Mike Westendorf
Back in September, I posted this interview with Shaun Groves in support of his Third World Symphony album.
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Today, I’d like to introduce you to another musician – a mentor and friend of mine, Mike, who is also a husband & Dad (and weatherman).
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My Youth Pastor suggested I call Mike to talk about music, since he [...]
Women of Faith – Imagine
Imagine starting your day being led in worship by the astounding Allison Abbott, Janice Gaines, Laura Cooksey & Jenifer Thigpen.
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Imagine being joined in worship by an arena full of fellow sisters in Christ.
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Imagine hearing stories of God’s faithfulness, comfort, power & love from speakers like
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Sheila Walsh, Nicole Johnson and Angie Smith.
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I’m thrilled to have [...]
Choosing JOY- a gift from Sara
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After a busy day of preparing for & celebrating Greg’s birthday Wednesday, cleaning up, praying with and blessing my kids, I finally checked email. I wasn’t prepared.
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I was shocked to see that hospice had been brought in to my friend, Sara’s condo and she’s on the verge of going Home.
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I wasn’t prepared. As I read [...]
Shaun Groves – Third World Symphony
We’ve been listening to this wonderful new album from Shaun Groves.
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Here, take a listen, yourself.
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Third World Symphony by shaungroves
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The whole CD bursts with beautiful melodies under Biblically-sound, experience-rich lyrics.
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It’s not merely music that sells, but that teaches, acknowledges, reflects and remembers.
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Shaun graciously answered a few questions of mine as he prepared to [...]
This is (in)courage …
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The (in)courage community chose my song “Surrounded by Your Love” for their newest video. I was delighted, honored and humbled (and a teensy bit excited – ok, A LOT excited – I may have squealed)!
Here’s the video. This community of women, many of whom I’m proud to say I’ve met and connected with, are [...]
Stillness
While my daughter made lanyards, shot arrows from a bow, swam and giggled at camp, my boys and I went on an adventure of our own. We spent a few days with my Mom & Dad at my childhood home.
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In the small town along the Wisconsin River, we found quiet, space and stillness.
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It’s far enough away from any city that I could hear myself think and breathe – I marveled at how little it’s changed and how good for the soul it was to be home.
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Sure, we experienced splashing in the backyard pool, playing Wii and arguing over which Food Network show to watch, but in the midst of the normal, we found treasures in our day that stopped us completely:
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a hummingbird resting its wings, if only for a second
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wild raspberries along the road
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two boys playing a low-tech, old school, Mom played this with her brother, Battleship.
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My Dad coaxed a dragonfly onto his hand & my boys saw Papa as a creature tamer.
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We snickered when we saw the dragonfly smiling back at us.
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My boys indulged me with a mandatory “put your arm around your brother and smile” picture.
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Getting away from the noise of our own schedules, created space for us to be still.
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And we bathed in the beauty of it all.
On Being 12
What I’d tell my 12-year old self … (& what my daughter needs to hear):
- You are gifted
- You are beautiful – not just your wide, gum-filled smile – but YOU – your wit, your quirks, your big heart
- Run your own race – don’t compare
- You were not created to be a carbon copy of your Mother
- What you’re good at can give you a glimpse into how God created you
- Feeling ugly doesn’t mean you are
- Don’t let others’ expectations drive you
- You can make your mark right where you are
- Take time to listen to God
- You won’t waste time learning something
- The best accessory you can put on is a smile
- Ask questions and don’t worry if you don’t understand the answer – ask again
- It’s never too late to start the day over
- The Bible isn’t boring
- Learn to apologize and ask for forgiveness
- Be generous with compliments
- Making friends is easy, keeping them is the hard part – listen well, build them up, be there for them
- Don’t be so hard on yourself – the world is hard enough
- God loves you and no one can change that – even you!
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Help me fill in the blank. What would you tell your 12-year old self?
She’s 12 today
She’s 12 today …
the sweet, smiley bundle
The Daddy’s Girl
Our giggly adventurer
The Big Sister
A pony-loving Preschooler
The 5 year-old who dreamed of being a dolphin trainer (and started with goldfish)
A silly show-off …
and then faster than you can say “preteen,”
She morphed into a princess
a careful wish maker
a thrill seeker
and became
a VBS crew leader
& church volunteer
a mash-up of the years – that now equals a smart, gifted, piano-playing, water-loving, list-making, journal-keeping, book-devouring, iPod listening 12-year old beauty.
Happy Birthday, my sweet girl!
