Inspiration

I'm sitting in Black Cat Studio in Griffin, Georgia- owned by Jason Hoard (producer, musician extraordinaire, and member of Third Day). I was thinking on my way out here, this is my 3rd time to Georgia within a year. I think if I ever live outside of Texas, it would be to live in Georgia (unless, it's New York :) ). I came to Griffin (I wrote about it a little here) back in September and for Passion 2010 in January. I love it here, love the people and love being in the studio. My friend, Donna Stuart is recording her new record called "Trust the Sunrise" this week and I am so thankful for the opportunity to tag along and help out however I can. We were talking the week before and she asked me what I was wanting out of this trip...hadn't even thought about it much, other than just being excited to come and experience studio again. But after thinking about it a little, I really want vision. Vision and direction from the Lord on where to go musically. I don't mean what's going to happen with music necessarily (although, that'd be great to know, but that'll come in time), but musically-sound, melody, rhythm, lyric. I want to be able to share more of my heart and the heart of Jesus in my music. I feel like the Lord has placed so many different things in my life that will add to this, in ways I don't even know yet. As I'm sitting here, listening to some insane musicians and beautiful songs, I am inspired. God's already been faithful in stirring vision in me within the first 2 days of being in the studio. Maybe I should ask for more inspiration often (and by maybe, I mean I should) - this is honestly a prayer I rarely, if ever pray. How sad is that, a musician/creative mind not asking the ultimate Creator for inspiration? That's like having da Vinci for your dad and not ever asking him to show you how to paint or sculpt! So, I'm inspired; inspired to ask for more inspiration, more vision, and more of Jesus- in music and life in general.

a new season & thanks dad

I'm a workin' woman now. I started my new job as college girls associate at Central Baptist Church here in College Station. I am really thankful for this opportunity and already loving it. It is insane how well this job fits my heart for college girls, while allowing me to be a part of other ministries (worship, Masterpiece and Intimacy) I feel called to as well. On my way to work a couple days ago I was praying for my day and my time at the office, and was just overwhelmed with how good God is- really, He is so good. There have been several moments where find myself asking "I really get to do this...for a job?!" I know there will be many different seasons throughout my time there, but I am grateful for this season- a season of new beginnings, new environment, new people and new tasks. I'm thankful to have a job I look forward to go to everyday. The whole transition has been peaceful and this past week I have been reminded over and over of Isaiah 26:12, "Lord, You establish peace for us; all that we have accomplished you have done for us." He has done great things, He has established peace, and every good thing is a gift from Him. Thank you, Father.

I also wanted to say how thankful I am to have a dad I can celebrate on Father's Day. I was sad I wasn't able to hug my dad yesterday and tell him how much he is loved. He is such a beautiful picture of who God is to His children. My dad is a man of integrity, hard work, strength and so easy to respect. He loves God and has always prayed for his kids to love Him. He's patient, humble, understanding, gentle and loving. He's a provider and protector. He's safe, fun, and insanely smart (really, it's kind of sick). One of my favorite characteristics about my dad is kindness. He is so kind. I have watched him love people so well since I was little - widows in our church, family that needed help, or us- he has been the kindness of Jesus to many. I've also had the rare privilege of seeing my dad in his work environment and I am so thankful I can say he is exactly the same person in front of his co-workers that he is at home. He's taken care of me when I've been sick, encouraged me when I needed it, always told me how proud he is of me, been at anything and everything I wanted him at (my high school basketball games were not fun...let's put this in perspective- we had 6 players on the team the first year- not fun games to sit through), and he's loved me well where I'm at and encouraged my gifts. There are so many things my dad is, so many characteristics I admire that this blog could go on for a while, but I'll close it with the most important. He's taught me above all that the end of all things is the glory of God, that His name is the most important and that anything else is unsatisfying. So, thank you dad, for loving Jesus and teaching us what that looks like. Jennifer and I are insanely blessed to be your daughters.