wrap up (pun)

as i sit in the seattle airport contemplating this past month, i fully admit that i'm going home happy. it's been an incredible 3 weeks of family, friends, ministry and music. i'm terribly grateful that God has laid this mantle on my life. i'd be lying if i didn't also say that there are days i'm frustrated, disappointed, exhausted or discouraged.  ministry might seem like a dream job. i can assure you that in spite of the immeasurable rewards, there are dark days and long nights.  but you know what gets you up in the morning? Jesus. you know what gets you back in the saddle? Jesus. you know what makes it all worth it? Jesus. he's real. 

and this past month as i've enjoyed digging in to the Word and following along with advent, the Christmas story has yet again come alive in new ways! Matthew 1:22 just blows my mind.

"ALL this took place to fulfill what The Lord had said through the prophet..."

the time. the place. the people. all on purpose. God had a plan. GOD. HAS. A. PLAN.

i realize this is not new news. but sometimes it bears repeating.

GOD. HAS. A. PLAN.

you are included, i am included. i don't know about you but that makes me want to shout and dance!! my God has a plan and it includes me!

take heart this Christmas dear one! God's got you. today may seem like a struggle... but he came to rescue, redeem and restore. hold on.

i'm heading home having sung 13 times since December 5th.  i'm exhausted in the best way! i LOVE getting to see what God is up to around the country! it's a blessing to be a part of the body of Christ...building lasting relationships on our common ground in the family of God.  thank you to Mariners Church in Irvine, CA; Horizon Christian Fellowship in Rancho Santa Fe, CA; Calvary Chapel Pearl Harbor on Oahu, HI; Harvest Church in Elk Grove, CA.  i truly love you all so very much and look forward to next time.

what a special.... incredible.... time of worship today at Harvest Church! they allowed me to end this Christmas tour on a high note! we. worshipped. i needed what God gave today. even as we gave our time and talents to HIM... he gave to us. refreshment. inspiration. encouragement. 

so, i wrap up 3 weeks of work and head home to wrap up 3 weeks worth of online Christmas-gift purchases! at least i hope they all arrived...

MERRY CHRISTMAS