Reason to sing

Well, Fridays seem to be the day for blog posts this month.  At least, I posted last Friday so now it's sort of a pattern.  We'll see about next week.  But for real though, Fridays seem to have taken on the theme "Trust God because He's faithful--every time! and 1 Cor. 15:58."  Today was the second time I did the gospel presentation and led worship as the sole vocal, me on keyboard and Esteban on guitar.  I always feel a little stressed out on Friday mornings because it's an important session and I have to make sure everything goes smoothly.  Thankfully I have the joy of working with awesome staff who stay calm and get games going when my head is focusing on the gospel message.  Today was no different: I was feeling slightly stressed and I knew that God had our time in His hands but I wasn't completely prepared and I forgot to make powerpoints for worship last night.

But God came through yet again and here's a cool thing.  This morning I reviewed my notes from last week that I used when I prepared my presentation, and thought Well, somehow I managed to do this last week without looking at my notes, but I definitely need them this time.  I can't remember all this!  I prayed that God would again speak through me and guess what--he did!  I did the whole message from memory, but it was not me.  One of my friends told me a saying that goes something like God is going to accomplish His purpose, and He's not going to let us get in the way.  That kind of sounds harsh, especially because God really does use us to speak to His people and expand His kingdom, but it is also true!  Today, God wanted those kids to hear about His love and He wanted them to hear it through Sarah's testimony and my gospel message--and He wasn't about to let my stress or inadequacies get in the way.  God can use anyone, and it doesn't matter if we feel like we have the skills.  I've heard people talk about how they've given a message or sermon or something and afterwards couldn't even remember what they said because it was just God speaking through them.  I had no doubt that that happens but it wasn't until today that I got my first personal taste of what God can do in that regard.  He is so awesome and so faithful!

This afternoon I was thinking about how grateful I am that I'm able to sing again!  My sickness was in full swing just a week ago, and normally my voice wouldn't come back this soon.  But I guess God wanted me to be able to lead worship today so He healed my throat, and I am so happy!  A chorus to a song popped into my head and it is perfect to describe how I'm feeling right now.

All of my life, in every season, You are still God.

I have a reason to sing!

I have a reason to worship.

I will bring praise, I will bring praise.

No weapon formed against me shall remain.

I will rejoice, I will declare,

God is my victory!

and He is here.

That's from Desert Song by Brooke Fraser/Hillsong (click the words to listen!).  I really like using song lyrics to express how I'm feeling to God because so often they articulate exactly how I feel much better than I could.  I love that God is constant no matter what, through every season of life.  That fact alone is reason to worship.  When Satan or anything else attempts to bring us down, I can rejoice in the victory God has already procured--and share His power and provision with others!

Two last things that aren't really related to anything but still deserve a spot on my blog:

1. I can't remember if I liked dodgeball as a kid; all I know is that gym balls are strangely attracted to my face--always have been, always will be (I think it's funny. just strange).  We play lots of gym games with the kids each week and I enjoy them--except dodgeball.  I don't know what it is, but I just can't get myself into the game and always end up halfheartedly standing in the middle weakly throwing balls (it's sad, I have literally no throwing power haha) and trying to catch them.  And then last night, my world was turned upside down.  Not really.  But somehow I unintentionally managed to get myself invested in a game of dodgeball and while I still utterly failed every time I tried to throw a ball, I actually had fun!  I caught several balls, and even hit someone for the first time!  Guys, this is a big accomplishment for me.  What do you know, dodgeball can be fun!

2. JJ Heller is one of my favorite Christian artists.  Her music is beautiful and full of godly wisdom, sweet stories, and adorable love songs that she writes with her husband.  God has spoken to me through her songs and I just can't speak highly enough of her and her music.  Anyway, she is having a deal on her website where all the albums are $5 each for digital download until the 21st!  I promise I'm not secretly a sales rep or something, I just love her and I want everyone to hear her music.  I just bought two CDs and they are great.  Just a small plug for a devoted Christian and awesome musician! :)

Alright, I'm done.  Don't forget God's incredible faithfulness, and don't be discouraged because your labor in the Lord is not in vain!