trust Him, walk in His plan, and have no fear! There is no reason to fear in the loving hands of God. What about a sound mind? This means self control, being on a firm foundation, and experiencing the peace of submitting to God. When we stop relying on ourselves and start relying on God, it gives us a sound mind. When we stop doing what we feel like doing, what is comfortable, and start doing what we have been afraid of doing but we know we should do it, we cast out fear. To get over a fear, you need to face it!
One day, I was watching a show about people who have obsessive compulsive disorders. They obsessively do something to such a point that it's paralyzing in their lives, and it is usually because they are paralyzed by a fear of something. Consider someone with an obsessive compulsive disorder, such as washing his or her hands until they bleed. They do this because they fear germs. How does a therapist help an OCD patient get over their fears? They make them face the fear! They make them touch things that are disgusting that the average person probably wouldn't touch! Over time, this serves to prove a point to the patient that life will not end if they face their fears, and then the fear wanes.
Fear is paralyzing. So many people don't take action because of fear. Think about a fear you might have and what you have completely put off or avoided doing because of that fear. Personally, there are a number of things. There has been the fear of reaching out to people because I might get rejected. There was the fear of making a decision because I didn't want to make the wrong choice. There was the fear of singing and speaking in front of people because of the fear of making a fool of myself or forgetting the lyrics or what I want to do say. But I felt God pulling on me to do it, and I trusted Him, that He does not set me up for failure. He has always been there for me. I took baby steps, and over time, the fear waned! I still have a long way to go.
Let me ask you, has fear been paralyzing in your life? Don't let fear hold you back anymore! You will find that when you step out of your comfort zone, it can be the most rewarding, fulfilling, and joyful thing you do!
God bless!
Sarah
One day, I was watching a show about people who have obsessive compulsive disorders. They obsessively do something to such a point that it's paralyzing in their lives, and it is usually because they are paralyzed by a fear of something. Consider someone with an obsessive compulsive disorder, such as washing his or her hands until they bleed. They do this because they fear germs. How does a therapist help an OCD patient get over their fears? They make them face the fear! They make them touch things that are disgusting that the average person probably wouldn't touch! Over time, this serves to prove a point to the patient that life will not end if they face their fears, and then the fear wanes.
Fear is paralyzing. So many people don't take action because of fear. Think about a fear you might have and what you have completely put off or avoided doing because of that fear. Personally, there are a number of things. There has been the fear of reaching out to people because I might get rejected. There was the fear of making a decision because I didn't want to make the wrong choice. There was the fear of singing and speaking in front of people because of the fear of making a fool of myself or forgetting the lyrics or what I want to do say. But I felt God pulling on me to do it, and I trusted Him, that He does not set me up for failure. He has always been there for me. I took baby steps, and over time, the fear waned! I still have a long way to go.
Let me ask you, has fear been paralyzing in your life? Don't let fear hold you back anymore! You will find that when you step out of your comfort zone, it can be the most rewarding, fulfilling, and joyful thing you do!
God bless!
Sarah
Tuesday, March 3, 2009
Doors opening
Hey friends!
I am so excited because I'm really seeing the doors open! Those that persevere and strive to not be weary of doing good, that is what we are expectantly waiting on, that open door! Sometimes the hope and faith wanes, but we are ever hoping and expecting good things from our Lord! He is faithful to not dissapoint! There's a gospel song that says: "He's an on time God. He may not come when we want it, but he'll be there right on time!" Amen to that!
I told you in my last blog that one of my songs, actually the first song I wrote and recorded, Your sins Are Washed Away, made it as song of the month on http://www.yourhymn.com. If you go to this site this month, there is a link right on the main page that leads to my song. I don't get a monetary reward for this, but I am excited at every opportunity to put my music out there and spread the good news. This song reaches out to the unsaved people and assures them that God is so quick to forgive and restore if they just give over their lives to Him. I want to share a really touching comment a friend left on this page. As far as I know, she is not a Christian, and she used to be my manager at a retail store:
"I love this song. Sarah sent me a CD and I listen to it when I'm driving home, late at night after a long stressful day at work. It makes me realize that there is more to life than work and I can relax knowing not only does someone understand me but, they will forgive me. strong voice and so inspiring!"
That comment alone makes it all worth it!!!! This type of impact is what I'm looking for in life!
One of my friends forwarded this link for the song of the month to someone she knows. That person contacted me about singing and ministering in a concert event that will benefit a Christian youth organization!! Wow!
I also put a new video on YouTube and Tangle. The song is called No Eye Has Seen, and again, I sing a cappello because I don't play instruments. What blows me away is that I put it out there on Sunday morning, and by the end of Monday, it had over 700 views and it was the 8th most popular video of the day on Tangle! God did that because that never happened to any of my other videos and I did not pay to promote the video. I can't afford to do that! I think the Lord wanted to use that video because it is about how if we commit our lives to God, He has such an awesome plan for our lives. There are a lot of scripture references in the video to back this up. Please check it out.
Let me know what you think of the video!
Speaking of instruments, I have always wanted to be able to play an instrument to accompany my songs. I used to think I wanted to play piano because I grew up around a lot of piano. It is a very beautiful instrument. Lately, I've been thinking guitar. I have a niece who is only 13 who has offered to start teaching me! My dad said he will lend me his right handed guitar. I am left handed, but it's a start! Pray for me! That I will quickly learn this instrument and that God will continue to bless and grow my ministry.
Be blessed!
Love,
Sarah
I am so excited because I'm really seeing the doors open! Those that persevere and strive to not be weary of doing good, that is what we are expectantly waiting on, that open door! Sometimes the hope and faith wanes, but we are ever hoping and expecting good things from our Lord! He is faithful to not dissapoint! There's a gospel song that says: "He's an on time God. He may not come when we want it, but he'll be there right on time!" Amen to that!
I told you in my last blog that one of my songs, actually the first song I wrote and recorded, Your sins Are Washed Away, made it as song of the month on http://www.yourhymn.com. If you go to this site this month, there is a link right on the main page that leads to my song. I don't get a monetary reward for this, but I am excited at every opportunity to put my music out there and spread the good news. This song reaches out to the unsaved people and assures them that God is so quick to forgive and restore if they just give over their lives to Him. I want to share a really touching comment a friend left on this page. As far as I know, she is not a Christian, and she used to be my manager at a retail store:
"I love this song. Sarah sent me a CD and I listen to it when I'm driving home, late at night after a long stressful day at work. It makes me realize that there is more to life than work and I can relax knowing not only does someone understand me but, they will forgive me. strong voice and so inspiring!"
That comment alone makes it all worth it!!!! This type of impact is what I'm looking for in life!
One of my friends forwarded this link for the song of the month to someone she knows. That person contacted me about singing and ministering in a concert event that will benefit a Christian youth organization!! Wow!
I also put a new video on YouTube and Tangle. The song is called No Eye Has Seen, and again, I sing a cappello because I don't play instruments. What blows me away is that I put it out there on Sunday morning, and by the end of Monday, it had over 700 views and it was the 8th most popular video of the day on Tangle! God did that because that never happened to any of my other videos and I did not pay to promote the video. I can't afford to do that! I think the Lord wanted to use that video because it is about how if we commit our lives to God, He has such an awesome plan for our lives. There are a lot of scripture references in the video to back this up. Please check it out.
Let me know what you think of the video!
Speaking of instruments, I have always wanted to be able to play an instrument to accompany my songs. I used to think I wanted to play piano because I grew up around a lot of piano. It is a very beautiful instrument. Lately, I've been thinking guitar. I have a niece who is only 13 who has offered to start teaching me! My dad said he will lend me his right handed guitar. I am left handed, but it's a start! Pray for me! That I will quickly learn this instrument and that God will continue to bless and grow my ministry.
Be blessed!
Love,
Sarah
Saturday, February 28, 2009
My Song of the Month
Hello!
I just wanted to share the exciting news that one of my songs was selected as song of the month on YourHymn.com. You can see and listen to my song directly at this link:
http://www.yourhymn.com/entries_january/your_sins_are_washed_away.php
Let me know what you think of the song!
Be blessed!
Sarah
I just wanted to share the exciting news that one of my songs was selected as song of the month on YourHymn.com. You can see and listen to my song directly at this link:
http://www.yourhymn.com/entries_january/your_sins_are_washed_away.php
Let me know what you think of the song!
Be blessed!
Sarah
Friday, February 27, 2009
Offer up the sacrifice of Praise!
It has been a while since my last posting to my blog. It has been a little difficult being motivated this week. Sometimes we go through periods where it's difficult to move forward, but we must persevere.
What the Lord wants most from us is faith, obedience, and praise! Our praises and thankfulness are sweet melodies to His ear! Don't dwell on the negative. It does nothing for you or for the situation. Give it up to God in prayer and petition. Seek His will and direction. Focus on what He has done for you. I like what Joyce Meyer says: I'm not where I need to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be!
This is what I am thankful for today:
My handsome, wonderful, caring, sensitive husband
My adorable, healthy, energetic, charismatic toddler boy
My beautiful, warm home; a safe haven in the cold of winter
My friends and family who show me love and encouragement
The opportunities to turn what is bad into good for God's purpose
An offer this week for a free, blown up and framed picture from my wedding
An open door to use my music in a public concert and on an album
My husband got a job promotion
My husband got $200 in gifts from the employees at his previous job
A dead tree on our property recently removed for free
Our driveway getting snow plowed for free!
For the love I feel from God every day!!
Tell me, what are you thankful for?
One of the best revelations you can have in your life is to really know and feel God's love. Many people do not realize how much God really loves them. God so loves that world, that while we were still sinners, He sent His son to die for us and redeem us from our sin. On the cross, after being beat, abused, spat on, crucified, and mocked, Jesus pleaded with His Father to forgive those people! Our Lord's love is so great that He is so quick to forgive and have mercy.
Reach out to Him for His love, sit down in His presence quietly and soak up His love. When you really feel His love, it is so awesome, it will probably move you to tears.
God bless you!
Sarah V
P.S. Check out the links below for some of my new articles on Ehow!
http://www.ehow.com/how_4817425_keep-cool-toddler.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4802177_baby-getting-foot-stuck-crib.html
What the Lord wants most from us is faith, obedience, and praise! Our praises and thankfulness are sweet melodies to His ear! Don't dwell on the negative. It does nothing for you or for the situation. Give it up to God in prayer and petition. Seek His will and direction. Focus on what He has done for you. I like what Joyce Meyer says: I'm not where I need to be, but thank God I'm not where I used to be!
This is what I am thankful for today:
My handsome, wonderful, caring, sensitive husband
My adorable, healthy, energetic, charismatic toddler boy
My beautiful, warm home; a safe haven in the cold of winter
My friends and family who show me love and encouragement
The opportunities to turn what is bad into good for God's purpose
An offer this week for a free, blown up and framed picture from my wedding
An open door to use my music in a public concert and on an album
My husband got a job promotion
My husband got $200 in gifts from the employees at his previous job
A dead tree on our property recently removed for free
Our driveway getting snow plowed for free!
For the love I feel from God every day!!
Tell me, what are you thankful for?
One of the best revelations you can have in your life is to really know and feel God's love. Many people do not realize how much God really loves them. God so loves that world, that while we were still sinners, He sent His son to die for us and redeem us from our sin. On the cross, after being beat, abused, spat on, crucified, and mocked, Jesus pleaded with His Father to forgive those people! Our Lord's love is so great that He is so quick to forgive and have mercy.
Reach out to Him for His love, sit down in His presence quietly and soak up His love. When you really feel His love, it is so awesome, it will probably move you to tears.
God bless you!
Sarah V
P.S. Check out the links below for some of my new articles on Ehow!
http://www.ehow.com/how_4817425_keep-cool-toddler.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4802177_baby-getting-foot-stuck-crib.html
Friday, February 20, 2009
Faith, Hope, and Love
Friends,
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Verse 13 of this chapter says: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
What do we have faith in? What do we have hope in? In God! We should apply our faith and hope in God, and apply love to God and to others, but God wants us to love Him above all else and everyone else. To apply verses 4 through 8 directly to God, He wants us to be patient with Him. He wants us to be humble before Him. He doesn't want us to boast or be prideful about ourselves, but instead be a vessel for God's work and glory. He does not want us to focus on what we think He hasn't done for us, but to focus on what He has done for us and how far He has brought us from where He found us! He does not want us to chase after our own desires and dreams. He wants us to seek Him and His purposes. When we do this, He will give us the desires of our hearts! He does not want us to delight in the evil things of the world. He wants us to always pursue to know His truth, and to share His truth. He wants us to trust and hope in Him! He wants us to persevere through our circumstances knowing that we are standing on a solid rock, and we can trust that He is guiding us! Be anxious for nothing! When we have God, what can we fear? David didn't fear the giant, Goliath because He knew he had God on his side!
I praise the Lord for helping me to persevere. I know there have been times when I may have slowed him down, got sidetracked, lost patience and hope, but the Lord always reminds me to keep persevering and not to be weary of doing good. He renews my strength and hope as I see His work in my life unfolding. I am so blessed that last night, I got a new opportunity to share an original song the Lord gave me. Because of the door that opened last night, this song could reach hundreds, maybe thousands of people this year. I can't wait to keep persevering and seeing what else God has planned with my life!!
God bless you,
Sarah
1 Corinthians 13:4-8 says: "Love is patient, love is kind. It does not envy, it does not boast, it is not proud. It is not rude, it is not self-seeking, it is not easily angered, it keeps no record of wrongs. Love does not delight in evil but rejoices with the truth. It always protects, always trusts, always hopes, always perseveres. Love never fails."
Verse 13 of this chapter says: "And now these three remain: faith, hope and love. But the greatest of these is love."
What do we have faith in? What do we have hope in? In God! We should apply our faith and hope in God, and apply love to God and to others, but God wants us to love Him above all else and everyone else. To apply verses 4 through 8 directly to God, He wants us to be patient with Him. He wants us to be humble before Him. He doesn't want us to boast or be prideful about ourselves, but instead be a vessel for God's work and glory. He does not want us to focus on what we think He hasn't done for us, but to focus on what He has done for us and how far He has brought us from where He found us! He does not want us to chase after our own desires and dreams. He wants us to seek Him and His purposes. When we do this, He will give us the desires of our hearts! He does not want us to delight in the evil things of the world. He wants us to always pursue to know His truth, and to share His truth. He wants us to trust and hope in Him! He wants us to persevere through our circumstances knowing that we are standing on a solid rock, and we can trust that He is guiding us! Be anxious for nothing! When we have God, what can we fear? David didn't fear the giant, Goliath because He knew he had God on his side!
I praise the Lord for helping me to persevere. I know there have been times when I may have slowed him down, got sidetracked, lost patience and hope, but the Lord always reminds me to keep persevering and not to be weary of doing good. He renews my strength and hope as I see His work in my life unfolding. I am so blessed that last night, I got a new opportunity to share an original song the Lord gave me. Because of the door that opened last night, this song could reach hundreds, maybe thousands of people this year. I can't wait to keep persevering and seeing what else God has planned with my life!!
God bless you,
Sarah
Monday, February 16, 2009
Beautiful morning!
Good morning!
I really hope yours is good. Mine is awesome! I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. Actually, from a different angle, you might say the left side of the bed. Ha! You know what I mean. I love mornings. I love to just take my time waking up, enjoying God's beautiful scenery as the sun comes up, as I sip on coffee and watch my son being adorable.
Church service was so awesome yesterday, and that really fed my spirit, which is why I'm so excited this morning. There is nothing like getting into God's presence and soaking up His love! I'm sure He feels the same way about having fellowship with us and soaking up our love! God loves our love so much that He shows love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments (This is mentioned three times in the Bible: Exodus 20:6, Deuteronomy 5:10 and 7:9). When you love the Lord with all of your heart and abide by His commands, then He will "send rain in your land...that you may gather grain, wine, and oil...(He will) provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied" (Deuteronomy 11:13-15). In other words, blessings follow His people!!
Be encouraged in your walk with God!
Love,
Sarah
P.S. Here's an excerpt from my song "You Will Shine"
You can step out of the pit now
And set your feet upon the rock
He will put a song in your mouth
You'll sing praises to your God
And you will shine...as you
Get up out of that miry clay
You don't have to stay this way
Morning brings a brand new day
Let its promise take you away
And I pray
You won't hide under a bushel
You will SHINE and you'll be fine!
I really hope yours is good. Mine is awesome! I woke up on the right side of the bed this morning. Actually, from a different angle, you might say the left side of the bed. Ha! You know what I mean. I love mornings. I love to just take my time waking up, enjoying God's beautiful scenery as the sun comes up, as I sip on coffee and watch my son being adorable.
Church service was so awesome yesterday, and that really fed my spirit, which is why I'm so excited this morning. There is nothing like getting into God's presence and soaking up His love! I'm sure He feels the same way about having fellowship with us and soaking up our love! God loves our love so much that He shows love to a thousand generations of those who love Him and keep His commandments (This is mentioned three times in the Bible: Exodus 20:6, Deuteronomy 5:10 and 7:9). When you love the Lord with all of your heart and abide by His commands, then He will "send rain in your land...that you may gather grain, wine, and oil...(He will) provide grass in the fields for your cattle, and you will eat and be satisfied" (Deuteronomy 11:13-15). In other words, blessings follow His people!!
Be encouraged in your walk with God!
Love,
Sarah
P.S. Here's an excerpt from my song "You Will Shine"
You can step out of the pit now
And set your feet upon the rock
He will put a song in your mouth
You'll sing praises to your God
And you will shine...as you
Get up out of that miry clay
You don't have to stay this way
Morning brings a brand new day
Let its promise take you away
And I pray
You won't hide under a bushel
You will SHINE and you'll be fine!
Sunday, February 15, 2009
The Lord Provides
Good morning and happy Sunday!
The Lord gave me a great Valentine's weekend! Of course, it's not over yet! It was great to have quality time with friends, with my husband, with my grandmom, and other family members. I found out a while ago that one of the secrets to happiness is giving to others, thinking of other people's needs, being there for them in their time of need. Right now, my grandmom is 79 and is not in the best health. She has Chrohn's disease. But her mind is still going strong! She lives by herself and has a hard time getting around on her own. So Rich and I took our little boy to see her on Valentine's Day. We called that morning, so it was kind of a surprise. When I make a commitment, I make sure that I follow through with it, so sometimes I wait till last minute to tell someone I will do something to make sure I can follow through. In any event, my grandmom sent my son a Valentine's Day card asking him to be her Valentine. So he did just that...we spent almost four hours eating with her and hanging out. She was so happy to watch him. He is 16 months old and at a very fun age. He doesn't yet talk much. He just makes a lot of noises that don't make much sense, and he LOVES exploring. I can hardly keep him out of anything. He especially loves getting into the pantry.
Also, while I was with grandmom, I was with a couple of other family members whose names I won't mention for privacy. Before I continue that, I have been wanting for a long time to record an album. First, I just thought it wouldn't happen until a record label discovered me and helped me record an album, because I don't play instruments or have the money for an album. But I have written over 15 Christian songs recently and I really want to get them recorded and spread my message! I have been encouraged by my church pastor to do it myself. Then I decided to proactively seek out churches to visit, sing, and minister, and thought maybe they would take up a collection toward my ministry. I also sent letters to a lot of friends and family before Christmas asking if they could give donations to my ministry instead of gifts. Between a couple visits to churches, support from my own church, and donations from friends and family, I had about $1,050 after Christmas. My initial goal was $1,500 because I was told by one music producer that it would probably cost me that much to make an album, but I don't think that's including the cost of making copies of and distributing the album, which I know nothing about either. But I have been trusting in the Lord that if He led me into this, He will provide!! As I was with my family on Valentine's Day, one of my family members slipped me $100 bill toward my ministry! It was a totally unexpected blessing! Now I'm a little under $350 away from my goal! Praise God!
I hope you have a great Sunday and honor the Lord on this day. Honor Him by spending time with Him, pray, meditate on His Word, thank Him for His blessings, and visit a Chrisitian church and be ministered to!
"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Luke 6:38
The Lord gave me a great Valentine's weekend! Of course, it's not over yet! It was great to have quality time with friends, with my husband, with my grandmom, and other family members. I found out a while ago that one of the secrets to happiness is giving to others, thinking of other people's needs, being there for them in their time of need. Right now, my grandmom is 79 and is not in the best health. She has Chrohn's disease. But her mind is still going strong! She lives by herself and has a hard time getting around on her own. So Rich and I took our little boy to see her on Valentine's Day. We called that morning, so it was kind of a surprise. When I make a commitment, I make sure that I follow through with it, so sometimes I wait till last minute to tell someone I will do something to make sure I can follow through. In any event, my grandmom sent my son a Valentine's Day card asking him to be her Valentine. So he did just that...we spent almost four hours eating with her and hanging out. She was so happy to watch him. He is 16 months old and at a very fun age. He doesn't yet talk much. He just makes a lot of noises that don't make much sense, and he LOVES exploring. I can hardly keep him out of anything. He especially loves getting into the pantry.
Also, while I was with grandmom, I was with a couple of other family members whose names I won't mention for privacy. Before I continue that, I have been wanting for a long time to record an album. First, I just thought it wouldn't happen until a record label discovered me and helped me record an album, because I don't play instruments or have the money for an album. But I have written over 15 Christian songs recently and I really want to get them recorded and spread my message! I have been encouraged by my church pastor to do it myself. Then I decided to proactively seek out churches to visit, sing, and minister, and thought maybe they would take up a collection toward my ministry. I also sent letters to a lot of friends and family before Christmas asking if they could give donations to my ministry instead of gifts. Between a couple visits to churches, support from my own church, and donations from friends and family, I had about $1,050 after Christmas. My initial goal was $1,500 because I was told by one music producer that it would probably cost me that much to make an album, but I don't think that's including the cost of making copies of and distributing the album, which I know nothing about either. But I have been trusting in the Lord that if He led me into this, He will provide!! As I was with my family on Valentine's Day, one of my family members slipped me $100 bill toward my ministry! It was a totally unexpected blessing! Now I'm a little under $350 away from my goal! Praise God!
I hope you have a great Sunday and honor the Lord on this day. Honor Him by spending time with Him, pray, meditate on His Word, thank Him for His blessings, and visit a Chrisitian church and be ministered to!
"Give and it will be given to you. A good measure, pressed down, shaken together, and running over, will be poured into your lap. For the measure you use, it will be measured to you."
Luke 6:38
Thursday, February 12, 2009
Good morning blog!
Hello,
It is 7:48 a.m. and I've been up since about 6 a.m. I am every morning because that's when my 16 month old son starts crying to get out of his crib. I really don't mind because he goes to bed between 6 and 7 p.m. every night, and Rich and I have two good hours of privacy to relax and maybe watch a movie or a favorite show. Then, we go to bed around 9 p.m. so we get plently of sleep! Boy, I need my sleep! I've always been kind of a tired person who needs a lot of sleep. I don't know why. I don't think I have any sleep disorders because I sleep through the night.
Anyway, I just wanted to share a few things. I have videos on YouTube and on what was called GodTube. Now they call it Tangle. I guess they're trying to reach a broader audience, but Tangle makes no sense to me, and GodTube made a lot of sense. Oh well. I pretty much keep the same videos on both. I don't have a lot out there yet, but check it out. Either go to http://www.youtube.com/sarahvministry or http://www.tangle.com/sarahvministry.
Right now, I don't have any accompaniment music for my new songs, so I sang a couple original songs a cappella and put some pictures and the lyrics on the videos. Check them out, because I think the words may minister to you. Share them with other people too!
Also, I have been writing articles EHow, which is basically a site where every article starts with "How to" so you can look up a lot of things you want to know about or do on this site. My list of articles is at http://www.ehow.com/members/sarahv.html. I particularly want people to look at these articles:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4763567_through-difficult-economic-times-part.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4763930_through-difficult-economic-times-part.html
They are how to be victorious in these difficult economic times and how faith in God can get us through any circumstance.
God bless you!
Sarah
P.S. Send me a friend request at http://www.myspace.com/sarahvministry. :)
One last thing, I have a demo CD on sale on Ebay. It has a bunch of the songs you hear on my myspace music page. Right now, there are NO bids and it's starting at 99 cents. Help me with my ministry! Go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=170301407253
It is 7:48 a.m. and I've been up since about 6 a.m. I am every morning because that's when my 16 month old son starts crying to get out of his crib. I really don't mind because he goes to bed between 6 and 7 p.m. every night, and Rich and I have two good hours of privacy to relax and maybe watch a movie or a favorite show. Then, we go to bed around 9 p.m. so we get plently of sleep! Boy, I need my sleep! I've always been kind of a tired person who needs a lot of sleep. I don't know why. I don't think I have any sleep disorders because I sleep through the night.
Anyway, I just wanted to share a few things. I have videos on YouTube and on what was called GodTube. Now they call it Tangle. I guess they're trying to reach a broader audience, but Tangle makes no sense to me, and GodTube made a lot of sense. Oh well. I pretty much keep the same videos on both. I don't have a lot out there yet, but check it out. Either go to http://www.youtube.com/sarahvministry or http://www.tangle.com/sarahvministry.
Right now, I don't have any accompaniment music for my new songs, so I sang a couple original songs a cappella and put some pictures and the lyrics on the videos. Check them out, because I think the words may minister to you. Share them with other people too!
Also, I have been writing articles EHow, which is basically a site where every article starts with "How to" so you can look up a lot of things you want to know about or do on this site. My list of articles is at http://www.ehow.com/members/sarahv.html. I particularly want people to look at these articles:
http://www.ehow.com/how_4763567_through-difficult-economic-times-part.html
http://www.ehow.com/how_4763930_through-difficult-economic-times-part.html
They are how to be victorious in these difficult economic times and how faith in God can get us through any circumstance.
God bless you!
Sarah
P.S. Send me a friend request at http://www.myspace.com/sarahvministry. :)
One last thing, I have a demo CD on sale on Ebay. It has a bunch of the songs you hear on my myspace music page. Right now, there are NO bids and it's starting at 99 cents. Help me with my ministry! Go to: http://cgi.ebay.com/ws/eBayISAPI.dll?ViewItem&ssPageName=STRK:MESELX:IT&item=170301407253
Wednesday, February 11, 2009
First Blog
Hello friends,
This is my first post to my new blog. I hope to use it to keep you up to date on my ministry and anything important going on in my life and personal and spiritual reflections. As of now, I feel a little silly calling my ministry a ministry, because I am in what the Bible refers to as the "small beginnings" stage of my ministry...VERY small beginnings. I have felt called into ministry probably since I was a little girl, but I'm not sure if that's because I really felt led or because my mom told me I'd be a missionary when I was little. Well, now I'm grown up and I am no where close to being a missionary and I don't know if that will ever happen. Honestly, I'm not aspiring to be that right now.
I'm aspiring to be an awesome wife and mother, and I have this big desire in my heart to minister to and encourage people. I have always felt very close to God, and I have always had a compassionate and caring heart for people. It doesn't take much to make me cry. I can go to any wedding or funeral and cry my eyes out, even if I don't know anybody there! Even though I have been seeking out God and studying the Word my whole life, I still feel like I have a lot to learn about both. That is why a lot of times I don't feel qualified or ready to really reach out and minister to others. But the truth is that we all have a lot to learn! No one is perfect and no one knows it all. All we can do it continuously pray and seek hard after God.
Like a lot of people, I don't really know all of the gifts or callings God has given me. I don't know the big picture, long term plans He has for my life. I just feel like it will involve songwriting, singing, writing, and ministering. I love to sing, write songs, write in general, and encouraging and teaching people about God and His Word. I hope I will be able to use some of my gifts for other people in my blog. I am always seeking for God to be in control, not for me to be in control and fulfill any selfish ambitions. Even if something seems Godly, it doesn't mean it is of God. It may seem Godly for me to be a big Christian recording artist, but it doesn't mean that's what God wants me to do. That is kind of where I'm at now...not sure what move God wants me to make next. But I know if I continue to seek Him, He will be faithful to lead me. Same goes for you!
God bless you! Stay tuned!
Sarah
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV version)
This is my first post to my new blog. I hope to use it to keep you up to date on my ministry and anything important going on in my life and personal and spiritual reflections. As of now, I feel a little silly calling my ministry a ministry, because I am in what the Bible refers to as the "small beginnings" stage of my ministry...VERY small beginnings. I have felt called into ministry probably since I was a little girl, but I'm not sure if that's because I really felt led or because my mom told me I'd be a missionary when I was little. Well, now I'm grown up and I am no where close to being a missionary and I don't know if that will ever happen. Honestly, I'm not aspiring to be that right now.
I'm aspiring to be an awesome wife and mother, and I have this big desire in my heart to minister to and encourage people. I have always felt very close to God, and I have always had a compassionate and caring heart for people. It doesn't take much to make me cry. I can go to any wedding or funeral and cry my eyes out, even if I don't know anybody there! Even though I have been seeking out God and studying the Word my whole life, I still feel like I have a lot to learn about both. That is why a lot of times I don't feel qualified or ready to really reach out and minister to others. But the truth is that we all have a lot to learn! No one is perfect and no one knows it all. All we can do it continuously pray and seek hard after God.
Like a lot of people, I don't really know all of the gifts or callings God has given me. I don't know the big picture, long term plans He has for my life. I just feel like it will involve songwriting, singing, writing, and ministering. I love to sing, write songs, write in general, and encouraging and teaching people about God and His Word. I hope I will be able to use some of my gifts for other people in my blog. I am always seeking for God to be in control, not for me to be in control and fulfill any selfish ambitions. Even if something seems Godly, it doesn't mean it is of God. It may seem Godly for me to be a big Christian recording artist, but it doesn't mean that's what God wants me to do. That is kind of where I'm at now...not sure what move God wants me to make next. But I know if I continue to seek Him, He will be faithful to lead me. Same goes for you!
God bless you! Stay tuned!
Sarah
"Trust in the Lord with all your heart and lean not on your own understanding. In all your ways, acknowledge Him, and He will make your paths straight." Proverbs 3:5-6 (NIV version)
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