I am Martha

We had a sweet friend and her adorable son staying with us this weekend. I casually said, in between cleaning-up different things scattered around the house, that I am conflicted sometimes between serving my family well as the Lord has called me to do and spending time with the Lord even if the house is a complete mess. She said, "Oh yeah. The whole Mary and Martha thing." I said yes and kind of shrugged it off, not really taking to heart what exactly was being revealed. As this week has continued, I have been reminded of the conversation often. Let me give you the passage she was referring to: 

Now as they went on their way, Jesus entered a village. And a woman named Martha welcomed him into her house. And she had a sister called Mary, who sat at the Lord's feet and listened to his teaching. But Martha was distracted with much serving. And she went up to him and said, “Lord, do you not care that my sister has left me to serve alone? Tell her then to help me.” But the Lord answered her, “Martha, Martha, you are anxious and troubled about many things, but one thing is necessary. Mary has chosen the good portion, which will not be taken away from her.”  Luke 10:38-42

As I took the time to read through that passage today, I was hit right square between the eyes. I am Martha. 

Being a mom of two toddlers (I can't say toddler and baby anymore...), my day is cluttered with activities and me running around the house, usually doing some sort of clean-up or making sure the kids are engaged in an educational activity (and not just sitting in front of the tv for the billionth time that day); checking things off my mental to-do list to make sure we have had an accomplished day. To make sure I have served my family well. I am so caught up with getting things done, that I am not taking time to sit at the feet of God and listen to what He has to say. God has given us His Word in Scripture. I know this is a repeat of Sam's post last week, but it is such a wonderful truth: 

The law of the Lord is perfect,  refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right,  giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant,  giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold,  than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey,  than honey from the honeycomb.  Psalm 19:7-10

Instead of doing what I think is serving my family, or even what I think is serving the Lord by serving my family, I first need to sit down and take time to read what He has given us. His word is perfect, trustworthy, right, radiant, firm, precious, and sweet. This is what my day should be filled with. This is where my affections should be. Not with stressing whether the house is clean or the to-do list is done, but with sitting before the Lord and just listening. Jesus tells Martha that one thing is necessary: to sit and be in His presence. Nothing else matters - no to-do lists, no accomplished days; just to sit and be still and to listen. It's hard sometimes to do this. Especially when kids are screaming, dinner is burning, and the laundry is piling up. Some days this looks like getting up early or staying awake during naptime; other days this is me reading The Jesus Storybook Bible out loud to the kids. I have hope Jesus meets me even in those crazy moments of the day.  

I am Martha, but I am striving to be Mary.

Sweet Family Updates:

Jahnabell is on the move! She is a petite little thing - 5th percentile for height. She is a big eater and uses a spoon all by herself! She loves putting everything into her mouth (I mean everything). And she loves babies. Such a sweet little girl! Sawyer turned three this week! I cannot believe it. I feel like we brought him home yesterday. He is 3 feet tall and looks more like a little boy than a toddler every day. He received some board games for his birthday and loves them! It's so fun to see him engage in games. 

Sam and I had our first Oral Assessment last week and we both survived! Our weeks are busy, but they are good. We appreciate your prayers and support as we continue to learn more and more about our great God. 

Living Water

There were couches scattered around the room and people with their heads bowed; a dimly lit room with full of men and women. There were words on a screen that reflected thoughts that had consumed my mind all too often. Heavy thoughts of unknown fears, and anxiety. I was standing in the back listening to one of the pastors speak with passion about how important it is to feed on scripture. The words of Jesus are the "bread of life" he said, (John 6:35). It was truth I had heard countless times throughout my life, but has become a tired phrase that I struggle to understand the reality of. Okay, I'm not trying to be Debbie Downer here, but if God's word says it is living and active and says it is the bread of life, what practical things can I do to apply this to my life? How then shall we live? 

Joshua says that we should meditate day and night:

This Book of the Law shall not depart from your mouth, but you shall meditate on it day and night, so that you may be careful to do according to all that is written in it. For then you will make your way prosperous, and then you will have good success.  Joshua 1:8

In the book of Psalms it talks about the man who meditates and delights in the law of the Lord:

but his delight is in the law of the Lord,  and on his law he meditates day and night. He is like a tree planted by streams of water that yields its fruit in its season, and its leaf does not wither. In all that he does, he prospers. Psalm 1:2-3

I love the imagery of this verse, "like a tree planted by streams of water". That's pretty cool, I'd be down to be planted by streams of water. If you were to ask me, "is your soul refreshed?" If I'm honest, I would have to say, "no, I'm pretty exhausted." If you asked me, "do the precepts of the Lord give joy to your heart and are they more precious than gold?" (Honestly) I, uh..... what does that even mean? Sure they do. No, if I dig deep, in a day-to-day sense, I'm not sure they do. I read the bible, and then put it down and go about my day, and I'm not entirely sure I believe that scripture is truly "living and active" (Hebrews 4:12).  This is why we must meditate on it day and night. We must read it yes, but we must store up his word in our heart. In order to do this we must pray and ask God to reveal his word to us, we must read it, write about it, talk about it, and apply it. God has given us a great treasure in his word!

and my mouth will praise you with joyful lips, when I remember you upon my bed, and meditate on you in the watches of the night; for you have been my help, and in the shadow of your wings I will sing for joy. My soul clings to you; your right hand upholds me.       Psalm 63:1-8

This passage in Psalm 19 has continued to stir my heart and bring light to the value of the gospel:

The law of the Lord is perfect,  refreshing the soul. The statutes of the Lord are trustworthy, making wise the simple. The precepts of the Lord are right,  giving joy to the heart. The commands of the Lord are radiant,  giving light to the eyes. The fear of the Lord is pure, enduring forever. The decrees of the Lord are firm, and all of them are righteous. They are more precious than gold,  than much pure gold; they are sweeter than honey,  than honey from the honeycomb. Psalm 19:7-10

When God begins to reveal his word to me I have to start asking honest questions: Is anything I say trustworthy? Who's words can I trust? How can I know what is true? Who holds the words of truth?

God does.

Because His words are trustworthy, they give life. Because "the law of the Lord is perfect", our souls are refreshed. His words are the words of life. Apart from him I can do nothing. 

For the Lamb in the midst of the throne will be their shepherd, and he will guide them to springs of living water, and God will wipe away every tear from their eyes.” Revelation 7:17

Work Hard - Play Hard.

The past couple weeks have been some of the most difficult and challenging, yet inspiring, and transformative moments of the residency so far. The Austin Stone KIDS album release, the Worship Intensive and Collective, and Sawyer and Jahnabell's fall festival birthday celebration. I am definitely learning the importance of working hard and then resting well! The toughest part is being away from Dusty, Sawyer, and Jahnabell, yet I am full of joy because I am serving the body of Christ with my whole heart. And this is not service for the sake of sacrifice, no it's much more than that. The beauty is that I will be able to train up my children with a deeper understanding of what it means to follow Christ. This is by no means because of what I can discover for myself or because I'm smart; it's because, when I immerse myself in His word, prayer and community, God begins to reveal himself to me. This is the fruit I am beginning to see! If I'm honest it's not because I just decided to study my bible, it's because I've been challenged by my brothers and sisters in Christ to do so. The importance of unity and togetherness in the body of Christ has never been so apparent. This is just one of the reasons it is a joy to serve the bride of Christ, and I must do so with my whole heart. In Colossians it says:

"Whatever you do, work at it with all your heart, as working for the Lord, not for human masters, since you know that you will receive an inheritance from the Lord as a reward. It is the Lord Christ you are serving."
Colossians 3:23-24

Here are some photos from Sawyer and Jahnabell's fall festival Birthday party. Dusty did an incredible job putting this celebration together while I was gone all week! (yes there was face paint - wait, I think it was meant for the pumpkins).

After the crazy week and the birthday celebration we decided to take the kids camping for the first time. It was challenging but also a great opportunity to unplug. These photos were taken just before the kids started melting down ;)

Like Children

Sawyer at Guitar Center. His new favorite place to spend his time. Daddy is totally ok with that.

Kids Ministry - it puts a certain picture in your mind. Things like small, loudly decorated rooms with a musty smell of used carpet. Toys that have worn paint and are probably in desperate need of a deep cleaning. Kids Music: don't get me started. It's just cheesy. And the church was asking me to lead Kids Worship. Uhhm, no thanks.

That was my initial reaction, but upon further soul-searching, I knew without a shadow of a doubt that I needed to step up and lead these children in worship of our risen King. The truth is, this is a great honor and privilege. 

When Dusty and I first started attending the Austin Stone Community Church, we began serving in KIDS ministry. They had the greatest need for volunteers because there were so many babies, toddlers, and kids at South Campus. It seems everyone was having babies, and of course, we were no exception.  Dusty helped take care of the toddlers, and I lead worship for 3rd through 5th grade in large-group. This all began about a year ago today. During this time the worship team at Austin Stone began working on a worship album for the KIDS ministry. I began by leading from acoustic guitar and playing with tracks, but there were hardly any good songs appropriate for leading kids in worship. That's when I heard about the album and began leading these original songs. The children director's husband at South Campus put together some tracks for these original songs. I was able to lead the kids at Austin Stone in worship using these new songs. These songs are not hype. They are written with lyrical content that is rich in truth straight from scripture. The songs are written with excellence and we also sing them in corporate worship because, well, they aren't just for kids. I tell this story because I am thrilled to see how God will use these songs for the praise of his great name. I am excited to see the word of God planted through song in the hearts of children everywhere. The record will be released this coming Friday!

Leading worship for KIDS ministry was convicting in the best way possible. What I mean is this: oftentimes KIDS ministry is minimized, but yet, these young ones are in the most transformative moments in their lives. Jesus told us to come to him as little children for a reason. Children don't have reservations, they hear truth, and they respond. In Luke 18 Jesus says:

But Jesus called them to him, saying,“Let the children come to me, and do not hinder them, for to such belongs the kingdom of God. Truly, I say to you, whoever does not receive the kingdom of God like a child shall not enter it.”
Luke 18:16-17

When I look into Sawyer's eyes and see that he trusts what I tell him without reservations, it's terrifying and incredible at the same time. There is much to be learned from our kids. You can tell us adults something over and over and we still won't get it (just ask my wife). What we learn in our younger years stays with us. It makes us who we are. Serving the next generation in kids ministry has massive eternal effects. Honesty, I did not realize this until I served in KIDS ministry last year. Because of this I am beyond excited for these new songs God has given the Austin Stone to share with the world. Kids everywhere will be singing His praises! Oh yeah, and did I mention there are dance videos?

God is good and His ways are higher than ours!

Eternal Perspective

If you want a good kick in the pants, go read Job, specifically chapters 38-41.

Yesterday I (Dusty) was washing the dishes and had my back to our kitchen island where Sawyer was sitting in a chair and Jahnabell was sitting on-top of in her bumbo. I heard her smile-evoking "Hi" and turned around to see her... out of her bumbo, one foot over the edge of the counter. Sheer terror overtook me as I grabbed her with soapy hands and collapsed on the floor, sobbing over her and thanking Jesus she did not fall. 

This week at Men's & Women's Development we learned the Incommunicable Characteristics of God: Independence, Unchangeableness, Eternity, Omnipresence, and Unity. While I have been in church practically my whole life, I learned a lot. I feel like I took many, if not all, of these characteristics for granted. Here's the thing: God's independence makes me all the more significant - He doesn't need me, but He wants me - and His investment in me is not reliant on my works or when I make mistakes as a Mommy. His Unchangeableness means He can be trusted and that everything will be worked for our good, even when I am careless and don't strap Jahnabell in. His Eternality means that He is moving everything towards the purposes of Jesus, even in times of sorrow and suffering. His Omnipresence means He will provide; He was not present as a passive bystander when Jahnabell crawled out of her bumbo onto the counter. And His Unity means He is all things, all the time - in the good and in the bad. 

I have continually thanked Him since Jahnabell's near accident. I am thankful He spared us sorrow and suffering. But here is truth: even if she had fallen, God would STILL be ALL of those things listed above. Nothing in His character changes (His Unchangeableness). This is still a concept I am struggling with and, thankfully, growing in. When I think I am in control, and that I can be the protector of my children, I am reminded that God is truly the one over all. And His incommunicable attributes make it so He will never be anything less.  

And this is where Job comes back in to play. Go read it. It's great. But it will rock your world. Job wants to hear from God on why he is suffering (because he has suffered almost every possible kind of suffering). God answers. When He does, you see His incommunicable attributes, along with some pretty humorous sarcasm. I am reminded, again, God is God and I am not. It is so hard letting go of my children, but they are not entirely mine - they are first and foremost God's, the Creator of all things (of Sawyer and Jahnabell), and I find comfort in Him. I choose to think on His character and His power, as displayed in the book of Job, over letting fear rule my conscience. 

 Then the LORD answered Job out of the storm. He said:

"Who is this that darkens my counsel with words without knowledge? Brace yourself like a man; I will question you, and you shall answer me. Where were you when I laid the earth's foundation? Tell me, if you understand. Who marked off its dimensions? Surely you know! Who stretched a measuring line across it? On what were its footings set, or who laid its cornerstone - while the morning stars sang together and all the angels shouted for joy?" Job 38:1-7

So besides Jahnabell being a pretty spectacular (read: terrifying) acrobat, she is such a joy! Every person she sees, she lights up and says, "hi!" to. They can't help but smile back. She is still trying out walking, taking it a little slower this week. She does have a stinky little cold. But she has also popped through her 5th tooth - which makes her smile even cuter! Sawyer is enjoying school. He is learning to write more and more letters and is very interested in knowing how everything is spelled. He loves helping me write "lists" and "directions." This week we have enjoyed popsicles and sprinklers (since it is still 99* outside!). 

(Note: I do not and cannot hold bumbo responsible for my carelessness. I feel like I need to put that out there.) 

Around The Table

I grew up the oldest of 7 kids. Because of this, sitting around a large table eating meals together has always beens something I cherish. When friends and families do this, deep bonds are formed and time is spent cooking food, preparing, eating, and cleaning together. Great memories are made and great stories are told. This past week, I was blessed to attend a song-writing retreat with all the worship residents. My favorite part of the song-writing retreat was the stories told around the table. Each of us shared our testimony of how God brought us to this place. Every story was different but yet all shared a similarity: God is faithful, God is loving, God is true, God is good, God is unchanging. Even though we are unsteady and fickle as humans, and reject God's love and purposes, God in His great mercy continues to pursue us. His love is relentless.

The retreat was an incredible time of writing songs and developing relationships. Even after the residency, these are people I will continue to lean on and share life with as I enter ministry.

Aaron Ivey teaching at the Austin Stone Worship Collective on Saturday.

On Saturday, Austin Stone, held it's first ever Worship Collective with master classes for each specific discipline. I was able to go to "The Heart of Worship Leader" taught by Aaron Ivey, Marcus Dawes, and Brett Land. It was incredible to hear from guys who are in full-time ministry and how God has continually pursued them with His love despite their short-comings. It reminded me that all have sinned and fallen short of the glory of God (Romans 3:23-25). None of us, despite what success we achieve or acclamations we earned, are good except through the blood of Christ. 

"And you were dead in the trespasses and sins in which you once walked, following the course of this world, following the prince of the power of the air, the spirit that is now at work in the sons of disobedience— among whom we all once lived in the passions of our flesh, carrying out the desires of the body and the mind, and were by nature children of wrath, like the rest of mankind. But God, being rich in mercy, because of the great love with which he loved us, even when we were dead in our trespasses, made us alive together with Christ—by grace you have been saved."
Ephesians 2:1-5

Hearing their stories and hearing them talk about importance of truly surrendering their hearts to God, I was humbled. I recalled my own short-comings, my own sin, and realize that true humility is not earned, it is given to us by God through His son Jesus Christ. This truth is a daily revelation. It is not something I can learn once and secure in my mind. Without daily surrender to the love of Christ I continue to rely on my own strength. The truth is, God has shown me immense grace by sending his only son to die in my place and this should humble and convict my heart in a profound way. This conviction is an every-day, on-going process. Something that Ivey said has stuck with me this past weekend: 

"Those who hope in Christ can longer put up with reality as it is, but begin to suffer under it, to contradict it. Peace with God means conflict with the world".

I am blessed beyond words to be able to serve the Church in Austin, TX through this residency. God is continually challenging me, growing me through His word, and through His community of believers. The love of God is relentless!

In other news: Jahnabell took her first steps last week!!! She is such a joy - I can't even describe what it means when I walk in the door and she immediately lights up, smiles and says "daddy" in her little voice. I am blessed. . . God is good.

Picture Post

Hey everyone! This is going to be a picture post from the week! We just finished hosting a movie night in our front yard and had a great time sharing life with community. We kept talking about hosting an event in our neighborhood, but never followed through. Finally, this week we just decided to go for it. So we invited everyone in our neighborhood that we knew. There was a cool breeze, Robin Hood, tons of folding chairs, popcorn, cookies, and good company! 

. . . This week I helped set up and host an Austin Stone Worship Huddle. This is a time where worship teams from Churches in Austin get together and pray and worship as one body. I love that the Austin Stone puts on these types of events! On Wednesday night Dusty and I started our Mens and Women's Development class. It was amazing to see the crowded room full of people. People across Austin who had decided to dedicate several hours of their time every week to study God's word.

Last Sunday, in Students at South campus, we were able to form a band with drum-kit, bass, guitar and vocals. Sawyer loved getting to jam out on Fernando's drum-kit during practice and on Sunday. In fact, we had to keep them both busy with popsicles during practice! I am blessed and humbled to be the father to two kids and to spend my days learning how to lead them well!

His Grace Is Sufficient

Hey Y'all! It's Dusty tonight. I wanted to say a BIG thank you for all of your prayers and support. God is using each of you in beautiful ways. And one of those ways is me being able to stay home with our two amazing children, Sawyer and Jahnabell- so THANK YOU!!! I enjoyed working with children with special needs, but man, I love "working" with my babes. I am blessed constantly through them. Life with littles, as some of you know, is primarily a life full of eating, pooping, sleeping, and making messes. With a gifted little toddler and a ten month old flirting with walking, it is a life that goes 100 miles an hour. And I love it. 

But it can be wearisome. This week I have found myself pitching more tantrums than they have. "Over what?" you may ask. Not being able to sleep in, not being able to watch tv, not being able to eat junk food, not being able to use the restroom in privacy, and the list goes on. It has been a hard adjustment being home alone all day with them, especially with Sam's crazy schedule. He has been leaving for work before the kids and I wake up and working late into the night every day this week because he is leading worship and teaching on worship this Sunday.  This week, and some other ones recently, I have found myself being stretched and pulled in every direction all at once. I have questioned why can't I have lunch-dates and coffee meetings and just a break in general. 

Then the Lord gently reminded me tonight of how precious this time is. How honored I am because He chose me to raise these two amazing little ones. How I can teach them about Him and glorify His name to them. How I can show them His grace and His mercy. How I can love them because He first loved me. 

"But he said to me, 'My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.' Therefore I will boast all the more gladly of my weaknesses, so that the power of Christ may rest upon me. For the sake of Christ, then, I am content with weaknesses, insults, hardships, persecutions, and calamities. For when I am weak, then I am strong."
2 Corinthians 12:9-10

Without Jesus Christ, I fail 100% of the time. I cannot be a "Mama" without Him. This week I have been praying each morning for the Lord to get me up and carry me through the morning. We have been going on very little sleep in this household. And will probably continue to go on very little sleep. For those of you who know me, you know I NEED my sleep. Or so I thought. Now I see I need Jesus more. That in my weakness of being so utterly exhausted, He carries me through. He alone sustains me. 

So, thank you all again for answering the call to partner with us. For allowing me to be where I am. Sawyer told me this week: "Jesus is in my heart." Y'all- I can't even!!! I almost started crying. The fruit is starting to grow!!! He still loves everything music, especially the drums and piano. If you see pictures of him and wonder what is drawn all over his arms, those are "tattoos like Mr. Aaron" {Thanks Aaron Ivey! He especially likes the flower}. This week he learned how to write the letters "T" "H" "P" "O" and "I." He is also really into telling stories and imaginative play. Jahnabell is on the move!! She has been pulling up and walking around holding onto things for awhile now. Today she really started standing for long stretches of time without holding onto anything. She has 6 teeth. She loves saying "hi" "bye bye" "bubba" "dada" "night night" and, of course, "mama." And she loves solid food! 

We love you guys!! 

Why Sing The Word of God?

First off I have to say thank you.

Thank you friends and family who are supporting my family and I through this residency. It is much more than a time of gaining knowledge. It is learning how to apply the word of God in every-day life and how to live it out. It’s learning how to count it all joy when we face trials of various kinds [James 1:2-3].

We sing the word of God, and we preach his word because it is the water that washes over our souls and cleanses the sin within. It says in Hebrews:

"Let us draw near with a true heart in full assurance of faith, with our hearts sprinkled clean from an evil conscience and our bodies washed with pure water. Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful.” Hebrews 10:22-23

Jesus is the living word of God and He alone is the hope that we hold fast. His spirit lives within us and His word is living water to our soul. I find it incredibly poignant that after feeding the 5,000 and walking on water, Jesus tells his disciples:

“It is the Spirit who gives life; the flesh is no help at all. The words that I have spoken to you are spirit and life.” John 6:63

I am constantly looking for a sustaining life source. When I am tired physically, spiritually, or mentally, (which is quite often lately) His word is a vital reminder that can truly transform the way I respond to all life's challenges. As we wake in the morning, and close our eyes in the evening, let this be our prayer:

"My soul clings to the dust; give me life according to your word! When I told of my ways, you answered me; teach me your statutes! Make me understand the way of your precepts, and I will meditate on your wondrous works." Psalm 119: 25-27

 

Worship Collective

This week was full of meetings and preparations for an event called the Worship Collective.  Once every month the worship team at Austin Stone puts on this event to encourage, equip, and empower the community of believers who serve in worship and production.

This Thursday was a truly amazing time where I witnessed God at work and saw the Gospel lived out by a Church body who is dedicated to the person of Jesus. One thing that has continued to resound within me is the concept that the church does not exist to serve our gifts, but that our gifts exists to serve the church. Too often we seek a platform so that our gifts or talents may be seen by others. I know I've done this many times without giving it a second thought. 

It is vital that leaders in the church understand their role is to glorify God alone. "He must increase, I must decrease!" (John 3:30)

Here are ten basic truths that we seek to follow as worship leaders, shepherds and pastors at the Austin Stone Church:

1). We esteem the word of God 
2). We depend on the power of the Holy Spirit. 
3). We love and worship Jesus above everything. 
4). We are a community of shepherds.  
5). We choose camaraderie over comparison. 
6).  We choose servanthood over stardom. 
7). We are not moved by applause or criticism.    
8). We value excellence in everything we do. 
9). We focus on character over competency. 
10). We consider others more significant than ourselves. 

All of these values hit home for me, especially number eight, the value of excellence in everything we do. Worship pastor, Aaron Ivey made the point that even as a boy, Christ grew in wisdom and stature. (Luke 2:52)  As children of God we should also continue to grow in the gifts God has given us. The Church (the body of Christ) should reflect Christ with excellence in all that we do. 

I will close with this passage from Hebrews 10:

"Let us hold fast the confession of our hope without wavering, for he who promised is faithful. And let us consider how to stir up one another to love and good works, not neglecting to meet together, as is the habit of some, but encouraging one another, and all the more as you see the Day drawing near."
Hebrews 10:23-25

 

Weakness

Man, I don't want to write a post about weakness... Right? It just seems counter-intuitive. Yet, this is the true gospel, that His power is made perfect in our weakness. May we never boast except in the cross of our Lord Jesus Christ! The issue of human weakness and suffering are roadblocks for so many believers, myself included. It also relates directly to a song I'd like to share. A song where my sister Emma writes: 

"May the bones that you have broken rejoice.
May the hearts that you have stolen, 
be bound up in song.
May the grace and the goodness that you give
turn cold wind, to white snow, to fireworks."

To even begin to comment on this song and understand the thought process, it's important to understand suffering from a biblical perspective. This past Sunday at The Austin Stone, Joey Shaw gave an incredible sermon on this topic. He articulated the problem of human weakness and suffering in a way that opened my eyes to the truth of the gospel. Is there a way the we can truly rest in our weakness? Is it possible to still find satisfaction in life when tragedy strikes? I sure hope so, because tragedy itself, or the fact that hardship and suffering can occur at any moment, can be absolutely crippling. That is why we can take hope when Jesus says he has overcome the world!

“Do you now believe?” Jesus replied. “A time is coming and in fact has come when you will be scattered, each to your own home. You will leave me all alone. Yet I am not alone, for my Father is with me. I have told you these things, so that in me you may have peace. In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.”
John 16:31-33

This, in no way diminishes the real pain that we all feel when we loose a loved one, or experience trials of many kinds. That is why Jesus himself says, "In this world you will have trouble. But take heart! I have overcome the world.” Jesus doesn't say all this while chilling on the lake, or eating with his disciples, No, he says this right before praying in the Garden of Gethsemane, right before he is taken to be nailed to the cross. He understands suffering in a way I struggle to understand. This song my sister Emma calls "Job", was written 2 years after our mother's passing. Christ's power was made perfect in Job's suffering, and in Hannah's plea. Christ's power was made perfect in my mother's suffering as she went to her heavenly home because His glory goes beyond our human existence. Paul puts it plainly in his letter to the Philippians:

"But our citizenship is in heaven. And we eagerly await a Savior from there, the Lord Jesus Christ, who, by the power that enables him to bring everything under his control, will transform our lowly bodies so that they will be like his glorious body." Philippians 3:20-21

JOB

How did Job keep singing, with all his children dead?

How did he say, "from dust I came and will return?"

 

May the bones that you have broken rejoice.

May the hearts that you have stolen, 

be bound up in song.

May the grace and the goodness that you give

turn cold wind, to white snow, to fireworks.

 

How did Hannah keep praying, even while she wept,

for a child she knew no earthly hope could give?

 

May the bones that you have broken rejoice.

May the hearts that you have stolen, 

be bound up in song.

May the grace and the goodness that you give

turn cold wind, to white snow, to fireworks.

"Oh, Oh, Wasi!"

A couple days ago Dusty was writing out a grocery list with Sawyer. Dusty went to attend to Jahnabell who was playing on the floor. When Dusty turned around, Sawyer had started his own list, only it wasn't a list, it was a song. "I'm writing a song!" Sawyer exclaimed. A few minutes later Sawyer had a request. "Mommy can I play the piano?" Next thing you know, Dusty got this moment on camera:

I'm not sure what a "Wasi" is but one thing is for sure, the Lord has created us to praise him.

"From the lips of children and infants you have ordained praise" Psalm 8:2

From Dusty, With Love. . .

Hi yall! It’s me, the lady of the house. I am sitting in Sam’s office listening to him practice for this Sunday. He will be playing keys with Daniel and the other guys this weekend. You read that correctly: keys. Now, some of you may not know that Sam can play the piano. I actually did not find this out until AFTER we were married. It was the snowy Christmas of 2012. We were out at Rambellwood (this is what Sam’s childhood home was called. It was a beautiful farm in East Texas. Hence where the name of his family band comes from). We were all gathered in the parlor with Bonny talking and, most likely, eating dessert. Sam sat down at the baby grand piano that lived in the parlor. He started playing the most beautiful song. Of course, everyone else knew he could play. I started going on about how I did not know he could play. We were all chatting when we heard a loud “SHHHHH” come from Bonny. We all got quiet, except for Sam. He kept playing. When he plays music, the world disappears. Bonny was motioning for us all to be quiet. She wanted to hear him play. She closed her eyes as we all sat in silence and listened to him play, the snow falling outside. Listening to him play now reminds me so much of that time.

This Residency has already been a grand adventure for our family. In the few short months Sam has been in it, I have seen so much growth in him musically and more importantly spiritually. He is an awesome filmmaker; no one can deny that. But, yall, he is a phenomenal musician. And I love hearing him play, which is a good thing, because he does all day long. And I really love where the Lord is taking us as a family. I love the Lord equipping Sam even more to be a leader, both in our family and in our community. I love the people the Lord has brought in our lives. I love the timing of it all.

I am so thankful for where the Lord has brought us, and where He is taking us. A quick update on the kiddos (since they are the cuteness to our family): Sawyer still loves everything music. He asks me daily if we can go to the instrument store. He loves singing loudly, no matter where we are. It is so sweet to hear him sing “Our King Eternal who was and is to come” to complete strangers. “Jesus True and Only” is currently his favorite song. Jahnabell is keeping us on our toes. She isn’t even 10 months old yet, and she is cruising all over the place. Her smile lights up every room. And her laugh: Best. Sound. Ever. We love you guys!

Moved To Action

Wall in memory of the dead. A normal sight in Northern Ireland where 'The Troubles',  a conflict between Irish Catholics and British Protestants, sadly remains to this day. (photo captured Summer 2013)

"Why do the nations rage and the peoples plot in vain?"  Acts 4:25                   

What a crazy two weeks it has been! We have been faced with times of joy and with times of sorrow; with times of dancing and with times of mourning; with times of peace and with times of war (Ecclesiastes 3:1-11). And that has just been within our family. When we look at the world outside of our protected four-walls, our hearts break. They break for every single life that has been taken, for every family member who received a phone call telling them their loved one would not be coming home. 

My natural response to the brokenness in the world, and all the pain and suffering, is to say to myself, "but what can I do?" This usually results in feelings of apathy and discontentment. I am disconnected to most tragedy in the world, so why should I care? Really now, what can I do? And here you have the mindset of the modern day Christian: apathy coupled with, "I guess I'll go read my bible." Clarification: reading the bible is not bad, but reading it and doing nothing in response is.

A few days ago I opened my bible and happened upon the parable of the talents. I've read this parable several times before but have always been a little confused. Why was Jesus so hard on the man who kept the talents given him safe? Then something clicked inside of my heart and mind: God has given us the greatest gift known to man! Himself! God in the flesh, Jesus the risen Christ. The Gospel, the living word of God. Far be it from us that we would take this gift and hide it away, that we would play it 'safe'.

Jesus tells a story, a story of three men who were given five, two, and a single talent respectively. The first two men invest their master's deposit and return with more. The third man takes the single talent given him and buries it because he is 'afraid'. In Matthew 25, verse 26, Jesus tells us the master's response to this in-action:

"But his master answered him, ‘You wicked and slothful servant! You knew that I reap where I have not sown and gather where I scattered no seed? Then you ought to have invested my money with the bankers, and at my coming I should have received what was my own with interest. So take the talent from him and give it to him who has the ten talents. For to everyone who has will more be given, and he will have an abundance. But from the one who has not, even what he has will be taken away. And cast the worthless servant into the outer darkness. In that place there will be weeping and gnashing of teeth." Matthew 25:26-30

Wow. . .

Harsh much? Jesus doesn't beat around the bush. He calls us to risk it all for the gospel. This realization has been extremely convicting for me. What has my response been to the gospel? The concept reminds me in many ways of Dietrich Bonhoeffer, a German pastor and theologian during World War II. Bonhoeffer said this: “Silence in the face of evil is itself evil: God will not hold us guiltless. Not to speak is to speak. Not to act is to act."  What action have I taken when I see injustice in the world? My answer more often than nought has been, sadly: nothing. Even worse, currently when I hear of another shooting, terrorist attack, or injustice, my response has been apathetic at best.

Police vehicle in city center Belfast, Northern Ireland, (photo captured Summer 2013)

So what does taking action as a Christian who believes in the cross of Jesus look like in 2016? This is the question I need to be asking myself daily. This is the question we all need to be asking daily. Here are some everyday calls-to-action that I believe are based on Paul's teachings about Jesus and the early Church. 

We must, pray. I am not talking about the "I'm praying for you" Christian here, I am referring to the Acts 4:23-31 Christian. 

We must, get involved with our local church, one that teaches the true gospel of Jesus. (serve and attend) Acts 2:42-47

We must, find individuals we can meet with weekly and challenge each other in pursuit of Christ. Romans 12:3-8, Hebrews 3:13-14

We must, find a group of people within our church that we can meet with weekly, but we must not stop there. . . we must serve our community as a whole and preach the true gospel of Jesus. Acts 2:42-47, Acts 4:32-35, Romans 12:3-8,  

If we don't know why we believe what we believe, sharing the gospel will be extremely difficult. We must live compelled to share the wondrous work of tho Lord, as did King David. The entire book of Psalms was dedicated to this purpose: "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; my soul knows it very well."  Psalm 139:14

Try telling your best friend that they should go try out a great new pizza place you've never been to. . . doesn't work. 

We may think that living life with other believers is optional but it's not. 

"But exhort one another every day, as long as it is called “today,” that none of you may be hardened by the deceitfulness of sin. For we have come to share in Christ, if indeed we hold our original confidence firm to the end."  Hebrews 3:13-14

How can our response move from apathy to action? The nations of the world rage and its peoples plot in vain because like all of us, they are lost in sin. Simply put, we are all in desperate need of salvation and the saving grace of Jesus of Nazareth. Whatever God has called each of us to uniquely, we should pursue with unrelenting passion. We can't share the gospel if we're running one direction while is God is calling us in the opposite path. We cannot share the immense love the Father of the universe has lavished on us unless we believe it ourselves. Deeply. Passionately. 

Out of this fellowship of believers naturally flows the truth of the cross and the magnitude of His grace! May we as followers of Jesus be moved to action through His word and the fellowship of believers. May the truth of the gospel change the world. The world will not be transformed through our intelligent thoughts and convincing arguments, but through the Holy Spirit, which is Christ in us.

May we be moved to action.

Love

This has been another great week of learning and growing in the Lord. I spend much time preparing for leading the students at South campus in worship during the week. I can see the reward of this work in the growth I am experiencing spiritually and physically, but I am also continuing to be challenged!

It goes without saying that this week has been especially tough with the pain and brokenness that we see in our community, city, state, and nation. God calls us to mourn with those who mourn. He also calls us above all else to love the Lord our God with all our heart, soul and mind, and to love our neighbor as ourself. I know I personally struggle with how to put this love into action. It is important to remember that only through Jesus can we truly love our neighbor as ourself. In 1 Corinthians 13, Paul teaches us what love is:

“If I speak in the tongues of men and of angels, but have not love, I am a noisy gong or a clanging cymbal. And if I have prophetic powers, and understand all mysteries and all knowledge, and if I have all faith, so as to remove mountains, but have not love, I am nothing. If I give away all I have, and if I deliver up my body to be burned, but have not love, I gain nothing. Love is patient and kind; love does not envy or boast; it is not arrogant or rude. It does not insist on its own way; it is not irritable or resentful; it does not rejoice at wrongdoing, but rejoices with the truth. Love bears all things, believes all things, hopes all things, endures all things. Love never ends.  1 Corinthians 13:1-8

Adoration

Johanna and Josh's wedding was an incredible time with family and friends. God's grace was very evident during the ceremony. Considering how much was going on with wedding preparations and the fact that I had never officiated a wedding before, things could have been awkward and crazy, but they weren't. God's peace covered the celebration completely.

This week I started the book, Worship Matters by Bob Kauflin. Every chapter is convicting to the core. Kauflin talks about how it is so easy to be a worship leader and yet have our affections set on something else. "I learned that I could lead others in worshiping God and be worshiping something else in my own heart" (Kauflin 25). I am discovering that worship is a response to a deeper realization of who God is. It is a response that is cultivated by our knowledge of God which then transforms our hearts and in turn, manifests itself in our hands as adoration, praise, and good works. In Matthew Jesus talks about loving God with all of our being: 

And he said to him,“You shall love the Lord your God with all your heart and with all your soul and with all your mind. This is the great and first commandment" Matthew 22:37-38. 

This is articulated well by Kauflin in Worship Matters, "While it's simplistic to say that worship is love, it's a fact that what we love most will determine what we genuinely worship" (Kauflin 25). 

The challenge is then that what we learn in our heads be in unity with our hearts and what we do with our hands. Too often I may believe something passionately but fail to put it into action. I may do something with my hands, but my heart not be engaged. It is important to learn more about the character of God; to discover new truths every day that will draw our hearts to his and empower our hands to action. In the same way we are compelled to compliment someone we love dearly or invest ourselves reading articles and commentary about an artist, athlete, or vacation destination, so should we seek to know the creator of the universe. Paul makes this clear in his prayer for the Ephesians: 

"I do not cease to give thanks for you, remembering you in my prayers, that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the Father of glory, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and of revelation in the knowledge of him, having the eyes of your hearts enlightened, that you may know what is the hope to which he has called you, what are the riches of his glorious inheritance in the saints," Ephesians 1:16-19

Joy Made Complete

                                                                      &nbs…

                                                                       Family hang-out at the Ivey's. Sawyer loved their puppy Landry!

This week has been the busiest by far. I am not leading worship this Sunday, because I will be helping officiate my sister Johanna's wedding! I have been soaking up so much from my time as a resident at the Austin Stone it's difficult to condense it down to a blog post. On Tuesday I was inspired by a short sermon by John Dansby at the Austin Stone staff meeting. He explained how our praise, worship and adoration completes our joy in Christ. I've heard this concept before, but the way the concept was articulated really hit home. Worship and the proclamation of the gospel should be a natural response when we discover and encounter the magnitude of who Jesus is. No wonder there is an entire book of the Bible (Psalms) devoted to praising God! 

"Shout for joy in the Lord, O you righteous!   Praise befits the upright. Give thanks to the Lord with the lyre;  make melody to him with the harp of ten strings! Sing to him a new song; play skillfully on the strings, with loud shouts. For the word of the Lord is upright, and all his work is done in faithfulness. He loves righteousness and justice; the earth is full of the steadfast love of the Lord."  Psalm 33:1-5

John Dansby referenced Reflections On The Psalms by C. S. Lewis, during his short sermon. The insight of C. S. Lewis helped me grasp the concept of worship:

“I think we delight to praise what we enjoy because the praise not merely expresses but completes the enjoyment; it is its appointed consummation. It is not out of compliment that lovers keep on telling one another how beautiful they are; the delight is incomplete till it is expressed. It is frustrating to have discovered a new author and not to be able to tell anyone how good he is; to come suddenly, at the turn of the road, upon some mountain valley of unexpected grandeur and then to have to keep silent because the people with you care for it no more than for a tin can in the ditch; to hear a good joke and find no one to share it with.”  - C. S. Lewis

It really would be crazy to have just discovered that someone gave their life so that you could live and then not be able to tell anyone at all! Sharing the gospel is a natural reaction to God's goodness. For more on this topic, I encourage you to check out Sam Storms's article at Desiring God. The understanding of why we worship transforms our perspective and ability to worship God in spirt and in truth. We praise God not because He needs us to, but because we are gripped by the gravity of His love!

Wedding preparations this week! Jahnabell, Dusty and Sawyer may steal the show!

                                                                                  Family-Style Meal with the Austin Stone Worship crew!

Preeminent

Early last Sunday, The worship leader for the main service walked into the cafeteria where I was setting up for the students service and said, "so we are going to have service in here today!" There was an issue with the power breaker in the gym, where the church usually sets up for their main service, so we had to call an audible completely off the cuff. My sister Grace was driving in from San Antonio to play keys with me at the students service, but instead, Daniel changed up his setlist and Grace played with him at the main service! I led worship for students in the choir room. Instead of streaming the sermon series from downtown as planned, our campus pastor Matt Blackwell preached a sermon from a recent staff gathering he had prepared. Many things where crazy, and we were scrambling to find screens, and move everything to the cafeteria, but it was a great experience! It was incredible to be a part of a team that when things don't go according to plan are able to come together and make things happen! By the grace of God we were able to proclaim the gospel in South Austin without distractions. God is faithful!

This week has been busy: meetings, preparing for worship team auditions for the students band, and preparing for my sister Johanna's wedding next weekend! Johanna and her fiancé Josh asked me to officiate their wedding so I have been working on a script for the wedding. Also, things are starting to get busier with the residency (which is awesome) but I am having to learn how to prioritize my time well so that I can spend time with my family in the evenings instead of continuing to work. Reading to Sawyer (Cowboy Saw-bean) has been one of my favorite things to do. Being present for my family is a vital part of being a dad! The other day I was leaving to go work at the Austin Stone offices and Sawyer, Jahnabell, and Dusty opened a window upstairs to wave goodbye. They melted my heart in an instant! This week, Colossians 1:13-20 has spoken to me about the gravity of the preeminence of Christ. When things in life don't go as planned and when there is too much to get done in the time we have, let us remember that we were created to glorify Him and that He is the author of time and space!

“He has delivered us from the domain of darkness and transferred us to the kingdom of his beloved Son, in whom we have redemption, the forgiveness of sins. He is the image of the invisible God, the firstborn of all creation. For by him all things were created, in heaven and on earth, visible and invisible, whether thrones or dominions or rulers or authorities—all things were created through him and for him. And he is before all things, and in him all things hold together. And he is the head of the body, the church. He is the beginning, the firstborn from the dead, that in everything he might be preeminent. For in him all the fullness of God was pleased to dwell, and through him to reconcile to himself all things, whether on earth or in heaven, making peace by the blood of his cross.”  Colossians 1:13-20

Weekly Rhythms

This was my first full week as a worship resident at The Austin Stone. It has been quite busy! On Monday, I took a sabbath since Sunday is a full work day. Tuesday I met up with the Austin Stone South Campus team (which is where I lead students worship) for their weekly staff meeting. Next was the entire Austin Stone staff meeting at the St. John's campus. This was a really awesome experience. This particular "staff meeting" consisted of worship and a short sermon. It was an excellent way to re-center everyone through worship and by challenging us through scripture. Wednesday I went to the church offices and worked with the Austin Stone Worship team and prepared for Sunday. Also, on Wednesdays during the summer, I lead worship at a students event at a local park. Thursday I met with my mentor, Daniel Darnell.   In the weeks to come, we will be going though a book together called, "Worship Matters". Currently Daniel is giving me wisdom on re-launching the students worship team at South campus. This means I am responsible for establishing the worship culture and for building a solid band for the students at South campus. Today, on Friday, Daniel and I met again and did some song writing at his place for a couple hours. We worked on a chorus inspired by Psalm 33. I hope to share a demo with everyone at some point. Currently it is a work in progress. Also, Daniel has a really cool looking office! 

Now I am off to work on the songs for Sunday! I am finding this to be a really great challenge. My goal is to have songs memorized so that I am not distracted while leading. This has brought much freedom to the worship experience since I have relied on lead sheets and music stands in the past. This Sunday the sermon is out of John 15:7-8.

If you abide in me, and my words abide in you, ask whatever you wish, and it will be done for you. By this my Father is glorified, that you bear much fruit and so prove to be my disciples.

I've decided to close with Gracious Redeemer this Sunday. Feel free to check out this song! Good stuff!

 Again, thank you all for your support and your prayers!

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On Mission

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Yesterday was my first day! I feel incredibly blessed to be on mission in Austin as a worship resident. These past couple weeks, God has provided the support needed to begin the residency! Let me just say I am floored by the generosity of family and friends who are supporting us! You guys are enabling me and my family to grow in this gifting and vision the Lord has placed on my heart. It it so incredibly humbling and encouraging!

As you know something I find a lot of joy in sharing is Sawyer's love for all things music. Here he is jamming out on the keys!

I know what you're thinking: "is Sam the worship resident, or Sawyer??" I will eventually post a recording or video of myself, but let's face it, Sawyer is far more entertaining! And just so you know, he is actually singing the last line of the bridge in the Austin Stone Worship song: Jesus True and Only.

Again, I want to express my gratitude for all of the support that has been freely given. You guys are a true example of the early church that Paul talks about in second Corinthians:

"For they gave according to their means, as I can testify, and beyond their means, of their own accord, begging us earnestly for the favor of taking part in the relief of the saints - and this, not as we expected, but they gave themselves first to the Lord and then by the will of God to us."  II Corinthians 8:3-5

If you didn't get a chance to check out the mini-documentary I put together explaining what led me into this worship residency, you can check it out now!