All I can say today is Thank You! You are an amazing group of people. It blesses me so much to be able to lift each other, and others, up in prayer each week as we gather together! What strength is given and hope found, when we carry our burdens to the foot of the cross and lay them down - when we stand in the gap for one another! I am honored and blessed to be leading you. Thank You, Thank You, Thank You.
Your practice last night was outstanding. The song for the week is going to be awesome. What an amazing message to think about and ponder as we prepare for Sunday. Are we choosing to speak words of life or words of death - to ourselves and to those around us? Are we consciously making a daily decision to be a blessing? God is challenging me - is He challenging you? Let's determine together that we are going to be a blessing on Sunday - and for life. Take time to prepare your heart to give and receive all that the Lord would have you give and receive.
I love you all so much. Thank you for loving and supporting my family and I! Thank you for loving and supporting one another!
Singing His Praise,
Krista
Thursday, October 6, 2011
Wednesday, September 28, 2011
Thursday, September 22, 2011
Bring what you have
Hi all - just wanted to share this devotion that I didn't get a chance to share last night. May it encourage you as you get ready for Sunday's song. We are a light to a dark world - right where we are - today! I love you all and look forward to ministering with you on Sunday.
‘”How many loaves do you have?’ he asked. ‘Go and see.’ When they found out, they said, ‘Five—and two fish.’” Mark 6:38 (NIV)
I glanced at the clock on the bottom of my computer. It was 6:47 pm and the email had been sent hours earlier. I kicked myself for not checking my email that afternoon and regretted not being able to respond to my friend’s plea for prayer as she prepared to share her testimony in a small group at her church. I scanned through her email again and saw that the time she was supposed to begin was at 6:30. Feeling a little foolish, I typed a quick email:
“Dear Karen,” I wrote, “It is 6:47 and I am praying your testimony will be effective in the hearts of those who listen.” I had no idea why I included the time, it just felt like the right thing to do. I guess because I wanted her to know I did what I could as soon as I could. The next morning, I woke up to this email:
“NO WAY!!!!!!!!!! I was told to arrive at 6:30 and we’d start once the ladies got their kids settled. The leader had me start…..AT 6:47!!!!”
There are too many times that I have been in a situation like that and done nothing because I couldn’t do it “right.” I beat myself up with thoughts like: A better friend would have prayed as soon as the email came out. A more organized person would have checked her email earlier. How often do we feel like we fall short of what we could be doing as Christians? We wish we could give more, pray harder, speak up more, offer more time. And in the end, because we can’t do as much as we want, we throw up our hands and do nothing. Because we can’t do it all, we don’t do anything at all.
As I read my friend’s response, I was glad I did something, taking the little I had to offer and giving it anyway. I was too late by my timing, but not by God’s. I had missed the opportunity to pray for my friend before but God miraculously had me open the email at the moment she was beginning and pray then.
In Mark 6:35-44, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5000 men. The disciples told Him that they didn’t have enough to feed the crowd. They were ready to give up. I love the question that He asks them in our verse today: “Well, what do you have? Go and see.” When they turned over what they did have to Him, He was able to multiply it beyond what they could have imagined.
So many times I come to Him and say the same: “I just have this little tiny bit…of money, of time, of resources, of energy.”
And He says, “Bring what you have to me. That’s all I ask. Let me take care of it from here.”
So I ask what little you might have to give? You might not be able to give $1000. But you could give $10. You might not be able to pledge hours and hours to serve at church. But you can serve once a month for one hour. You might not feel comfortable speaking to crowds. But you’re great at sharing what God’s doing in your life one-on-one. You might not be able to lead a prayer ministry. But you can pray for a friend who needs it, even if it seems like you’re too late.
Let God take your little and make it much. Let Him take your 6:47 and make it right on time.
Dear Lord, show me how I can respond when I feel like I don’t have enough. Help me to offer my little in Your name and watch You respond in multiples. Open my eyes to the times I need to offer what I can and let that be enough, trusting You with the rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
‘”How many loaves do you have?’ he asked. ‘Go and see.’ When they found out, they said, ‘Five—and two fish.’” Mark 6:38 (NIV)
I glanced at the clock on the bottom of my computer. It was 6:47 pm and the email had been sent hours earlier. I kicked myself for not checking my email that afternoon and regretted not being able to respond to my friend’s plea for prayer as she prepared to share her testimony in a small group at her church. I scanned through her email again and saw that the time she was supposed to begin was at 6:30. Feeling a little foolish, I typed a quick email:
“Dear Karen,” I wrote, “It is 6:47 and I am praying your testimony will be effective in the hearts of those who listen.” I had no idea why I included the time, it just felt like the right thing to do. I guess because I wanted her to know I did what I could as soon as I could. The next morning, I woke up to this email:
“NO WAY!!!!!!!!!! I was told to arrive at 6:30 and we’d start once the ladies got their kids settled. The leader had me start…..AT 6:47!!!!”
There are too many times that I have been in a situation like that and done nothing because I couldn’t do it “right.” I beat myself up with thoughts like: A better friend would have prayed as soon as the email came out. A more organized person would have checked her email earlier. How often do we feel like we fall short of what we could be doing as Christians? We wish we could give more, pray harder, speak up more, offer more time. And in the end, because we can’t do as much as we want, we throw up our hands and do nothing. Because we can’t do it all, we don’t do anything at all.
As I read my friend’s response, I was glad I did something, taking the little I had to offer and giving it anyway. I was too late by my timing, but not by God’s. I had missed the opportunity to pray for my friend before but God miraculously had me open the email at the moment she was beginning and pray then.
In Mark 6:35-44, Jesus performs the miracle of feeding the 5000 men. The disciples told Him that they didn’t have enough to feed the crowd. They were ready to give up. I love the question that He asks them in our verse today: “Well, what do you have? Go and see.” When they turned over what they did have to Him, He was able to multiply it beyond what they could have imagined.
So many times I come to Him and say the same: “I just have this little tiny bit…of money, of time, of resources, of energy.”
And He says, “Bring what you have to me. That’s all I ask. Let me take care of it from here.”
So I ask what little you might have to give? You might not be able to give $1000. But you could give $10. You might not be able to pledge hours and hours to serve at church. But you can serve once a month for one hour. You might not feel comfortable speaking to crowds. But you’re great at sharing what God’s doing in your life one-on-one. You might not be able to lead a prayer ministry. But you can pray for a friend who needs it, even if it seems like you’re too late.
Let God take your little and make it much. Let Him take your 6:47 and make it right on time.
Dear Lord, show me how I can respond when I feel like I don’t have enough. Help me to offer my little in Your name and watch You respond in multiples. Open my eyes to the times I need to offer what I can and let that be enough, trusting You with the rest. In Jesus’ Name, Amen.
Thursday, September 15, 2011
Worship Me!
"Worship Me by living close to Me. This was My original design for man, into whom I breathed My very breath of life. This is My desire for you: that you stay near Me as you walk along your life-path. Each day is an important part of that journey. Although you may feel as if you are going nowhere in this world, your spiritual journey is another matter altogether, taking you along steep, treacherous paths of adventure. That is why walking in the light of My presence is essential to keep you from stumbling. By staying close to Me, you present yourself as a living sacrifice. Even the most routine part of your day can be a spiritual act of worship, holy and pleasing to me." (Jesus Calling)
Good morning fellow worshipers. Just wanted to thank you for last night and the wonderful hard work and positive attitude you put forth. I know it is hard to feel that you have a song down in just one rehearsal but I am so confident that it is going to be great on Sunday. Thanks for staying those few extra minutes to go over it again. I think it really cemented what we had learned. You guys are such great people to hang out with! :)
Please continue to be in prayer for Sunday. God is doing good works and new things each week. I am so thankful to be a part of it. Let's have our spirits ready for whatever direction God is going to take us on Sunday.
One announcement that I forgot to give last night was about little children. If you have kids that you are in Royal Rangers or Impact Girls Club, they need to be going to the 2 year old classroom - across from the nursery - until you pick them up after we are done. They are NOT allowed to be walking around the church to find you, even if they know where you are. This is a strict policy and put in place for the safety of the kids. This is continually coming up at our staff meetings so please adhere to the rule - that way I can stop getting into trouble! :)
Love to you all - have a great week and see you at 8:15 on Sunday!
Singing His Praises,
Krista
Good morning fellow worshipers. Just wanted to thank you for last night and the wonderful hard work and positive attitude you put forth. I know it is hard to feel that you have a song down in just one rehearsal but I am so confident that it is going to be great on Sunday. Thanks for staying those few extra minutes to go over it again. I think it really cemented what we had learned. You guys are such great people to hang out with! :)
Please continue to be in prayer for Sunday. God is doing good works and new things each week. I am so thankful to be a part of it. Let's have our spirits ready for whatever direction God is going to take us on Sunday.
One announcement that I forgot to give last night was about little children. If you have kids that you are in Royal Rangers or Impact Girls Club, they need to be going to the 2 year old classroom - across from the nursery - until you pick them up after we are done. They are NOT allowed to be walking around the church to find you, even if they know where you are. This is a strict policy and put in place for the safety of the kids. This is continually coming up at our staff meetings so please adhere to the rule - that way I can stop getting into trouble! :)
Love to you all - have a great week and see you at 8:15 on Sunday!
Singing His Praises,
Krista
Saturday, September 3, 2011
September 11th final
Hey all! I will not be able to email this to our entire choir list as I am out of town and only have access to this blog. So, if you could pass around the word that would be great. We will be performing at both services on September 11th. We have worked out the details with the orchestra, band, and worship leaders. YEAH! I am so happy - this will be so great. We will be singing at the beginning of each service so you will be out of the 11 service earlier than we had talked about Wednesday. There is one addition however. In order to make this really excellent we will need to pull together a rehearsal with all groups involved. The only time that will work for everyone is on Thursday, September 8th at 7pm. Please put this into your calendar and pass the word around. I would appreciate it. Can't wait to kick of the fall season. It is going to be fabulous. Blessings to you all on this last weekend of summer.
Singing His Praise,
Krista
Singing His Praise,
Krista
Thursday, September 1, 2011
September 11
Okay gang - here's the scoop. I am still waiting to hear back from BJ Lupton regarding the possibility of singing at the 11 o'clock service also. However, we ARE keeping our Christmas rehearsal as previously scheduled. Instead of finishing at 5 we will be done around 4 or 4:30 so that the set-up for the evening service can commence. We will NOT be singing for the evening service. I didn't feel comfortable with so much packed into one day on our first day out! Vocally it was unwise and the timing was just too intense. Hope everyone is comfortable with this. Sorry about the confusion it caused last night! Again - here is the schedule for Sept 11.
9 am worship service
11 am worship service (still to be determined - I will let you know asap)
1-4:30 Christmas rehearsal
Thanks for your patience.
Singing His Praise,
Krista
9 am worship service
11 am worship service (still to be determined - I will let you know asap)
1-4:30 Christmas rehearsal
Thanks for your patience.
Singing His Praise,
Krista
Wednesday, August 31, 2011
Bring a Friend
Hey everyone -
Several of you have emailed me asking if it is okay to invite other people who are not on our current email list! My answer to you is YES! Bring as many as you can find. If their heart is worship - and they want to use their gifting for the Lord than of course we want them to be a part of our family!
Looking forward to seeing you tonight!
Singing His Praise,
Krista
Several of you have emailed me asking if it is okay to invite other people who are not on our current email list! My answer to you is YES! Bring as many as you can find. If their heart is worship - and they want to use their gifting for the Lord than of course we want them to be a part of our family!
Looking forward to seeing you tonight!
Singing His Praise,
Krista
Tuesday, August 30, 2011
See you tomorrow
"The Lord is my strength and shield. I trust him with all my heart. He helps me, and my heart is filled with joy. I burst out in songs of thanksgiving." Psalm 28:7
Well the time has arrived. I can't wait to see you all tomorrow! A couple of things that I want to run by you that we will be talking about tomorrow.
Item 1: Dean has asked if the choir might be available Sunday evening, the 11th of Sept., to sing at the memorial service. Please check your calenders and come prepared to give me a yes or no tomorrow night.
Item 2: We have been asked to sing in both services on the morning of the 11th as we are doing a special service that morning. I would really like to do this. However, it is going to require commitment from ALL of you. When we have done this in the past about half of you leave before 2nd service. If I can not get all of you on board I am going to tell the service planning committee that we will be unable to do it. Please think about this and we will discuss it tomorrow as well.
Again, can't wait to see you all and hear how your summer has been and what God has been up to in your lives.
Singing His praises,
Krista
Well the time has arrived. I can't wait to see you all tomorrow! A couple of things that I want to run by you that we will be talking about tomorrow.
Item 1: Dean has asked if the choir might be available Sunday evening, the 11th of Sept., to sing at the memorial service. Please check your calenders and come prepared to give me a yes or no tomorrow night.
Item 2: We have been asked to sing in both services on the morning of the 11th as we are doing a special service that morning. I would really like to do this. However, it is going to require commitment from ALL of you. When we have done this in the past about half of you leave before 2nd service. If I can not get all of you on board I am going to tell the service planning committee that we will be unable to do it. Please think about this and we will discuss it tomorrow as well.
Again, can't wait to see you all and hear how your summer has been and what God has been up to in your lives.
Singing His praises,
Krista
Wednesday, August 10, 2011
Tuesday, August 9, 2011
Fall Season
Hi to all!
Just wanted to drop you a note and let you know that our first choir rehearsal of the season will begin on August 31st at 5:45pm. We will be learning a new piece that will be performed on September 11th.
As I pen these words I cannot believe that all my school supplies have been purchased, Carter is registered for fall sports, and I have begun to plan my fall menus! The summer has flown by and I am not quite ready for it to be gone. However, I am so looking forward to spending another season together as worshipers.
This blog may feel a little different to you as it is a new way of communication but I am requesting that we begin using this as our tool of communication. I will be posting different encouragements throughout the week, as well as any announcements and scheduling that you should know about. If you follow the blog you will be notified each time I post something for you. If this overwhelms you are you would rather just receive an email please let me know by emailing me at ccworshipers@gmail.com
This summer I have been spending two days a week here at the church picking new music (which has been a blast) and really seeking God for the direction He would have us head this season. I believe He gave me a scripture that I would like to share with you today - one which I would like us all to memorize. It is as follows:
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kid of worshipers the Father seeks." John 4:23
As I meditated on this scripture another story came to my mind. It is found in 2 Chronicles 20 - the story of King Jehoshaphat. If you have never read this story please take a few minutes to do so. I love this story. The armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir have mounted against God's people. But Jehoshaphat speaks to the people commanding them to believe in the Lord and gain the ability to stand firm. When he had finished he appointed singers to walk ahead of the army. I don't know about you but I would not want to be at the head of the pack for this battle. There was not just one army - there was three!! YIKES. Not exactly what I signed up for when I decided to join the choir. But the Bible says that "at the very moment they began to sing and give praise" the Lord went to work on their behalf. It didn't take a whole song or even a "worship set" for Him to begin working. There hearts believed in Him, in His power and victory, and so the very moment they began to sing He was among them.
Sometimes I think we underestimate the power of worship - of the words that come out of our mouth. I believe God is calling me to a deeper standard of excellence as a worshiper. Is He calling you? He is seeking me out. Is He seeking you? Am I willing to do or give up whatever it takes to become a truly devoted worshiper? Are you?
I have four challenges for you to think about before we meet on August 31st.
1. Worship is more than music
2. Worship is not a style
3. Worship is not for your benefit - it's for God's
4. Worship is not confined to a church
I will be sharing what God has laid on my heart with regard to these areas but I wanted to share them with you - allow you a little time to think about them - listen to what God is telling you - and then we will share together when we meet.
Please make sure to come on the 31st. We have four consecutive weeks of new material so I want to get a good jump start! School will already be in session so I know you will be around. If you can't be here for some reason please give me a call or drop me a line and let me know.
I will close with this story:
“Keep on travelin’. Keep on . . .” sang the teenagers of the Dayspring Chorale. They had just sung the first five words of their Sunday evening concert when everything went dark. All power was gone. Well, not all power. Not true power. The students kept singing. Flashlights were found to shine on the chorale as they sang their entire repertoire without accompaniment. Midway through the concert, the director asked the congregation to sing along. It was goosebump time as God’s name was lifted high in that darkened church. “Hallelujah” never seemed so heavenly. Before the concert, everyone had worked hard to make sure all the electrical equipment was working. But the best thing that happened was for that power to go out. As a result, God’s power was highlighted. God’s light, not electric light, shone through. Jesus was praised.
Sometimes our plans break down and our efforts fall short but it doesn't matter does it? When things happen that we can’t control, we must “keep on travelin’” and remember where the real power for godly living and true praise comes from. When our efforts falter, we need to keep praising and lifting up Jesus. It’s all about Him anyway.
Singing His praises,
Krista
Just wanted to drop you a note and let you know that our first choir rehearsal of the season will begin on August 31st at 5:45pm. We will be learning a new piece that will be performed on September 11th.
As I pen these words I cannot believe that all my school supplies have been purchased, Carter is registered for fall sports, and I have begun to plan my fall menus! The summer has flown by and I am not quite ready for it to be gone. However, I am so looking forward to spending another season together as worshipers.
This blog may feel a little different to you as it is a new way of communication but I am requesting that we begin using this as our tool of communication. I will be posting different encouragements throughout the week, as well as any announcements and scheduling that you should know about. If you follow the blog you will be notified each time I post something for you. If this overwhelms you are you would rather just receive an email please let me know by emailing me at ccworshipers@gmail.com
This summer I have been spending two days a week here at the church picking new music (which has been a blast) and really seeking God for the direction He would have us head this season. I believe He gave me a scripture that I would like to share with you today - one which I would like us all to memorize. It is as follows:
"Yet a time is coming and has now come when the true worshipers will worship the Father in spirit and truth, for they are the kid of worshipers the Father seeks." John 4:23
As I meditated on this scripture another story came to my mind. It is found in 2 Chronicles 20 - the story of King Jehoshaphat. If you have never read this story please take a few minutes to do so. I love this story. The armies of Ammon, Moab, and Mount Seir have mounted against God's people. But Jehoshaphat speaks to the people commanding them to believe in the Lord and gain the ability to stand firm. When he had finished he appointed singers to walk ahead of the army. I don't know about you but I would not want to be at the head of the pack for this battle. There was not just one army - there was three!! YIKES. Not exactly what I signed up for when I decided to join the choir. But the Bible says that "at the very moment they began to sing and give praise" the Lord went to work on their behalf. It didn't take a whole song or even a "worship set" for Him to begin working. There hearts believed in Him, in His power and victory, and so the very moment they began to sing He was among them.
Sometimes I think we underestimate the power of worship - of the words that come out of our mouth. I believe God is calling me to a deeper standard of excellence as a worshiper. Is He calling you? He is seeking me out. Is He seeking you? Am I willing to do or give up whatever it takes to become a truly devoted worshiper? Are you?
I have four challenges for you to think about before we meet on August 31st.
1. Worship is more than music
2. Worship is not a style
3. Worship is not for your benefit - it's for God's
4. Worship is not confined to a church
I will be sharing what God has laid on my heart with regard to these areas but I wanted to share them with you - allow you a little time to think about them - listen to what God is telling you - and then we will share together when we meet.
Please make sure to come on the 31st. We have four consecutive weeks of new material so I want to get a good jump start! School will already be in session so I know you will be around. If you can't be here for some reason please give me a call or drop me a line and let me know.
I will close with this story:
“Keep on travelin’. Keep on . . .” sang the teenagers of the Dayspring Chorale. They had just sung the first five words of their Sunday evening concert when everything went dark. All power was gone. Well, not all power. Not true power. The students kept singing. Flashlights were found to shine on the chorale as they sang their entire repertoire without accompaniment. Midway through the concert, the director asked the congregation to sing along. It was goosebump time as God’s name was lifted high in that darkened church. “Hallelujah” never seemed so heavenly. Before the concert, everyone had worked hard to make sure all the electrical equipment was working. But the best thing that happened was for that power to go out. As a result, God’s power was highlighted. God’s light, not electric light, shone through. Jesus was praised.
Sometimes our plans break down and our efforts fall short but it doesn't matter does it? When things happen that we can’t control, we must “keep on travelin’” and remember where the real power for godly living and true praise comes from. When our efforts falter, we need to keep praising and lifting up Jesus. It’s all about Him anyway.
Singing His praises,
Krista
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