Every once in a while I wake up very early with nothing to do, nowhere to be, with nothing that is really pressing. So, I usually take that as a sign that I need to spend some extra special quiet time with the Lord. This morning is such a morning. 4:50 AM isn't my first choice for starting my day. Then I realize that our days really aren't ours in the first place. God is the giver of all our days, for this is the day that the Lord has made. And this is the time He wants to speak to me about some things in my life.
Today is Vertical Obsession which a local church here in Knoxville is sponsoring. I am thrilled to be teaching a few of the sessions along with Darren Thomas, who is is the minister of music in Youngstown, Ohio where Bishop Norman Wagner is pastor. Darren has been in ministry for a very long time, and has helped so many people with his gifts. I am honored to spend the weekend with he and his lovely wife Sonia. In today's sessions, I will be teaching on Gospel Music: The past, present, and future. Another class will be on Excellence in Music Ministry. The Lord has been dealing with me about a few things including Passion - Purpose - Perspective - Presence - and the Pursuit of Excellence. I can't wait to share what is on my heart to those who are hungry to learn more about music ministry.
The Thomas' flew in around the same time as Kim did last night so after they landed we all went to Outback with the pastor and his wife for dinner. The boys somehow arranged some activities with friends from the church. How convenient. I need to say here, just how much we are missing Kim while on the road. Even with her flying in on the weekends, it just isn't the same. I look forward to returning home and finding some normalcy to our lives. At Outback we had a lovely dinner while remembering past times together and openly sharing our vision for the future. I love to see pastors who are passionate about worship, and their music/worship programs. Those who make the greatest investments will be the ones who reap the greatest rewards. We are going to have an awesome time today!
I bought a new bible this week and I'm so excited about it! It is the New King James version John Maxwell Leadership Bible. He is my favorite author of all and to have a bible that features his teachings is a double bonus! I've also noticed Spencer has begun to study and read his bible at night before going to bed. He has a huge heart for God and it is so sweet to see him taking the time to read his bible, especially without being asked or reminded to do so. I can't help but believe that someday all the things he is reading will begin to take over his life. Speaking of the boys, they are so pumped to be in Knoxville and can't wait to play their music this weekend!
Say a prayer for me today, for I'm sure I will be dragging sometime after lunchtime. The last time I saw 4:50 AM, it was on my way to catching an early morning flight back home! I am happy to report that God is my refuge and strength, my refuge in time of trouble! Have a happy Saturday!
It has been a very long day! Kim and I just got back to the hotel and are ready to crash! All of the boys are off with their friends doing stuff and I hope staying out of trouble. Today's music workshop Vertical Obsession was life-changing for me. I was so blessed by both of Darren Thomas' sessions. He spoke breath into my life. A timely word is truly an awesome thing. I'm amazed how God uses people to reach out to others and help them make it another day. Darren wrote one of my all-time favorite gospel songs, "Lift Up Holy Hands". I've personally seen that song touch thousands of people through the years. It is interesting to me how some songs, the good songs seem timeless. They never grow old. The world is better off because of the talents of Darren Thomas. The sessions today were intimate and so relaxed. Even though there was a schedule printed, everyone present knew from the beginning that this would be a day of being sensitive to what the Spirit wanted to say. The worship was spontaneous and unpredictable. I prayed many months ago for God to allow my paths to cross with "winners" in the kingdom. He has answered my prayer. Today was a win-win for many people, including myself. I feel as if God is clearing up my vision, and giving me a passion like never before to do what He has in store for me to do. That is exciting! I am very tired... and may write more later this evening.
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