Posts
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
Monday, March 23, 2009
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
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