tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-17920601150189063902024-03-13T00:41:53.022-07:00Leslie McKee MusicLeslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.comBlogger22125tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-55319675702673862572017-12-06T07:18:00.000-08:002017-12-06T07:47:50.784-08:00Coming Up for Air<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_oCph-RocNwa_6PNgjxvSNrxKf2u0aQFR4f4ENth7BGc7nI4T9dEpMHaPFkw41HqmNfzymm9_1VWqoQC0E6hH0AXdzQutIcmJmi2lduuvzk4YwFjk99eR-_7ErMSWOXzMXTzYitjOI0/s1600/Breath+of+Heaven.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1260" data-original-width="1600" height="500" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjU_oCph-RocNwa_6PNgjxvSNrxKf2u0aQFR4f4ENth7BGc7nI4T9dEpMHaPFkw41HqmNfzymm9_1VWqoQC0E6hH0AXdzQutIcmJmi2lduuvzk4YwFjk99eR-_7ErMSWOXzMXTzYitjOI0/s640/Breath+of+Heaven.jpg" width="640" /></a></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>Breath of Heaven</i>. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
A song I've heard for several decades now at Christmastime. For me, it's one of those songs that has been played and sung so many times that it's lost its appeal to me. As I listened to the soloist sing this at church on Sunday, the words took on new meaning and came to life in my spirit. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Several days before, I found out that blood test results show that I have Lyme disease. This really did not come as a surprise, as I have had symptoms for several years now, but I've known people who have this disease and have heard of the hardships it tends to bring symptomatically and financially. I also found out that my blood sugar is borderline high, my cholesterol is high, and I have a genotype that causes my body to over-produce cholesterol. But wait...there's more! That same gene is linked to Alzheimer's disease. The good news is that a little bit of change will diminish most of the risks, but it has been a lot to process and has had me feeling a bit blue. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Back to Sunday morning...I've been leading worship regularly once a month at a local church for several years now, and this was my Sunday to be there. I was already feeling a bit fragile because of the previous week, and I kid you not, during the greeting time, the pastor informs me that I'm no longer needed. Seriously?! Have you ever in essence been fired during the greeting time at church?? This kind of stuff only happens to me! And with that, I sat down to lead the congregation in worship. I will tell you that as we sang, my brain was processing what just happened. You'd be surprised how many battles were being be fought in my mind during those fifteen minutes while we lifted our voices in songs of praise. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Following the worship time, a sweet friend started singing <i>Breath of Heaven </i>for special music<i>. </i>As she sang, I clearly sensed the Spirit saying, "I'm about to do something new." To be honest, I had been holding on to something that I knew I needed to let go of. Letting go of this area of serving had been on my mind for some time, but I had developed friendships at the church, and it was a source of income in a season of debt related to the album I released earlier this year. Having the decision made for me was in a way a relief, but, even so, politics within the church have a way of causing pain. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
What does any of this has to do with the song? Stay with me. I'm getting there soon, but first let me share the lyrics with you.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I have traveled many moonless night</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Cold and weary with a babe inside</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>And I wonder what I've done</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Holy Father, You have come and chosen me now to carry your Son </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I am waiting in a silent prayer</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>I am frightened by the load I bear</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>In a world as cold as stone, must I walk this path alone? </b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Be with me now... Be with me now</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Breath of heaven, hold me together</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Be forever near me, breath of heaven</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Breath of heaven, lighten my darkness</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Pour over me your holiness</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>For You are holy...Breath of heaven</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Do You wonder as You watch my face</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>If a wiser one should have had my place?</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>But I offer all I am for the mercy of your plan</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Help me be strong...Help me be...Help me</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b><br /></b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Breath of heaven, hold me together</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Be forever near me, breath of heaven</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Breath of heaven, lighten my darkness</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>Pour over me your holiness</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>For You are holy...Breath of heaven</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><b>(by Amy Grant & Chris Eaton)</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Have you ever listened to this song not from a Christmas perspective? In my heart, I suddenly found myself identifying with the main character in the story line...Mary. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The "moonless nights" represent the darkness I've walked through following deep wounding within the church community. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
While I'm not with child, my body is a temple in which the Holy Spirit dwells. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Father God has chosen me, as He has chosen you, to carry the light of his Son, Jesus Christ, to the world around us. We have all been created uniquely and are gifted in different ways to accomplish this. I've personally been called to do this through music and through a heart that loves to worship and leads others in His worship. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I find myself now in a season of waiting for the "something new". I've always had a feeling that my music ministry would take me beyond the borders of my little hometown in PA. And, if I dare make myself vulnerable to you, I'll share that I've always felt it will take me to states across this great big country we live in. Now, that can be a scary thought, and I definitely know it's not something that I can do on my own. So while I wait, I'll pray that Christ will be with me. That his Spirit will hold me together and that I'll forever feel his presence near me. That his light will break through the darkness that tries to fight it's way into my life. That his breath will be the source that sustains me. That I will live a life of holiness and complete devotion to God. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I'm grateful for a God who continues to love even when I find myself full of questions, fear and doubt. There have been and will be days where I wonder, "why me?" Why would He choose to use me in such a way when there are younger, way more talented people out there who can do things much better than me. Yet, I am willing to offer all I am for the sake of his calling on my life. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And I plead for him to help me be strong. I know that He will do so, because He said, "My gracious favor is all you need. My power works best in your weakness." His promises are backed by the honor of his name. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I don't know what tomorrow, or next week, or next year may look like, but I know that wherever He leads, I'll be held together in his care. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<b>Luke 1:26-38...Mary's story</b></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>In the sixth month of Elizabeth's pregnancy, God sent the angel Gabriel to Nazareth, a village in Galilee, to a virgin named Mary. She was engaged to be married to a man named Joseph, a descendant of King David. Gabriel appeared to her and said, "Greeting, favored woman! The Lord is with you!" <b>Confused and disturbed</b>, Mary tried to think what the angel could mean. "</i><b><i>Don't be frightened, Mary</i></b><i>," the angel told her, "for God has decided to bless you! You will become pregnant and have a son, and you are to name him Jesus. He will be very great and will be called the Son of the Most High. And the Lord God will give him the throne of his ancestor David. And he will reign over Israel forever; His Kingdom will never end!" Mary asked the angel, "<b>But how</b> can I have a baby? I am a virgin." The angel replied, "<b>The Holy Spirit will come upon you, and the power of the Most High will overshadow you. </b> So, the baby born to you will be holy, and he will be called the Son of God. What's more, your relative Elizabeth has become pregnant in her old age! People used to say she was barren, but she's already in her sixth month. <b>For nothing is impossible with God</b>." Mary responded, "<b>I am the Lord's servant, and I am willing to accept whatever he wants.</b> <b>May everything you have said come true.</b>" And then the angel left. </i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><br /></i></div>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-82374590025370712892016-12-26T20:05:00.002-08:002016-12-26T20:05:28.291-08:00The Power of a Song<h2 class="null">
Almost There!</h2>
<br />
After several years of being in the works, I'm excited to let you know that my new album, Another Mile, is super close to being finished! All of my vocals are finished and we're reviewing final mixes before we send the songs off to be mastered. We're also working on the artwork for the CD cover and inserts and should have solid plans for those things in the next week or two. Then it's just a matter of sending everything off to be duplicated. We're hoping to be ready to release the album by February. We have used some of the best players in Nashville to build the band tracks, and I've been able to work with some amazing producers on my vocals. I'm really pleased with how the mixes are sounding and hope you will love the new songs!<br /><br />I'm in need of a little bit of help to see us through the completion of the album and have launched a fundraising campaign through <a data-cke-saved-href="https://igg.me/at/lesliemckeemusic" href="https://igg.me/at/lesliemckeemusic" target="_blank">Indiegogo</a>. Please visit my <a data-cke-saved-href="https://igg.me/at/lesliemckeemusic" href="https://igg.me/at/lesliemckeemusic" target="_blank">page</a> to see how you can be involved on this project. You can read more about the people involved in making this album happen, see some additional photos taken along the way, and follow updates as they become available. When you make a contribution, you'll be able to pick from perks (my way to say thank you), which include a download link to my new Christmas single which was released two weeks ago and you'll get to hear a pre-release mix of one of the new songs. <br /><br />Perhaps you're wondering why you should consider giving toward album expenses when there are many, many charitable causes that you could give to. I've had to ask myself that question, too. To answer that, I'd like to share a story that has taken place over this year. In January, I received a message on my music page on Facebook from someone who came across one of my songs. This was the message that was sent: <em>"Was playing around on Fb and heard your song someone to call my own... Never been much into the god thing but that song kinda got to me...just thought i'd tell ya that... Don't know if your music gets at a lot of ppl but it got at one". </em><br /><br />She went on to share that she felt that I seemed to really believe what I was singing about, which led into deeper conversations about whether I truly believe in God and why. This presented a perfect opportunity for me to share my faith and to cross-examine my own heart for what I believe. As we continued to chat, she shared with me that she is battling brain cancer and fears death. She also shared how lonely she is and that she grew up in an abusive family. Through our conversation, I could feel the weight of her brokenness. I could also sense that the Holy Spirit was moving in her and causing her to seek Truth and perfect Love. <br /><br />We have kept in touch through messages and even a couple phone calls. I'm excited to share that over these months, she is still seeking and has visited a couple churches. I pray that one day she'll be open to receive God's gift of salvation and will no longer be bound by fear, but will find the peace and joy that come through relationship with Jesus Christ.<br /><br />She gave me permission to share a little bit of her story, and I share it with you to help you see the power a song can have in someone's life. My music may not get heard by the masses, but if it helps one person come to faith in Christ, the it's worth the time and resources that go into producing an album. It is because of this experience that I feel confident in knowing that asking for help with this is just as valid as the other causes that are out there. Each offers the hope of changing lives...just in different ways. Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-79237406281521501572016-12-24T10:35:00.001-08:002016-12-24T10:35:46.307-08:00O Come Let Us Adore Him<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9AR6cPfYitNCi1fLVU0Xy917D7TRsJ9BFrEuifzs1oLd6Cd4Ul8fbNe7QPdTYk0n2WVhpDEIACiLg-k6hcEIek8zi_lyxv77PLlpQj7F4O1seB1iorl5iPYXDhj_skeCQsASSc3SsM8/s1600/IMG_3390.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEic9AR6cPfYitNCi1fLVU0Xy917D7TRsJ9BFrEuifzs1oLd6Cd4Ul8fbNe7QPdTYk0n2WVhpDEIACiLg-k6hcEIek8zi_lyxv77PLlpQj7F4O1seB1iorl5iPYXDhj_skeCQsASSc3SsM8/s200/IMG_3390.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PwdTL_UBBuhlzixNw1YS4sktX3EylHJqldHx8-_piVQ-gfs4qw3-XXFZmmChSId7DTPRxwRAYVaBdwfLlhzDaexZULPjwwAsnpiqrNyjghnVvUaWMAO96d7UsB1r7UybcQx7GyQGdvU/s1600/IMG_3389.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEh4PwdTL_UBBuhlzixNw1YS4sktX3EylHJqldHx8-_piVQ-gfs4qw3-XXFZmmChSId7DTPRxwRAYVaBdwfLlhzDaexZULPjwwAsnpiqrNyjghnVvUaWMAO96d7UsB1r7UybcQx7GyQGdvU/s200/IMG_3389.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The stockings were hung. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
The lights were strung. </div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
Signs of Jesus...there were none. </div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
The box holding our nativity set sat unopened, moved from room to room to get it out of the way. In fact, I was getting ready to carry the box upstairs. After all, it's December 20th...why bother now? I would need to clean to make space for it. Inside the big box were many little boxes safely storing all the pieces. Little boxes filled with styrofoam that crumbles when it's taken out, and those crumbles are staticky and make a mess that would demand more cleaning. It seemed like such a hassle with Christmas only a few days away, and packing it up is always a chore once Christmas has come and gone. <br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="float: right; margin-left: 1em; text-align: right;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1d8iPIr6jCPtm9OE6gpXUHckz0-XE7V1gNB9JIXIMiHBtwuEqBgr9UJO3xTOtIVstA2lJM-GJnSVONhe27PIeim5_WZSzYV4bQhSPIzCAV_RkrpiKJD1QGzycbfXjDp3kJ_1i_Zm0ng/s1600/IMG_3386.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgA1d8iPIr6jCPtm9OE6gpXUHckz0-XE7V1gNB9JIXIMiHBtwuEqBgr9UJO3xTOtIVstA2lJM-GJnSVONhe27PIeim5_WZSzYV4bQhSPIzCAV_RkrpiKJD1QGzycbfXjDp3kJ_1i_Zm0ng/s200/IMG_3386.jpg" width="170" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">This old box has been around for a while! </td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<br />
But I couldn't carry the box away. Instead, I sat on my couch and cried. And prayed. And said I'm sorry to the very One whose birth is why we have this season anyway. Of all the decorations, His nativity should have been the first to be displayed and His very being should have been first in my heart, but I was ready to put Him into storage until next year and my heart grieved this place I found myself in. This place of exhaustion. This place of busyness. This place of striving. This place of meeting deadlines. This place of worrying. This place of feeling like I'm failing at life. This place of brokenness. This place of feeling so dry, and empty, and desperately needing a fresh filling of His love, and His joy in my life.<br />
<br />
Soon after, my first student came and handed me a gift with a card with a beautiful picture on the front and these simple words...O Come let us adore Him. Inside the card read, "Praying your Christmas is filled with silent wonder, simple joys, and sweet memories." And the tears flowed as I was reminded again that He is why we celebrate. And I had to explain to this sweet young girl and her father why I was crying. That I have been so busy doing, and being, and running that I hadn't made room in my life this Christmas season. And she played her song while those tears flowed and the words to that song were: "Father, we have come to bow down in worship. Lifting up our hearts, we bow down in prayer." (Alleluia by <a href="https://youtu.be/xjKnskjMEYU">Bethel</a>)<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sHpbRuVRdTsHk54GWtZGFftmLYIR5JwY0-Wqh1QwbNc-JvBBk0Un3IWRmbDgNPb1RzXUoFEbe1fBFiZSskEN0fMJyp8YZ2tOs9DniGE94G0fO4n2c3EDMVxpTGLDMKnJ7AHZMoncW4o/s1600/IMG_3391.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg9sHpbRuVRdTsHk54GWtZGFftmLYIR5JwY0-Wqh1QwbNc-JvBBk0Un3IWRmbDgNPb1RzXUoFEbe1fBFiZSskEN0fMJyp8YZ2tOs9DniGE94G0fO4n2c3EDMVxpTGLDMKnJ7AHZMoncW4o/s200/IMG_3391.JPG" width="150" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgAx10MJQLMpEvkJtk_XyRCti6b8Qbq4TH_F6YyEsIgSgpvdcldLTDYn-czdXPX7vUbx4pyg1QwieK1V041EERudlvTkXpeAwBSPz9MbTBYHh3Kgy4y_atSNDE3a1sFbXCZxa1DUl2qU/s1600/IMG_3388.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="200" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEikgAx10MJQLMpEvkJtk_XyRCti6b8Qbq4TH_F6YyEsIgSgpvdcldLTDYn-czdXPX7vUbx4pyg1QwieK1V041EERudlvTkXpeAwBSPz9MbTBYHh3Kgy4y_atSNDE3a1sFbXCZxa1DUl2qU/s200/IMG_3388.JPG" width="150" /></a><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
And so, I made room.</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
I made room in my heart</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
and in my home</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
for Him</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
And I will reflect on the wonders of His love. I will take time to enjoy the simple things of the season. And I will hold to many sweet memories of the past and soak in the moments of today. And so, I invite you to join me in making room for Him to dwell in your heart and in your home. <br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><i>"Come to Bethlehem and see Him whose birth the angels sing. </i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="color: #660000;"><i>Come adore on bended knee...Christ the Lord, the newborn King."</i></span></div>
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
Wishing you peace and joy in abundance as we celebrate the birth of our Savior!</div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-50712818388187062442016-03-27T17:36:00.000-07:002016-04-24T20:16:21.574-07:00Which Side are You On?<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi6E4bWjOkNnk4b6QqpeKPs47g7-d1xdNroHidHjgZAquNci5SzjjKZ7PLb-UHnJoxMWA3i51sRgx7mSRY6y2L27SgHIy6cVTaTcCPW7HwQ3UE63PU21cK2z64NVrBgqfcBfiiV4Utgc/s1600/Christ+on+the+Cross+-2.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="212" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhOi6E4bWjOkNnk4b6QqpeKPs47g7-d1xdNroHidHjgZAquNci5SzjjKZ7PLb-UHnJoxMWA3i51sRgx7mSRY6y2L27SgHIy6cVTaTcCPW7HwQ3UE63PU21cK2z64NVrBgqfcBfiiV4Utgc/s320/Christ+on+the+Cross+-2.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> For many of us, the past week has offered private and corporate times of remembrance of Jesus' journey to the cross. We celebrated His Triumphal Entry into Jerusalem with children waving palm branches during church services. There were love feasts and foot-washing services commemorating the Last Supper Jesus shared with his disciples and providing the opportunity to love and serve one another with humility, as He did on that evening, even though knowing one of his closet followers would betray him. We reflected on the time that was spent in the Garden of Gethsamane and pondered how his friends could sleep when Jesus was in such deep agony and grief over the darkness and suffering he would experience in just a few short hours that his sweat fell as great drops of blood. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> We watched movies that portrayed pain that not one of us could ever begin to imagine - both physical and emotional pain, as he was insulted, beaten with lead-tipped whips, spat upon, and pierced with thorns on his brow and nails through his hands and feet. As parents, we can't imagine the anguish one would feel watching their child endure such brutality. We pondered how one can be mindful of the needs of those around him while hanging on a cross, struggling for each breath that sustains life. We wept at knowing that He did this willingly because of his great love for us and desire to be in relationship with us. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Today we rejoice in his resurrection. We sing Alleluia, and hail him King of kings and Lord of Lords, and declare his sovereignty over all that is. We proclaim his greatness and declare his victory over sin and death. We celebrate the new life we have in Jesus and we go through the day with a renewed sense of hope, joy and promise. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">So, how does this affect your tomorrows? Just before Christ died, he said, "It is finished." </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Through his death on the cross, Jesus completed the work of salvation. He was the final sacrificial Lamb and his death brought an end to the work of following strict rules, guidelines, and making sacrifices to atone for our sins. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span><br />
<i>Once for all time he took blood into that Most Holy Place, but not the blood of goats and calves. He took his own blood, and with it he secured our salvation forever. Under the old system, the blood of goats and bulls and the ashes of a young cow could cleanse people's bodies from ritual defilement. Just think how much more the blood of Christ will purify our hearts from deeds that lead to death so that we can worship the living God. For by the power of the eternal Spirit, Christ offered himself to God as a perfect sacrifice for our sins. ~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Hebrews 9: 12-14</span></i><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">It feels so freeing to see the big, red "paid in full" stamp on an invoice after making the last payment for a big item, like a car or house. In essence, that is what his blood has done for us. There is no earthly work that we can or need to do to obtain his salvation. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">When we believe in our hearts that He is Lord and receive the salvation that is freely extended to us, he covers us in his blood, makes us clean, and sets us free from our past sins. </span><span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Sometimes we tend to hold onto our sins and feel unworthy of forgiveness for things we've done. That is exactly where the enemy wants us to stay...trapped in the land of fear, guilt and misery...living on the far side of the cross and not experiencing the abundance of life and freedom extended to us on this side of the cross. He wants to keep our shortcomings and sinful choices forefront in our minds and make us feel like we have to continually nail Christ on the cross for those things that haunt us. God puts those things behind us when we acknowledge our need for him as our Savior and come to him with a repentant heart. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<i>He has removed our sins from us as far as the east is from the west.</i> <i>~ <span style="font-size: x-small;">Ps. 103:12</span></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>For Christ has entered into heaven itself to appear now before God as our Advocate. He did not go into the earthly place of worship, for that was merely a copy of the real Temple in heaven. Nor did he enter heaven to offer himself again and again, like the earthly high priest who enters the Most Holy Place year after year to offer the blood of an animal. If that had been necessary, he would have had to die again and again, ever since the world began. But no! He came once for all time, at the end of the age, to remove the power of sin forever by his sacrificial death for us. And just as it is destined that each person dies only once and after that comes judgment, so also Christ died only once as a sacrifice to take away the sins of many people. He will come again but not to deal with our sins again. This time he will bring salvation to all those who are eagerly waiting for him. </i><i><span style="font-size: x-small;">~ Hebrews 9:24-28</span></i><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Before Jesus died on the cross, there was a curtain in the Temple that separated the Holy Place from the Most Holy Place, and in which only the high priest could enter, and only once a year. When Jesus gave his last breath, this curtain - or veil - was torn in two, from top to bottom, signifying the work of Christ making the way for each of us to be able to approach God. Once we receive Christ as our Savior, he gives us another gift...the Holy Spirit, who reveals the Father's heart toward us and breathes life into his Word, guides us through each day and makes us aware of new sin in our lives that needs to be repented of. It is through the power of the Holy Spirit that we can face each day with confidence in who we are as a child of God and know that we are no longer slaves to the sinful nature and have been set free. </span><br />
<br />
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;">Walk through each of your tomorrows in the freedom of living on this side of the cross!</span><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
<i>Jesus said to the people who believed in him, "You are my disciples if you keep obeying my teachings. And you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free."</i> <i><span style="font-size: x-small;">~ John 8:31-32</span></i><br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
</blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></blockquote>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: "trebuchet ms" , sans-serif;"> </span></div>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com2tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-36354651705163501442016-01-31T22:57:00.000-08:002016-01-31T22:57:38.954-08:00Cross Examination<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G8-rKVniZ8NVIHA8ff8j-0bXNpvyJosF39gj0EDHT7VuA2OGKkHo21vKI8-ODSF_Ds22A4BSC05zsRfqje9p2FcJ0K3OVzVJ49DtYzgsMyt80iVZZaCLsMrj1WKXDpNBRgWNA1WK6Mg/s1600/Jesus+Loves+Me.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="265" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7G8-rKVniZ8NVIHA8ff8j-0bXNpvyJosF39gj0EDHT7VuA2OGKkHo21vKI8-ODSF_Ds22A4BSC05zsRfqje9p2FcJ0K3OVzVJ49DtYzgsMyt80iVZZaCLsMrj1WKXDpNBRgWNA1WK6Mg/s400/Jesus+Loves+Me.jpg" width="400" /></a></div>
<br />
Over the past couple weeks, I've had several tests done to check my heart. I've dealt with an elevated heart rate for several years now, but lately I've been feeling an increase in the number of flip-flops my heart seems to be making each day. While all the tests confirm tachycardia, I've been fortunate that nothing concerning is showing up in the way of defects, blockages or other serious issues. In the midst of going through these physical exams of my heart, I was also doing some heart searching from a spiritual point of view after a new friend asked if I truly believe in God and why.<br />
<br />
In Luke 9, Jesus challenged his disciples with two questions: "Who do people say I am?" and "Who do you say I am?" These were the people Jesus had been walking closely with during his time of ministry on this earth. They were doing life with him. They were personally on the receiving end of teaching from the Teacher himself. They were eyewitnesses of miracles that he performed. Even so, they had to decide if Jesus was indeed who he said he was. It wasn't enough for them to go along with what the crowds thought or believed. They each needed to take a stand for what they believed about Jesus.<br />
<br />
It is no different for you and me. We are are on the receiving end of the greatest love story ever written. God's thoughts toward us have been recorded and passed down through generations. We are able to read first-hand testimonies to his life, his transfiguration, his death, his resurrection and his ascension. The evidence has been presented, but we have to decide what we're going to do with it. Each of us will be held personally accountable for what we believe. For those who choose to follow Christ, we are told to always be ready to give an answer when we're asked about our faith. (1 Peter 3:15)<br />
<br />
So, to get back to my friend's question...I'd like to share some of my response to her question with you. It is with joy and hope that I stand in confidence of my relationship with Jesus Christ.<br />
<br />
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>I am a life that has been changed through my faith in Christ...that is probably the biggest reason for my confidence. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="s1"><i>Growing up, I was brought up in the church and learned all the stories in the Bible. But at some point, I needed to choose whether to believe in Christ as my Savior. As a child, it was an easy decision to make. But it wasn't until my late teens and early twenties that I started to grasp more fully the extent of God's grace and experience a more meaningful relationship with him...after making some stupid choices and careless decisions. He is a triune God (meaning Father, Son and Holy Spirit), and when we accept him into our lives, the Holy Spirit breathes his life into us. I know that probably sounds weird, and it's hard to explain. It's the Holy Spirit alive in me that makes me confident in my faith. His presence offers a peace that cannot be explained until you experience it. It is also what guides my thoughts and makes me conscientious in my decisions and actions. When I spend time with him, I can actually hear him talking with me...not in a loud audible way that anyone else can hear, but more in the way of gentle whispers that the soul senses. I think that's pretty cool that the Creator of the universe would want to be in relationship with me. </i></span><i><br /></i><span class="s1"><i></i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<i>Jesus Christ walked on this earth as a man and experienced much of what we do in our lives...physical pain, rejection, grief. He understands because He's been there. He endured suffering and death on a cross out of his great love for us and out of his desire to be in relationship with us...regardless of who we are or what we've done in our lives. His grace and forgiveness is a free gift. All we have to do is believe and receive it and love him in return. It is because of his resurrection that I...that we... as believers have hope for the future regardless of what's going on in the world around us. </i></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="s1"><i>As a Christian, I still walk through tough stuff. In fact, I have a strong history of depression. I have found much healing through reading the scriptures which reassure me that I have worth and value and significance. Even when I've been at some of my lowest points, I've still been able to feel that I truly am loved by God. His Word is packed with promises toward us. As a family, we have seen some incredible answers to prayer in the midst of medical crises. We have also had times when our prayers were not answered as we would have hoped, but have felt his presence with us through the journey.</i></span></blockquote>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="s1"><i>I also choose to believe because history has revealed the Bible to be true. Most of the prophecies that were given have already been fulfilled and I truly believe we are living in the days leading up to Christ's return and seeing complete fulfillment of those prophecies. </i></span></blockquote>
<div class="p2">
<i><span class="s1"></span></i></div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span class="s1"></span></i></div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span class="s1"></span></i></div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span class="s1"></span></i></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I was grateful for the chance to share my faith. In fact, I had been praying for opportunities to share and impact others for His kingdom. As I told my friend, it's good for me - for all of us - to reflect on what we believe and why. It reaffirms our faith in the process. It can be easy to take things for granted, but the stakes are too high when dealing with matters of eternity. There's no room to be silent. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">As for my physical heart needs, taking a little white pill everyday is all that's needed to keep a slower pace. And for my spiritual heart needs, a daily dose of time in His Word and in His Presence is all that's required to keep me resting firmly in my faith. </span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
<b>"I will give thanks to your name because your promises are backed by all the honor of your name. When I pray, you answer me; you encourage me by giving me the strength I need. "</b></div>
<div class="p1" style="text-align: center;">
~ Psalm 138:2b-3 ~ </div>
<div class="p1">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i></i></span></div>
<blockquote class="tr_bq">
<span class="s1"><i>The beauty of His love is that it's for all people...not just a lucky few. In the Christmas story, the angel proclaimed to the shepherds, "Don't be afraid! I bring you good news of great joy for <b>everyone</b>. The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem." - Luke chapter 2. In Romans 3, verses 22 -25, we're told, "We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And <b>we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done.</b> For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us." </i></span></blockquote>
<div class="p2">
<i><span class="s1"></span><br /></i></div>
<i><br /></i><i><br /></i><i><br /></i><br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-83140883703107947392015-09-16T21:38:00.000-07:002015-09-17T08:51:15.739-07:00Toilet Bowls, Tears and Thoughts on a Wall<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="clear: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WC5ACRrLOA1_QT_Ffj0sxR7nqogiP74xfnrmRN6AVRAp0zGbKJSbVomYfeH0b1NI_aklKoSrrzRqkh_gfuNUVmKxzflQQ-QT_q98jo-MDEqTy7y_x0OTiIziBDpwldJZU3IAxqU2b6E/s1600/IMG_4216.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg7WC5ACRrLOA1_QT_Ffj0sxR7nqogiP74xfnrmRN6AVRAp0zGbKJSbVomYfeH0b1NI_aklKoSrrzRqkh_gfuNUVmKxzflQQ-QT_q98jo-MDEqTy7y_x0OTiIziBDpwldJZU3IAxqU2b6E/s320/IMG_4216.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Wall art in Sarah's room</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<div style="text-align: right;">
</div>
<span style="text-align: center;"> </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;">Three weeks ago today, we packed up our van and started on our trek to Nashville, TN, where our daughter, Sarah, is attending college. </span><span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;">My mom came to our house to stay with the boys while we were in TN with Sarah, so on top of packing, I felt the need to do a bit more cleaning before we left.</span> </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">I was cleaning the toilet in the kids' bathroom and tears started <i>pouring</i> out </span><i style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">(no exaggeration!) </i><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">as I realized that I didn't even know if Sarah knew how to clean a bathroom. I had eighteen years to accomplish this and failed. I have never been good at making the kids clean the bathroom, or kitchen, or anywhere, if I'm going to be completely honest. </span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"></span><br />
<span style="font-family: inherit;"><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;">Always finding the positive side of things, Sarah assured me she knew how to clean a bathroom, and then </span><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;">told me that I may not have taught much about cleaning, but I taught her how to love, how to be herself, and how to have fun. </span></span><span style="color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;">I'm not sure about the fun part <i>(I tend to take life way too seriously)</i>, but if she says so, I'll receive it. </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;">Surely, those things are more important than cleaning toilets! </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;"></span><br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy0rpAVHY2iD-lM5JXAf_eOQOsien_nBNiUfh5uw_76b96uq1Dx-jr_MYaTWQCMVKYxLfi_SwZelKV1T6h69LDjvahMBlzcZ0shaJxi7x-ZqljMmZWGxIQ5we1UEsBoncHLjjOzElNqU/s1600/IMG_4222.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiOy0rpAVHY2iD-lM5JXAf_eOQOsien_nBNiUfh5uw_76b96uq1Dx-jr_MYaTWQCMVKYxLfi_SwZelKV1T6h69LDjvahMBlzcZ0shaJxi7x-ZqljMmZWGxIQ5we1UEsBoncHLjjOzElNqU/s320/IMG_4222.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;">Finding her identity in Christ</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
<span style="color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;">As a mom, my deepest desires are that my children would know they are loved completely and that they would walk in the truths of God's Word. In fact, for Sarah's birthday, which we celebrated shortly before she left for college, we gave her a necklace with charms that had "loved completely" engraved on them. Hopefully, this will serve as a reminder of both our love for her and the love our heavenly Father has for her. </span><span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: inherit; line-height: 16.08px;"></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;">In that moment of not feeling like I've been enough, done enough, taught enough...the Holy Spirit reminded me that by myself, I am not enough, but He is enough and together we are enough. And more importantly, that He will be enough for her also. And for those things that I maybe didn't teach or do so well at, I'm choosing to trust the Spirit to fill in the gaps. </span>For now, I rest in knowing love trumps all. I smile when I see her embracing who God created her to be. My heart is full when I see her passion for the lonely, the lost, and the outcast. I find peace knowing she finds her strength in our Savior. And I know without a doubt that she will make a difference in the world around her. <br />
<span style="color: #141823; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<table align="center" cellpadding="0" cellspacing="0" class="tr-caption-container" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto; text-align: center;"><tbody>
<tr><td style="text-align: center;"><a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftuChv_VTBtIwiBs9nH_UfH3zmGYPAdTExdZjiyYcvqmaAVs7OHfwrLVgDNLhCNX7PmV87xH8v9WQVWL8kPT_hOxuc36TAbhz7uNT_TywBI5yTrwsCL_m-0-g0k7HGvUrW3xhTA6d3_I/s1600/IMG_4223.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: auto; margin-right: auto;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhftuChv_VTBtIwiBs9nH_UfH3zmGYPAdTExdZjiyYcvqmaAVs7OHfwrLVgDNLhCNX7PmV87xH8v9WQVWL8kPT_hOxuc36TAbhz7uNT_TywBI5yTrwsCL_m-0-g0k7HGvUrW3xhTA6d3_I/s320/IMG_4223.jpg" width="240" /></a></td></tr>
<tr><td class="tr-caption" style="text-align: center;"> How to get through the day</td></tr>
</tbody></table>
Tears still flow easily these days, but after spending some time in Sarah's room, I know she's going to be just fine. Her walls tell much about what she has learned in life. In fact, I plan on hanging out in there more often...it looks like there's much she can teach me. <br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjGZiagKPxrBWbC__ohd6dTTIZ-mXvsMwoWNVCVHFguUEs9mv8dcIebu-Au8ZqMjBG3ds6V6A815Kfe6dpKC_zrI0LqLjxWBM2fpzGqwit8Cd2APb2Ahqwy7rVDsKxKMhw11Y3P6Dask/s1600/IMG_4215.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiyjGZiagKPxrBWbC__ohd6dTTIZ-mXvsMwoWNVCVHFguUEs9mv8dcIebu-Au8ZqMjBG3ds6V6A815Kfe6dpKC_zrI0LqLjxWBM2fpzGqwit8Cd2APb2Ahqwy7rVDsKxKMhw11Y3P6Dask/s320/IMG_4215.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlDBIgrsrsTzgM3HPI43GJuwoNa8NWMnNoxTIUlOhrY19uGetVjqoOfGVVySnG4pAIS79ZBUJK-BTyAdJ6awIEoKLwV5mSRKRDqYKGAgEVUyN6LuGcXHFAjE7s5cr6BJt_IQDm5EiV0M/s1600/IMG_4220.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgvlDBIgrsrsTzgM3HPI43GJuwoNa8NWMnNoxTIUlOhrY19uGetVjqoOfGVVySnG4pAIS79ZBUJK-BTyAdJ6awIEoKLwV5mSRKRDqYKGAgEVUyN6LuGcXHFAjE7s5cr6BJt_IQDm5EiV0M/s320/IMG_4220.jpg" width="240" /></a><span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"> </span><br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"> </span><br />
<br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span><br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgnBjfMNqORORtVEqfqgKUtx09U64b4RV10bDsYm4OSenx92Yv_fSxCdHt4jRCP6sa-SuIpuadZhVhnLv9Rr4abkrH5smxVSz870te8Ps2UKsy8I3zSDr77BdcCuQdu52TOUdzmvreHU/s1600/IMG_4217.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjjgnBjfMNqORORtVEqfqgKUtx09U64b4RV10bDsYm4OSenx92Yv_fSxCdHt4jRCP6sa-SuIpuadZhVhnLv9Rr4abkrH5smxVSz870te8Ps2UKsy8I3zSDr77BdcCuQdu52TOUdzmvreHU/s320/IMG_4217.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /><br /></div>
<div class="" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"> </span><br />
<div>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span></div>
<br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<br />
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
<span style="color: #141823; font-family: Times, 'Times New Roman', serif; line-height: 16.08px;"><br /></span>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-78512507584742835072015-04-27T23:35:00.002-07:002015-04-27T23:35:38.208-07:00God. Love. Chocolate<br />
It was a simple question.<br />
<br />
"How have you been?"<br />
<br />
That's all. Four little words and a question mark contained very neatly in a text message. <br />
<br />
But I didn't have an answer. To say I was fine didn't feel honest, nor did saying I wasn't. So, I decided to wait to figure out how I really was before responding. The day passed and I still didn't have an answer. I spent the following day pondering what I would say and finally sent a reply being as real as I could in the moment: "Still working on it...". <br />
<br />
The truth is life is full of many good things right now. I'm on the other side of an intense battle with depression. I can get back into my favorite pair of jeans which feels great! My husband is thriving in a new position he took on last fall. I'm finally getting back into the studio with some new songs. My son got the summer camp job we had hoped and prayed for. We will watch my daughter graduate from high school in a few short weeks. All good things!<br />
<br />
But in the midst of these good things, I have found myself struggling with increased anxiety. Tears flow easily. My heart feels like it's doing somersaults throughout the day and doesn't stop for rest at night. Sleep is at times elusive. The not-so-little littlest one of my crew asks me daily if I'm ok and sometimes multiple times over the course of the day. <br />
<br />
In an effort to get to the root of my issues, I decided to write out all the things that were weighing heavily on my heart and lay them out to pray over...world events, financial needs, health concerns, big changes coming up for us as a family. Some of these things could have had subcategories with multiple bullets under them, some were interconnected, but they all had a common denominator: I was trying to carry the weight of them on my own. <br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<span id="goog_74064689"></span><span id="goog_74064690"></span></div>
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y9cQuIyMSq2E8qjrnwE2RAsWyBp-dxCn4YHpphIrPaVsXwZ440byvEbmfvsU2IGUv9scxWv3otV6XmZdNes-E5xBPuTcUxh3MUyFsUByL4LCH-bZwgsF7nNgMBOYDs_vGCWwZt59zPA/s1600/IMG_3107.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEj7Y9cQuIyMSq2E8qjrnwE2RAsWyBp-dxCn4YHpphIrPaVsXwZ440byvEbmfvsU2IGUv9scxWv3otV6XmZdNes-E5xBPuTcUxh3MUyFsUByL4LCH-bZwgsF7nNgMBOYDs_vGCWwZt59zPA/s1600/IMG_3107.jpg" height="320" width="317" /></a></div>
<br />
It wasn't coincidence that one of the first verses I read that morning was "Give all your worries and cares to God, for He cares about what happens to you." (<i>I Peter 5:7</i>) <i>Give them away</i>. <i>All of them. </i> With the verse came the gentle reminder that I needed to let God take his rightful throne in my life and be sovereign over all these things that have been weighing me down. <br />
<br />
I've been working on release this week. And to be honest, it hasn't been an instantaneous thing for me. I've held those papers in my hands and prayed over them again since that morning. But I can say that in acknowledging my need to relinquish my grip on these burdens, my load has felt a bit lighter. <br />
<br />
In a moment of feeling incapable of navigating through the next couple months, my daughter reminded me that all that's needed to get by is God, love and chocolate. Unfortunately, I can't rely on chocolate right now because of dietary restrictions <i>(that's a whole other story)</i>, but I'm grateful to be surrounded by family that loves immensely and I have faith that God who has proven to be faithful time and time again will continue to be so. <br />
<br />
To my dear friend who was checking in on me...I hope this answers your question. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-4701253785570085232015-03-12T09:25:00.000-07:002015-03-12T09:48:23.955-07:00Leaving Our Mark<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMWLrB3zayBNI3bSQ68Cz96ALiuwr5qWd1pkaGWiQhKdX0Lk35RICcoMtowWbs9uUWqWSwWfsrAhyphenhyphenzhCuALXGpyIP9lPWvfyrymnqjy1WCPB2SMKQhqpuvgcjydIuXb1OqbqWBw0Co4E/s1600/IMG_2521.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgBMWLrB3zayBNI3bSQ68Cz96ALiuwr5qWd1pkaGWiQhKdX0Lk35RICcoMtowWbs9uUWqWSwWfsrAhyphenhyphenzhCuALXGpyIP9lPWvfyrymnqjy1WCPB2SMKQhqpuvgcjydIuXb1OqbqWBw0Co4E/s1600/IMG_2521.jpg" height="200" width="150" /></a></div>
Walking with Maddie usually proves to be a bit challenging. Don't be fooled by her cuteness! She's strong-willed and likes to exercise that trait when we're strolling the neighborhood...well it's more of a dragging than strolling experience. If I don't choose the path of her choosing, she plants herself firmly on the road and won't budge. Sometimes it's right in the middle of an intersection. These displays of stubbornness can go on for what feels like forever until I cave and go where she wants to go. We're usually quite the spectacle while we're out.<br />
<br />
Another challenge on our walks is her frequent need to stop, sniff and squat. This is what dogs do, right? She leaves her mark all over the neighborhood - making her presence known and perhaps even staking some territory along the way. Even the simple act of her walking leaves a trail of her essence behind because of having scent glands in her paws. <br />
<br />
On one of our walks, I started thinking of how we, as people, leave marks throughout life. The Bible says we were made in God's image. As Creator, He has left His mark in us and we take on His characteristics, such as being compassionate, loving, kind, forgiving, faithful and creative. As man, we pass on distinguishing traits and tendencies to our children using the genetic codes God created us with. If you look at our kids, you'll see dark hair and brown eyes. You'll see they all got the tall-gene from Dave. Once you get to know them, you'll find that they each picked up musical abilities from me. Each one unique, yet we all share similarities.<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFWix2-wFMW_H3dJen_2W7Mw11VS1W6P94vSxb7bA_1RvPrp5hTFMMZA-4nd-jlF7vFsuB0GsIvvKDzyJWhl_vIWZtjqOXqDqG-onlOa8GW88IomS-sPUuBfvwH10DQCCuKkPmGkgrxg/s1600/Scan.jpeg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgwFWix2-wFMW_H3dJen_2W7Mw11VS1W6P94vSxb7bA_1RvPrp5hTFMMZA-4nd-jlF7vFsuB0GsIvvKDzyJWhl_vIWZtjqOXqDqG-onlOa8GW88IomS-sPUuBfvwH10DQCCuKkPmGkgrxg/s1600/Scan.jpeg" height="200" width="196" /></a>We have no control over the genetic markings in our lives and in what is passed down through the generations, but we do have a hand in the heritage that is passed on to future generations. What do our words say about who we are? What routines do we have? What do our actions say about us? How we live will leave a far greater impression than our spoken words. These are the things that reflect the mark in our lives from time spent with the Father. <br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHzItDjQ8azCBt_qbJ0ovbf7Op57GF6hyphenhyphenPQuc72lg8DRHdrqcLW7G2-TXZp9TPkUfkaoyQ2UedYcrIOZ6RZ_r2nnlD18IQpnHWMwttkhDZ80gCUZhWQdQohE5YI_vM31wbvrNBCNheJQ/s1600/HPIM2106.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjAHzItDjQ8azCBt_qbJ0ovbf7Op57GF6hyphenhyphenPQuc72lg8DRHdrqcLW7G2-TXZp9TPkUfkaoyQ2UedYcrIOZ6RZ_r2nnlD18IQpnHWMwttkhDZ80gCUZhWQdQohE5YI_vM31wbvrNBCNheJQ/s1600/HPIM2106.JPG" height="150" width="200" /></a>I've been blessed by having a godly-heritage in my family. Earlier this year, this world lost the champion of all prayer warriors and our family celebrated the life of a patriarch of faith. My grandfather never missed an opportunity to tell someone about Jesus. On visits to see him, I would lay in bed at night and listen to his prayers for his family travel through the walls. As he lost his eyesight to macular degeneration, he passed the time by reciting scripture and singing the old hymns. To this day, I have the image of my mom kneeling beside her bed to pray at night...she was probably unaware that I took notice. While we were growing up, there was seldom a time that the church doors were open that we weren't there. I didn't appreciate that so much at the time, but looking back now, I can see the significance of that in my life. In our home, my parents modeled grace, unconditional love, dedication and commitment. <br />
<br />
And so I wonder...what marks am I leaving as I walk through this life? Am I living and loving well? Do others see Jesus in me? What is the legacy I'll leave behind? <br />
<br />
<b>"We will not hide these truths from our children, but will tell the next generation about the glorious deeds of the LORD, about his power and his mighty wonders." ~ Ps. 78:4</b><br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<div class="p1">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span class="s1">In his memory...an excerpt from a letter I wrote to my Pap-pap a couple years ago: </span></div>
</div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>"Thank you for the life of faith you have modeled so beautifully for us. Your love for the Lord has left an impression on my life that time cannot strip away. His praise has always been on your lips regardless of the circumstances in your life. I loved hearing you sing hymns while I played the piano on our last visit...such a sweet sound! I’ve seen the significance of having His Word hidden in your heart. Your loss of vision may keep you from being able to read the Bible, but nothing can steal what you have stored up deep within. </i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span class="s1"></span><br /></i></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Thank you for the prayers you have continually offered before the throne on behalf of your family ~ for health and healing, for salvation and for all the many things that we will never know. What a blessing it has been to hear your prayers carry through the walls on our visits...a memory that will stay with me forever. </i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span class="s1"></span><br /></i></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Thank you for the godly example of marriage that you and Grandma showed to us. I can only hope that Dave and I are blessed with as many years together as the two of you shared and that I love him with as pure and deep a love as you have for Grandma...and I say “have” because she is still very much alive in you. </i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Thank you for scrambled eggs (yours were the best) and chocolate pop-tarts (one of my earliest memories from your townhouse in Cincinnati- strange thing to remember, but I do). Thank you for back rubs and warm hugs. Thank you for stories and laughter and teaching us to work hard for what really matters. </i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<i><span class="s1"></span><br /></i></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>Thank you for being you and for loving so selflessly. You are an amazing child of God, father, grandfather and great-grandfather, and I think the world of you. " </i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSnA8BTMGUA94PlhiJPj4io-QRdTzSLiUoCSbefGfAttNLYrX5dzzY98i9u-r_Lm4-jp-8-Y3Ds1XNhMHkTlE8nSE2CCRhyphenhyphenWdC0gMrhciTvVevlLgx2_o5rmaUrZ6wARyP2uUnBtcxxo/s1600/HPIM1659.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjxSnA8BTMGUA94PlhiJPj4io-QRdTzSLiUoCSbefGfAttNLYrX5dzzY98i9u-r_Lm4-jp-8-Y3Ds1XNhMHkTlE8nSE2CCRhyphenhyphenWdC0gMrhciTvVevlLgx2_o5rmaUrZ6wARyP2uUnBtcxxo/s1600/HPIM1659.JPG" height="240" width="320" /></a></div>
<span class="s1"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i>
</i></span></div>
<div class="p2">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="s1"></span>Floyd McConahy</i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i>March 6, 1915 - January 26, 2015</i></div>
</div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
<i><span class="s1"></span><br /></i></div>
<i> </i>Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-73973389200951106612014-12-19T06:09:00.001-08:002014-12-19T06:14:01.291-08:00Joy to the World!<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVxoF2YlUHtqP-m55FD_vuMGdvJcChyphenhyphenPQG1qwz5JyzwR66TbrKQdIAKEKHw_zJkE2Bgo4-pM7739yFNRs9oA3OcSxzpHG3M3fSWfUD7TolVwZLxgPOeA8ksO6Gx02M5hWufH9u7YjeeA/s1600/IMG_2745.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEhvVxoF2YlUHtqP-m55FD_vuMGdvJcChyphenhyphenPQG1qwz5JyzwR66TbrKQdIAKEKHw_zJkE2Bgo4-pM7739yFNRs9oA3OcSxzpHG3M3fSWfUD7TolVwZLxgPOeA8ksO6Gx02M5hWufH9u7YjeeA/s1600/IMG_2745.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Joy to the world, the Lord is come. </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Let earth receive her King. </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Let every heart prepare Him room and heav'n and nature sing." </b></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i>~ George Frederick Handel and Isaac Watts ~</i></span></div>
<div>
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"> An ordinary night for some unsuspecting shepherds many years ago turned into a momentous occasion that would impact mankind for eternity. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Suddenly, an angel of the Lord appeared among them, and the radiance of the Lord's glory surrounded them. They were terribly frightened, but the angel reassured them. "Don't be afraid!", he said. "I bring you good news of great joy for everyone! The Savior - yes, the Messiah, the Lord - has been born tonight in Bethlehem, the city of David! And this is how you will recognize him: You will find a baby lying in a manger, wrapped snugly in strips of cloth!" </b></i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>Suddenly, the angel was joined by a vast host of others - the armies of heaven - praising God: </b></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>"Glory to God in the highest heaven, and peace on earth </b></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>to all whom God favors." ~ Luke 2:8-14 NLT</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Imagine being chosen to receive the greatest news ever given, and from an angel, none the less! Their initial response was one of fear, which the angel recognized and offered assurance that all was well. As he spoke, I wonder if they recalled hearing what had been prophesied about the birth of a child who would be called Immanuel - God is with us, Wonderful Counselor, Mighty God, Everlasting Father, Prince of Peace. <span style="font-size: x-small;"><i>(Isaiah 7:14, 9:6 NLT)</i></span></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>When the angels had returned to heaven, the shepherds said to each other, "Come on, let's go to Bethlehem! Let's see this wonderful thing that has happened, which the Lord has told us about." </b></i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>They ran to the village and found Mary and Joseph. And there was the baby, lying in the manger. Then the shepherds told everyone what had happened and what the angel had said to them about this child. All who heard the shepherds' story were astonished, but Mary quietly treasured these things in her heart and thought about them often. The shepherds went back to their fields and flocks, glorifying and praising God for what the angels had told them, and </b></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>because they had seen the child, </b></i><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>just as the angel had said. ~ Luke 2:15-20 NLT</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><b><br /></b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As Luke's telling of the Christmas story unfolds, more insight is given into the response of the shepherds. They believed that what the angel said was true. Without hesitation, they ran to find the baby; and then, they, too, shared the good news. In fact, they were so excited that they told everyone they could about it. After taking all of this in and returning to their fields to resume caring for their sheep, they spent time "glorifying and praising God" for all they had seen and heard. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><br /></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">This is news that demands a response from each of us. We have the choice to believe that God did indeed send his Son into this world to be our Savior, or we can reject the truths of his Word. </span><span style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">Once we acknowledge Christ as Savior and Lord, what are we going to do with his message of salvation and hope for the future? As the angel said to the shepherds, this "good news of great joy" is for <i>all</i> people. It's up to us to go and share this amazing gift that God has given. </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br />
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">As we celebrate another Christmas season, have you made room for Him in the midst of the parties, the shopping, and special programs? Have you taken time to truly reflect on his coming and what it means for you and allowed Him to be sovereign in your life? Have you spent time in praise and adoration of who He is and in thanksgiving for all He has done? </span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="p1">
<br />
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;">May you experience the joy and peace He came to bring...Merry Christmas! </span></div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>"Joy to the World, the Savior reigns!</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>Let men their songs employ;</b></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><i><b>While fields and floods, rocks, hills and plains </b></i></span><i style="font-family: 'Helvetica Neue', Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif;"><b>repeat the sounding joy."</b></i></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<span style="font-family: Helvetica Neue, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: x-small;"><i><br /></i></span></div>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-55123380071783651682014-10-31T20:17:00.001-07:002014-10-31T20:20:44.656-07:00More Than a Song<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
On any given Sunday morning in churches throughout the community, people will fill the pews and each congregation...each individual...will have a different worship experience. Some churches offer services that use traditional hymns during their worship times which are led by a song leader and accompanied by organ and piano. Some services offer a blended style in their worship service and use both hymns and older praise choruses. Some offer a more contemporary style of music and have a worship leader backed by a full band and use lyrics projected on screens with fancy backgrounds. Other churches go the extra mile and add fog and light shows to offer a rock concert type of experience. And others simply lift up their voices in praise without any instruments at all. </div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
Regardless of the style of service, much planning goes into creating the experience: choosing songs that compliment each other, making sure they are in keys that are singable for everyone, adding scripture to be read, planning transitioning times, band rehearsals, working with media systems and the tech crew, and the list can go on and on. I think it's crucial that we clearly define exactly what it is that we want to be experienced. What's really important? Is it a flawless performance by the band? Is it adhering to finely orchestrated time allotments and closing the service on time? Is it following the trends and growing in numbers because of the "cool" environment? These things in and of themselves aren't bad. We're called to a level of excellence...to use our abilities to their fullest extent. Sure...we want an experience to be enjoyable. But, have we, as a modern society put so much of our focus on all these things that we've lost sight of the One who we are worshiping?</div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: left;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
Hopefully, the desire is to facilitate a time of personal response to our Savior. As worship leaders, what is the posture of our hearts? Are we leading from a place of transparency? Do we draw attention to ourselves or the the One to whom we sing?To be able to effectively lead a congregation in worship, our hearts must be filled to overflowing from our personal encounters with the Father, and this comes from spending time in his presence and in his Word. We cannot give what we don't have. Is our well dry or bursting with praise? Have we been changed by his grace? Have we been broken for our sins? Have we torn down idols that have replaced our devotion to the Lord? Are we truly in love with Jesus? Is He sovereign in our lives? Are we in awe of his greatness? Are we worshiping in spirit and in truth or are we just going through the motions? </div>
<div class="p1" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
One of my voice students recently introduced me to the song "Clear the Stage" which was written by Ross King (http://rosskingmusic.com) and recorded by Christian artist Jimmy Needham (http://jimmyneedham.com). I was subsequently reduced to tears. Listen to the <a href="http://youtu.be/6smGew7dGto" target="_blank">song</a>. Read the lyrics. Be challenged. </div>
<div class="p1" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em;">
<br /></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">if that's the measure you must take to crush the idols</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Jerk the pews and all the decorations, too,</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">until the congregation's few, then have revival</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Tell your friends that this is where the party ends</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Until you're broken for your sins, you can't be social</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Then seek the Lord and wait for what he has in store</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">and know that great is your reward so just be hopeful</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="s1" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">'Cause you can sing all you want to...</span>Yes, you can sing all you want to</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="s1" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">You can sing all you want to a</span>nd still get it wrong...worship is more than a song</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Take a break from all the plans that you have made</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">and sit at home alone and wait for God to whisper</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Beg him please to open up his mouth and speak</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">and pray for real upon your knees until they blister</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Shine the light on every corner of your life</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">until the pride and lust and lies are in the open</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Then read the word and put to test the things you've heard</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">until your heart and soul are stirred and rocked and broken</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="s1" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">'Cause you can sing all you want to...</span>Yes, you can sing all you want to</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="s1" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">You can sing all you want to a</span>nd still get it wrong...worship is more than a song</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">We must not worship something that's not even worth it</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Clear the stage, make some space for the one who deserves it</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Anything I put before my God is an idol</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Anything I want with all my heart is an idol</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Anything I can't stop thinking of is an idol</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Anything that I give all my all my love is an idol</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="s1" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">'Cause I can sing all I want to...</span>Yes, I can sing all I want to</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="s1" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">And we can sing all we want to...</span>And we can sing all we want to</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;"><span class="s1" style="font-style: inherit; font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">We can sing all we want to a</span>nd still get it wrong</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Worship is more than a song</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">Clear the stage and set the sound and lights ablaze</em></div>
<div class="p1" data-mce-style="text-align: center;" style="color: #222222; font-family: 'Open Sans', 'Helvetica Neue', Helvetica, Arial, sans-serif; font-size: 14px; line-height: 23.7999992370605px; margin-bottom: 0.825em; text-align: center;">
<em style="font-weight: inherit; line-height: 1.7;">If that's the measure you must take to crush the idols</em></div>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-27803728872134274122014-09-19T05:42:00.001-07:002018-03-06T18:24:37.552-08:00Be Still...<div class="poetry top-1" style="font-family: Verdana, Arial, Helvetica, sans-serif; font-size: 16px; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em; margin-top: 1em; padding-left: 2.6em; position: relative;">
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-10" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></i>
<i><span class="text Ps-46-10" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5lGTKR7y7RpFxG96h2PWAV7dSojbOmk_G-LSdi-voc5ofDrQpWF-ryIRFhMSj7D8FzZT3b_lJl-3ueYHQ6BQulodHFLzZsBzBXO4VxLv6y1cwAgZvj69zfNiZf8j7vA_wyzGkZThjIs/s1600/IMG_1039.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiS5lGTKR7y7RpFxG96h2PWAV7dSojbOmk_G-LSdi-voc5ofDrQpWF-ryIRFhMSj7D8FzZT3b_lJl-3ueYHQ6BQulodHFLzZsBzBXO4VxLv6y1cwAgZvj69zfNiZf8j7vA_wyzGkZThjIs/s320/IMG_1039.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<i><span class="text Ps-46-10" id="en-NLT-14601" style="position: relative;">“Be still, and know that I am God! </span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10" style="position: relative;">I will be honored by every nation.</span></span><span class="indent-1"><span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span><span class="text Ps-46-10" style="position: relative;">I will be honored throughout the world. </span></span>The <span class="small-caps" style="font-variant: small-caps;">Lord</span> of Heaven’s Armies is here among us;<span class="indent-1-breaks" style="font-family: monospace; font-size: 0.42em; line-height: 0;"> </span></i><span class="text Ps-46-11" style="position: relative;"><i>the God of Israel is our fortress." </i>- Psalm 46:10-11 (NLT)</span></div>
</div>
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
The challenge comes with the first two words of the verse - "be still". Lately I feel as though there is no time to be still. Life has become full of busyness and noise. I think it is something we, as a society, have become accustomed to and accept as the norm. Our bodies have become programmed to be on the go and find it hard to be still when there is an open window of time in the day to do so. Even if the body is momentarily resting, the mind is still running on overdrive. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
Perhaps I am putting too much emphasis on stillness as a physical response. Maybe to "be still" is better described as an attitude of the heart. Maybe it is simply allowing his voice to quiet our soul when there is chaos and confusion. Maybe it is having a spirit of gratitude for his blessings and goodness. Maybe it is holding on to the truth of who He says he is regardless of what our circumstances are. </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
So, who <i>does</i> He say that he is? </div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
In Exodus 3, God called on Moses to lead his people, the Israelites, out of slavery in Egypt. Moses voiced his feelings of inadequacies for the job to God who in turn replied, "I will be with you." Because the Israelites had been exposed to the polytheistic practices of the Egyptians for such a long time, Moses then argued that they would not believe him if he told them 'the God of your ancestors has sent me' and asked God what his response should be, to which God replied: <i>"I AM THE ONE WHO ALWAYS IS. Just tell them 'I AM has sent me to you.' " </i> In the next verse God goes on to say: <i>"Tell them, 'The LORD, the God of your ancestors-the God of Abraham, the God of Isaac, and the God of Jacob- has sent me to you.' This will be my name forever; it has always been my name, and it will be used throughout all generations."</i> (vs14-15)</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
I AM.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
The LORD.</div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: left;">
His name reflects his nature which is unchanging. He is the same living, breathing, moving God today as he was in the days of Moses and as he will be through all eternity. Part of "being still" and being able to rest in God - in His peace, in His presence, in His provision - is acknowledging who He is and embracing His sovereignty.</div>
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
If we don't have moments of stillness - whether it be a physical response or a heart response- we are missing out on time to experience God: to feel his heartbeat, to see his hand of grace, to hear his whispers, to marvel at his creativity, to recognize him for who he is...God. </div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
<div style="text-align: left;">
<br /></div>
</div>
</div>
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px;">
<div style="margin: 0px;">
</div>
</div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<div style="text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<br /></div>
<div class="line" style="margin-bottom: 0px; margin-left: 0px; margin-top: 0px; text-indent: 0px;">
<span class="text Ps-46-11" style="position: relative;"><br /></span></div>
</div>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-55323505790470852222014-08-08T21:48:00.001-07:002014-08-09T04:43:22.072-07:00Bunk Notes<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5g5mLxv314/U-YIJs-_wTI/AAAAAAAAAMc/nY8SbQZo1BE/s1600/IMG_2198.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="clear: left; float: left; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" src="http://2.bp.blogspot.com/-d5g5mLxv314/U-YIJs-_wTI/AAAAAAAAAMc/nY8SbQZo1BE/s1600/IMG_2198.jpg" height="320" width="240" /></a></div>
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<span class="s1">My thoughts have been taken back to my childhood this week as I am serving as the nurse at the camp that was my home away from home for many years. As I reflect, I am in denial that what feels like just a few years ago, is in reality thirty some years ago. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Many things are the same. The original cabins are still here and some newer ones have been added. The gym has had a facelift, but the pool which hosted cheers from cabin mates during water <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="c3bba6e8-d181-45f9-a3aa-703981ec86d0" id="3ff626d7-2057-467f-8a68-3b1ec630a057"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="8102c3aa-8134-4954-ab13-b118054b6344" id="b1ffe791-6262-4a6c-9814-210b890c1222">olympics</span></span> is still inviting on these hot summer days. A modern day splash-ground sits beside it and offers it’s own refreshing fun. Canoes are still heading downstream and bows are finding their mark in the archery range. The old chapel has been replaced by a new, bigger and better building which doesn’t offer the nostalgic rattling of window units running on hot summer nights. Tonight, the campers will gather around a fire in the outdoor chapel and share songs and testimonies. I suspect they won’t sing Sing Halleluia to the Lord or Ha-la-la-la-la-la-la-<span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="2f19d3b4-cee9-4138-9924-118ca7b0b7cf" id="afd16e61-fdf4-4159-b1d1-1d5758b22926"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="ded97662-2758-4955-bf3d-0544e10f3161" id="f7e60086-bd92-4977-b53e-0bf94cbdfc79">le</span></span>-<span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="2f19d3b4-cee9-4138-9924-118ca7b0b7cf" id="56a08317-14ac-4a45-9aee-c3d5e5533687"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="ded97662-2758-4955-bf3d-0544e10f3161" id="e9a3d7c6-0bd5-4c69-85ca-13e0e912c9b3">luia</span></span><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="2f19d3b4-cee9-4138-9924-118ca7b0b7cf" id="5c1563f1-8fc1-4182-8f58-0f19fa0764e5"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="ded97662-2758-4955-bf3d-0544e10f3161" id="b56bd991-21cd-4cef-8c42-0c4e36f8acc2">...</span></span>and there probably won’t be the back scratches that came along with it. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">While some things have changed, one thing remains the same. The love of Jesus Christ is being shown and many are hearing of His grace for the first time. It has been both a blessing and a challenge to see camp through the eyes of an adult. Watching the counselors interact with the campers has been a beautiful experience. I’m quite certain that I was not as confident and mature in my faith when I served as a counselor as they are. They are very intentional in connecting with the campers on both a spiritual and personal level. While one camper was <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="6e955258-b166-49b7-838d-8ba4fe43fc86" id="ba0c5831-eac3-432a-8d3e-45feddb67a5c"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="eef405f5-1c4b-4c52-a014-9d92532af4d8" id="22375282-0d74-450b-84ad-7a4ea9ddf325">in</span></span> the nurse’s station for an extended time, the counselor sat with him and instead of making small talk, took the opportunity of some one-on-one time to go deeper with questions about his faith. I watched through a cracked door as another counselor sat in the room praying while his camper was sleeping due to illness. I’ve watched the counselors handle relational issues within the cabins with grace. And yes, the counselors are right there in the middle of the fun times, too. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">I’m not one who likes to function in the midst of urgent situations, so the idea of being here for a week as the nurse was rather intimidating. Fortunately, nothing has come up that I have not been able to handle. There have been lots of mosquito bites, bee stings and more scraped knees than I can keep track of. More often than not, a <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="818b099a-1c0c-429c-983c-cd5f0b2deb13" id="06186e17-1af1-41bb-87bf-5a3b3c26005e"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="5cf3d55b-fbf0-41af-9c05-fb5842c62501" id="ca0fd52b-1291-47cf-86b3-bdde7789addb">bandaid</span></span> or some Tylenol is all that is needed, but some things can’t be “fixed” so easily. I’ve been handing out more psychiatric medications than I could have ever <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="8d9daa39-f188-4665-9cac-c593184e7464" id="341c2273-deb6-4e6e-99ee-288688f69dc2"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="a9dbde24-70f2-40d6-8a5a-957446ba3108" id="3043a302-9c52-40a2-91a6-b2de7023edae">imagined which</span></span> leaves my mind to wonder what these kids have walked through in this short span of their lives. I’ve seen the urgency of wanting broken <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="ef33a407-4148-4f39-baec-81d318673167" id="921c0428-ffa4-47fc-876d-3041f7e65d61"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="f51d29a7-457b-4ac2-8f2a-f875549aeaf0" id="dc15e93a-815c-4bd7-9f7a-14d9f41fb78b">glasses</span></span> to be fixed so parents wouldn’t find out, and the subsequent anxiety that erupted when realizing the best that could be done is holding everything together with tape. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">Battlelines have been drawn this week and I have found myself on the <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="bd931d1f-6f9b-4748-b532-ea9b5fe9ca30" id="e3b17584-601f-43c3-8b29-1ea01dbbadf5"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="816d50c7-e476-4737-996b-8b9c0c20a7f1" id="23739605-8a57-4902-a8ac-5c5e8ae8422d">frontlines</span></span> of a spiritual attack. Campers have been lined up at times by the <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="015489e2-b778-4cd7-86a5-7d89cb5fc7fc" id="46f25ebb-7e92-4894-aeab-1d9e3734b395"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="0de8b252-9f72-413b-879a-6b450e42bd6d" id="c77222a2-d536-4006-8755-33610fc4ddc5">cabinful</span></span> with not feeling well. Discerning what is real and what is just a ploy of the enemy has been difficult. Staff members are running low on energy and running high on fevers. The medicine cabinet is running out of Sudafed and cough syrup. I’m thankful that our God is bigger than these obstacles and has given us His armor to wear. I’m grateful for the victories that have been won in the lives of kids who have been unaware that a war was being waged for their very souls. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">More than anything, I have witnessed the hands and feet of Jesus this week and I have been blessed. I know how hard it can be to leave a mountain-top experience and return to everyday life. Seeds have been planted and I pray they will take deep root and grow to bear much fruit. </span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1">An old camp song is ringing through my mind as I close:</span></div>
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span>“<i> Let us lift our voices in song. Come and join us<span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="247a4ffb-e88a-46a4-a6e8-144a810144c4" id="e37e74ec-d742-41ea-8332-80039614fffd"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="cc10d060-9c50-4ab1-bbc3-b769e980ab2a" id="53d6fd20-d38b-4cc2-a111-5674705ccbbf">...</span></span>and sing along. </i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span> Let the praises ring through <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="af12210a-4d1b-4dab-9887-d1544b66599d" id="1bb0de2d-92f6-4f6c-8bc6-1069d4e9c8b4"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="5d4c9887-049b-4d6b-8a7e-d2077ab51933" id="c8f9206e-4020-46e5-924e-2ea7eb174608">valley</span></span> and o’er hill. </i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span> Listen to God’s call for you surrender to His will. </i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span> You’ll find real joy you will want to tell</i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span> Of all God has done for you at Camp Joy-El</i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span> The joy of the <span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="958f6bed-7aba-448a-bb89-fb6fb6aa65c2" id="9b8725e2-1a82-43d4-bc12-9d7ffaa00c3a"><span class="GINGER_SOFTWARE_mark" ginger_software_uiphraseguid="66410453-9c8c-43d5-a2a7-c1ddc865dea7" id="4b95a5ed-c383-48a6-a75b-922ce5a9fc6a">Lord I</span></span>’ve found can be yours as well</i></span></div>
<div class="p1">
<span class="s1"><i><span class="Apple-tab-span"> </span> As God speaks to you and me at Camp Joy-El.”</i> </span><br />
<span class="s1"><br /></span>
<span class="s1"><i>For more information on Joy El Ministries, go to <a href="http://joyelcamps.org/" target="_blank">http://joyelcamps.org/</a></i></span></div>
<br />
<div class="p2">
<span class="s1"></span><br /></div>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-80049837691010171422014-01-16T18:38:00.002-08:002021-04-06T12:44:19.743-07:00The Number Games<br />
<br />
<br />
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiPByazBDcouZId2NNC8YpJQd7b-0TfNsZdJXyKw_iz6M_MGihiCIeONis0snq5ttQ57AR7d8hb4Gr26nDkpWRZKgFqgABZIcm0iByUeq2pm_CWkbcebJU2NovKUxTlK6UQ-fauQl360/s1600/images.jpg" style="clear: right; float: right; margin-bottom: 1em; margin-left: 1em;"><img border="0" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiuiPByazBDcouZId2NNC8YpJQd7b-0TfNsZdJXyKw_iz6M_MGihiCIeONis0snq5ttQ57AR7d8hb4Gr26nDkpWRZKgFqgABZIcm0iByUeq2pm_CWkbcebJU2NovKUxTlK6UQ-fauQl360/s1600/images.jpg" /></a>I've played them. <br />
Truth be told, I still do. <br />
<br />
Chances are you've played them, too. <br />
<br />
The games started for me when I was in elementary school...in the fifth grade, I believe. The school nurse told me I was overweight and made me weigh in every week. And so began a preoccupation with numbers. A system started forming in me that measured the value of my worth in numbers. <br />
<br />
Through the years, the number games would be played out on various platforms. Would I be the last to be picked for a team in gym class? Next to last? Where did I fall in the batting line-up on the softball team? Would I be a starter on the volleyball team? When I decided to give up sports, the numbers shifted to the musical side of my life. What chair did I place in the flute section? How did I place in the piano accompanist tryouts? What position did I place at districts? At regionals? If it wasn't first place, I would push to prove myself at the next tryout.<br />
<br />
It didn't stop with extracurricular activities. Academic achievement was an obsession as well. Grade letters equated to numbers and anything less than an "A" in my mind was unacceptable. I returned to college to get an associate's degree in nursing after working as a licensed nurse for many years. Because of having my nursing license, I was able to test out of the first year of nursing classes in college, which was great...until it came time to graduate. I maintained a 4.0 GPA during my two years in college; but, when I had taken the challenge exams to test out of those nursing credits, I had a "C" average on those tests. At the time I was pleased because after all, I passed two semesters worth of classes without having to take them. Not a big deal until someone else...whose GPA was <i>only</i> 3.7...received an award for having the highest GPA in the class. The "C" from those challenge exams had been figured into my final GPA and pulled it down. I was completely and utterly devastated. Instead of being thrilled to be finished with school, I moped around during my graduation. (It didn't help that I was seven months pregnant when I graduated and hormonally imbalanced, but I can't hide behind that excuse because a pattern of being an overachiever had already been established in my life.) Rather pathetic, don't you think?<br />
<br />
There have been times in my life when I have not been bothered by numbers and rankings, finding satisfaction in simply being a wife and mother to three amazing kids. But here I am...middle-aged (<i>gasp)...</i>and still playing the game. It looks different now in this age of technology. How many likes do I have on my Facebook page? How many followers on Twitter? Connections on LinkedIn? In the music industry I'm too old because I'm over 20. If only I lost a few pounds...okay, more than a few...then I'd look really great in those trendy fashions and maybe wouldn't seem so "old". <br />
<br />
But over the years, I'm learning that there is only one number that really matters and that number belongs to The One who loves me unconditionally despite what other numbers may show. Father, Son and Holy Spirit all wrapped up in One. As Father, he loved me enough to send his only Son to redeem me and bring me into relationship with himself. And as if that weren't enough, he gave me his Holy Spirit to live and breathe and walk through this life with me. He also left a love letter full of his thoughts toward me that I can reflect on and remember the depths he would go to to show his love for me. In his letter are the numbers of Hope... for me, for you, for everyone... John 3:16... <i>For God so loved the world that he gave his only Son, so that <b>everyone</b> who believes in him will not perish but have eternal life. </i>All He asks is that I love him in return, with all my heart, with all my soul, with all my strength and with all my mind. (<i>Luke 10:27) </i> As I continue to grow in my love for him, I find my desire to be in letting <i>him</i> take first place. Letting<i> him</i> be the drive behind my music. Letting <i>him </i>receive all honor and glory and praise. First in my heart...first in my life. <br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com3tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-82535510828481477642013-10-11T07:40:00.000-07:002013-10-11T07:40:35.466-07:00Roxbury Reflections<br />
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">For years, my kids have been begging to go camping during our church’s Holiness Week at a nearby campground. And for just as many years, our answer has been “no”. </span>But this year, things just seemed right to try to make it happen. We were not planning a big vacation of any kind because we spent an amazing week at Disney World after Thanksgiving last year. (If you’ve ever taken your family to Disney, you understand the effect that it has on your savings account.) We wanted to have something enjoyable for them over summer vacation, so we asked some family friends if we could borrow their camper for a week. </div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">My husband grew up with camping. His family joined with other families and spent a lot of time doing the whole camping thing. Unfortunately for him, he married a spoiled, hotel-loving girl. When I was growing up, I suffered terribly with allergies. As if the continual sneezing, runny nose and itchy eyes weren’t enough, the whites of my eyes would swell and bulge. To bring temporary comfort to my itchy throat and ears, I learned to made pig-like sounds. Who knew that the action of grunting could be so soothing? All this to say, I love the indoors and air-conditioned spaces. Not that I don’t appreciate the outdoors...I do, but I prefer to take in it’s beauty through panes of glass. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">I have, on occasion, agreed to go camping with him. Our first outing together was in Big Bear, California. We stayed in a tent and he graciously agreed to allow me to use an air mattress under my sleeping bag. I quickly learned that air mattresses tend to deflate during the night. Given that tents do not have built-in bathrooms, I found out what it’s like to use the shower house at a campground. Not my idea of clean...but, at least I tried it and I survived. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Nine-weeks after our second child was born, we decided to borrow someone’s pop-up camper for a weekend. I’m not so sure that camping is meant for families of newborns. When everyone else was trying to sleep, we were trying to suppress crying. I was certain we would be kicked out of the campground. We loaded everyone into the van and took a lengthy ride until we had two sound-asleep kiddos. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">We took our next camping experience to a whole new level and spent a weekend in a much more luxurious camper that my in-laws were gracious enough to let us borrow. Bump-outs, air-conditioning, bathroom, queen-size bed, TV, fireplace, granite countertops...now this is what I call camping - all the comforts of home wrapped up in a forty-something foot box. This was doable for me and forever spoiled me to any other kind of camping ever again. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">Until this past summer. My in-laws decided to take a couple months and go exploring the country in their camper- a newer, much fancier one than we had previously borrowed - which meant a week of luxury was not an option for us this time around. No bump-outs giving extra space. No gas logs to warm up beside. But we did experience lots of togetherness and laughter which is really what’s it’s all about anyway...right? I’m not sure that we’re cut out to be a camping family, but I did learn a few things along the way that I’ll remember if there is a next time around:</span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* Bats really aren’t so bad when they’re helping to keep bugs at bay while you visit with friends in the moonlight. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* It’s best not to leave bags of garbage sitting outside overnight as they appear to attract whatever critters are roaming while we sleep. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* There is no evading the campfire smell. Just accept the fact that you will stink like a campfire for the duration your time on the campground and rest in knowing that everyone else stinks, too. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* If you want to “fit in” at the shower-house, bring your toiletries in a trendy plastic organizer tray, not a big, bulky gym bag. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* If you snooze, you lose. The early bird gets a shower stall without a long wait. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* Looks can be deceiving. What appears to be BBQ sauce in the condiment bottles is actually apple butter. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* George Foreman really can’t capture the taste of a burger or dog cooked over a charcoal grill. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* Boys will be boys. That’s all I’ll say about that. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px; min-height: 14.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"></span><br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* Be prepared with the largest first-aid kit you can find. </span></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<br /></div>
<div style="font: 12.0px Helvetica; margin: 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px 0.0px;">
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;">* Enjoy the memories...they’ll last forever!</span></div>
<div>
<span style="letter-spacing: 0.0px;"><br /></span></div>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-90807615221831940822013-07-21T10:55:00.000-07:002013-07-21T10:55:36.121-07:00A Big Challenge in a Three-letter WordOver the past year and a half or so, I have been using a devotional supplement called "Jesus Calling" (written by Sarah Young). You may be thinking that a year and a half is a long time to be using the same book for devotions, and normally I would agree. But, what I have found with this particular book is it seems to be Spirit-breathed. By that, I mean that there is something about this book that amazes me. There is seldom a day that something in the reading for that day doesn't reach out a grab me. Whether it be a challenge, a conviction, or maybe even reinforcement of one of God's promises to me, the words come alive and meet me where I'm at on this walk in life. Some days I feel that this book was written just for me. <br />
<br />
The devotionals are based on the the author's interpretation of Bible verses through her personal encounters with Jesus. I enjoy taking the verses she references each day and exploring them for myself directly from the Bible, which then leads to deeper study of the Word as I look at the bigger picture of what transpired before and what took place after the verses. And as I spend time reflecting His words, I'm then able to hear His voice and what He wants me to walk away with from our time together. <br />
<br />
It was through this process that my challenge came today. This was one of those "seldom" days that I wasn't feeling particularly moved by the writer's thoughts. In fact, I almost didn't even open my Bible because one of the verses referenced today had been sealed in my heart from childhood memorization. But, in search of some "meat" for the day, I opened the pages of my Bible to the familiar passage in Proverbs 3:5-6 - "Trust in the Lord with <i>all</i> your heart; do not depend on your own understanding. Seek his will in <i>all</i> you do, and he will direct your paths." ( <i>emphasis added)</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>All.</i> <br />
<br />
That three-letter word is what I was supposed to take from today. <br />
<br />
Had I not turned to God's word, and simply relied on the author's words as my inspiration, I would have missed it. It's a small word, but it holds a big challenge.<br />
<br />
The "trusting with <i>all</i> my heart" part of this has been an ongoing journey and is not a new challenge to me. But, what I needed to hear today was the "seeking His will in <i>all</i> I do" part. <br />
<br />
It's not that I don't seek His will in my life. I do. But sometimes I fail to seek His will in <i>all </i>that I do. Some decisions seem easier to make than others and I fail to ask God what he thinks about it. Most days I go through my routine without much thought about my actions or responses to situations. When I do seek Him with the bigger questions and uncertainties, am I truly seeking his will, or am I relying on the emotions of the moment to make the decisions?<br />
<br />
I don't won't to miss <i>all </i>of what He has for me in this life because I'm not trusting with <i>all </i>my heart or seeking in <i>all </i>I do. So big or small, I want to give my <i>all </i>to and for the One who gave his <i>all for me. </i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkYDx0Wh7lG2o7w3KjtE_KujgIJdZtKBtQ_-HDPDKm4_WQ8iyZkfXlyTMNfSuUqUTNJKR5JyppKmi0a5t6257aCA1e4v0yCJO-2fdH_a5QB4xVGUrcVSLsatCBbhfLfY4UAEGirwmCRY/s1600/IMG_0528.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="72" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEiHkYDx0Wh7lG2o7w3KjtE_KujgIJdZtKBtQ_-HDPDKm4_WQ8iyZkfXlyTMNfSuUqUTNJKR5JyppKmi0a5t6257aCA1e4v0yCJO-2fdH_a5QB4xVGUrcVSLsatCBbhfLfY4UAEGirwmCRY/s320/IMG_0528.jpg" width="320" /></a></div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<br /></div>
<i><br /></i>
If you would like to learn more about the "Jesus Calling" book, here are some links to get you in the right direction:<br />
<br />
<i>http://www.thomasnelson.com/collections/jesuscalling</i><br />
<i>https://www.facebook.com/JesusCalling</i><br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-44913623499295352192013-04-19T09:59:00.002-07:002018-03-06T18:28:45.909-08:00Thoughts from the Produce Section<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LOXvhoL6opMON9GpT-EUXeLH8_nNWo4dh0e7YnBrmdoivwwTPbi9gzFIJguTNWN1CorzINYuoqTsKYSXc2ePLqbg4GS8jBnbX6CpRFD2mHg-8IBmhYHGy2CJp5E5ZzqY53LvwIBi27o/s1600/11056584_578196102319913_1470669191740438881_n.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="960" data-original-width="720" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEg6LOXvhoL6opMON9GpT-EUXeLH8_nNWo4dh0e7YnBrmdoivwwTPbi9gzFIJguTNWN1CorzINYuoqTsKYSXc2ePLqbg4GS8jBnbX6CpRFD2mHg-8IBmhYHGy2CJp5E5ZzqY53LvwIBi27o/s320/11056584_578196102319913_1470669191740438881_n.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
My husband and I were recently doing some grocery shopping together. This is not a new experience. Sadly, this is often how we spend a night out. However, there is no one else I'd rather have by my side to shop with, as he truly is my dearest friend in life. Though we journey the aisles together for the most part,we do, at times, take a "divide and conquer" approach during the process. He does not leave me for long though, because I will inevitably load more in the cart than what is necessary, or allowed in the budget, without his watchful eye. <br />
<br />
On this night, I was hanging out in the produce department and taking much longer than the average person to pick out some fruit. Now if you know me, this comes as no surprise because making a decision of any kind just does not come easily for me. It doesn't matter if it is picking out a banana, ordering off a menu or buying a new car. It is a painful process. Maybe the banana part is stretching things a bit - or maybe not. I must confess, I do like to pretend I know what I'm doing by sniffing the end of a melon or grapefruit to check for ripeness. It might help if I actually knew which end I was supposed to sniff to be able to tell if a piece is ripe or not...I'll have to read up on that in my free time. <br />
<br />
In this moment of time, I was hung up on choosing perfect apples. Given that we're not exactly in harvesting season, I was having a difficult time. Each apple I picked up was flawed in some manner. The color wasn't bright enough. It felt like it would have a "spongy" texture inside. There were too many bruises - some that couldn't be seen but were felt. As I was sorting through the apples and discarding most as not good enough, I was struck by the fact that we often do the same thing with people. We withhold our love because of a person's appearance. We keep our distance because of someone's smell. We place judgement on someone because we heard the latest rumor about them, or even more-so if we know the truths about their past. <br />
<br />
We all have a past - maybe some more colorful than others when we view things from our own perspective. But in God's eyes, sin is sin and all sin is weighted equally. This is the beauty of grace. We have a God who looks beyond our faults and wants to cover us with His grace and lavish us with His love no matter who we are or what we've done in our lives. Unlike a piece of fruit which will ultimately become rotten and discarded if it is left on the shelf too long, He looks at our bumps and bruises and longs and wants to restore us, give us new life and turn our life story into something beautiful...regardless of how long we've wandered before recognizing our need of him. He's waiting with outstretched arms for us to run to him.<br />
<br />
Perhaps you feel that the choices you've made go beyond the reach of His grace. Don't be deceived by those feelings. They are lies that the enemy wants you to believe to keep you from walking in freedom. God's Word is Truth and we can hold on to His promises with confidence.<br />
<br />
<b><i>"We are made right in God's sight when we trust in Jesus Christ to take away our sins. And we all can be saved in this same way, no matter who we are or what we have done. For all have sinned; all fall short of God's glorious standard. Yet now God in his gracious kindness declares us not guilty. He has done this through Christ Jesus, who has freed us by taking away our sins. For God sent Jesus to take the punishment for our sins and to satisfy God's anger against us. We are made right with God when we believe that Jesus shed his blood, sacrificing his life for us." </i></b><br />
<b><i>Romans 3:22-25 </i></b><br />
<br />
My producer, Eric Copeland of Creative Soul Records, penned a beautiful song for my EP <i>True to You</i>. It is called <i>Never Too Far and </i>captures these thoughts on His grace so well. *<br />
<br />
<i>There is no road that you can go down</i><br />
<i>That He cannot see where you've gone</i><br />
<i>A desperate choice that you had to make</i><br />
<i>And yes...there are days you felt alone</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>But you're never too far from the eyes of Jesus</i><br />
<i>You're never too far from His love</i><br />
<i>I know that it seems too many years and mistakes</i><br />
<i>Have left you withdrawn and apart</i><br />
<i>But in the eyes of Jesus... y</i><i>ou're never, never too far</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>There is a road to a truer acceptance</i><br />
<i>More than you've ever known</i><br />
<i>No righteous judge...j</i><i>ust lasting forgiveness</i><br />
<i>For anything you may have done</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>You think nobody knows all the secrets and lies</i><br />
<i>Things the world could never forgive</i><br />
<i>Now you can live!</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i>'Cause you're never too far from the eyes of Jesus</i><br />
<i>You're never too far from His love</i><br />
<i>I know that is seems too many years and mistakes</i><br />
<i>Have left you withdrawn and apart</i><br />
<i>But in the eyes of Jesus...you're never, never too far</i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i><br />
<i><br /></i>
<i><br /></i>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-80052056043334081362013-03-06T19:09:00.000-08:002018-03-06T18:34:27.238-08:00White as Snow<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
</div>
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDOWNShmFMfYw9U3MiUx72-sPDVcFgqWzqiT7Wucg4l5bX7RVXUtnf-4Y-r7_tvIeiBi5zqssfdo2Z518tZcOjUbmpvLzPWY7udYIxL-RlRx4vSjYjcl2OvGWww9f-LMg9dcmhWgpshE/s1600/IMG_3749.jpg" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" data-original-height="1600" data-original-width="1200" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEjzDOWNShmFMfYw9U3MiUx72-sPDVcFgqWzqiT7Wucg4l5bX7RVXUtnf-4Y-r7_tvIeiBi5zqssfdo2Z518tZcOjUbmpvLzPWY7udYIxL-RlRx4vSjYjcl2OvGWww9f-LMg9dcmhWgpshE/s320/IMG_3749.jpg" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
All winter I have had my hopes on a good old-fashioned snowstorm- you know, the kind that leaves you snowed-in and brings a halt to the busyness of life. Winters around south-central PA aren't very exciting anymore. Though the east coast had a couple big storms this year, they managed to skip our neck of the woods. I miss the big snowstorms I remember from my childhood. Of course, as a kid, my perspective was probably a bit skewed, making me think six inches was more like a foot. But all in all, the winter season seemed to be longer and snow started falling earlier. I remember making the drive to Cincinnati in the snow as we headed out to spend Thanksgiving with family. Having a white Christmas was commonplace and there was always an abundance of snow for building forts and snowmen throughout the winter season. <br />
<br />
So, as we anticipated the arrival of "Winter Storm Saturn" overnight, I was excited by the thought of waking up to a winter wonderland. The kids went to bed knowing that school had already been cancelled because of coming snow. Imagine my disappointment when I awoke between 2:30 and 3:30 this morning to find no snow on the roads, or anywhere else for that matter. I headed back to bed feeling somewhat less excited about the "east beast" that had been forecasted to impact our area. Snow did eventually find it's way to our little town and I woke up to a blanket of white...just not as much as was expected.<br />
<br />
There is something refreshing about newly fallen, unadulterated snow. It covers over the brown, dead grass and plants that are anxiously awaiting the arrival of spring. It drapes itself over the tree branches and they fall under it's weight. When the clouds have passed and the sun peaks through, the snowy landscape glistens and sparkles. <br />
<br />
After taking in the beauty, I knew it was time for the inevitable. Maddie, our yellow lab, was also awake and needed out to do what dogs do. The snow quickly became matted down with paw prints and colored with shades of yellow and brown. It was also time to bundle up and start digging out before the snow became too weighted down and was harder to shovel. Dirt and pebbles mixed in with the snow piles and things didn't feel so fresh anymore...kind of like the canvas of our lives. Impure thoughts can creep in and taint our minds. We hold on to anger and bitterness that take root and weigh us down, suffocating our joy. Sinful habits leave stains that seem too deep to remove. We reflect the patterns of the world more than the glory of our Savior. <br />
<br />
In the midst of it all, I was reminded of a song we sang in church on Sunday: "Jesus paid it all, all to Him I owe; Sin had left a crimson stain, He washed it white as snow." ( Elvina M. Hall and John Thomas Grape) God tells us in the first chapter of Isaiah, verse 18: "No matter how deep the stain of your sins, I can remove it. I can make you as clean as freshly fallen snow. Even if you are stained as red as crimson, I can make you as white as wool." This promise is just as true for us today as it was for the Israelites so many years ago. <br />
<br />
We can start over with a clean slate when we recognize the sin in our lives and turn to Him with a truly repentant heart. This can be seen in David's life after he had an affair with Bathsheba and then murdered her husband in an attempt to cover up his sins. He cried out to God for cleansing and forgiveness: "Have mercy on me, O God, because of your unfailing love. Because of your great compassion, blot out the stain of my sins. Wash me clean from my guilt. Purify me from my sin. For I recognize my shameful deeds-- they haunt me day and night. Against you, and you alone, have I sinned; I have done what is evil in your sight. You will be proved right in what you say, and your judgment against me is just. For I was born a sinner--yes, from the moment my mother conceived me. But you desire honesty from the heart, so you can teach me to be wise in my inmost being. Purify me from my sins, and I will be clean; wash me, and I will be whiter than snow. Oh, give me back my joy again; you have broken me--now let me rejoice. Don't keep looking at my sins. Remove the stain of my guilt. Create in me a clean heart, O God. Renew a right spirit within me. Do not banish me from your presence, and don't take your Holy Spirit from me. Restore to me again the joy of your salvation, and make me willing to obey you." ( Psalm 51: 1-12, NLT)<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-17982296309738113632013-01-31T13:39:00.000-08:002013-01-31T15:51:05.474-08:00ExpectationsProgress has been made and our tree is finally completely down and packed away. I will admit that it was my husband's doing and not my own. He seized the opportunity Sunday afternoon while I took a long winter's nap. But there are a few traces of the Christmas season that still linger...garland and stocking holders on the fireplace and the Nativity set on my piano. The stocking holders are snowmen and they certainly fit in with the ongoing winter season- not counting the two days of spring this week- and the garland kind of blends in without looking Christmasy. In fact one year the garland remained proudly displayed on it's mantle until summertime...embarrassing, but true! As for the Nativity set? It was one of the last decorations to make an appearance in the days before Christmas and I am in no hurry to take it down as it represents a life lesson for me. <br />
<br />
Christmas has been my favorite time of year for as long as I can remember, mostly due to fond memories of the season from my childhood. The house was always decorated festively, cookies were in abundance, candles and the fireplace were burning and the sounds of music filled the air. In fact, a few months ago, my daughter discovered the old albums we would listen to through the holidays- Elvis, The Beach Boys, Snoopy's Christmas and Bing Crosby to name a few. My brother hooked her up with an old record player and we were able to bring those memories back to life. Sarah was so excited and decided we would get the albums out when we decorated the tree. Sadly, the record player stopped working when the day came and so those memories went back to the file box in my mind. <br />
<br />
My expectations for Christmas were high this year (well, technically last year, but for the sake of this blog, it shall remain this year). The season had come and gone in a blur the past 5 years because of juggling an almost full- time job, several part-time jobs and being a wife, mom and chauffeur. But this year, I was without the most time-consuming job and was determined to enjoy the season once again and make it an extra special time for our kids. I wanted them to have the same experience I had growing up. <br />
<br />
Well...two weeks into December we finally got around to putting the tree up and that was it for decorations for much of the season. Life was just as busy as ever and time was flying by without the cookies and music and softly glowing fires. Time was short for shopping, as were funds since I no longer had the steady income of a nursing job. Once I did find time to head to the stores, everything was picked over and I didn't feel much like buying presents in the light of our nation mourning the loss of beautiful children and teachers. Tears flowed easily and my dreams of the "perfect" Christmas were crushed.<br />
<br />
Christmas break came upon us and it became now or never for adding any extra touches with decorations. I took advantage of an early school dismissal and extra time at home to hang the garland and stockings. My youngest son offered to set up the Nativity set for me. And so began the lessons for the day. I relinquished my need to have the figures set up "just right" and allowed my child to create a scene that would change my day and my perspective.<br />
<br />
As he finished setting things up, he noticed I had another angel on my piano, in the form of a music box. He then proceeded to remove an angel off it's post over-looking the manger scene and replace it with the music box angel. As he turned it on, the tune of "Amazing Grace" filled the air, a smile covered his face and he said "that's how it should be". How appropriate that this angel should be there singing of amazing grace over the manger scene of our Savior! Tears danced on my cheeks as I looked in wonder at how much this little boy "gets it". I needed to let go of trying to "make" Christmas perfect with shopping and baking and decorating and music. I was reminded that it's about a gift that has been given so freely to each of us. I'm sure as Mary and Joseph anticipated the birth of their son, they never expected to be far away from family and friends or to be away from the comforts of home. Yet, they found themselves alone and in a dark, smelly and dirty cave. There was nothing perfect about this but the Baby himself. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsktjvvNovTlsYXaCTudB5v68iRGLBULrmWsewDmR7pLYSJxlc_Jc8F-J-tDIK3Pk-vMk_Isrb-tkH7VrJfj6lTu09cn85ghWIwxpxQFaV5dGZfAtgG9rI0LSoeKuN381Eq9p4lpiea4/s1600/IMG_0890.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="240" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgVsktjvvNovTlsYXaCTudB5v68iRGLBULrmWsewDmR7pLYSJxlc_Jc8F-J-tDIK3Pk-vMk_Isrb-tkH7VrJfj6lTu09cn85ghWIwxpxQFaV5dGZfAtgG9rI0LSoeKuN381Eq9p4lpiea4/s320/IMG_0890.JPG" width="320" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
And so, the angel still is perched on her post and my heart is reminded each time I pass by of her song and there's no rush to put it away because the story didn't end at the manger. This baby came into our world as a baby but grew into a man and became our Redeemer in giving the ultimate gift of His life as a sacrifice of love and covering of grace for each of us. He is still very much alive and waiting for our hearts to prepare room for Him to dwell. And my heart joins with heaven and nature in singing of His greatness!<br />
<br />
So...what about next Christmas? I'll still decorate and try to find time to bake some cookies and hopefully even find time to relax with my family around the fireplace. I'll treasure the memories of childhood and hope that as a family we're making memories that our kids will cherish some day, too. But I'm trusting that the lessons from a little boy and a Nativity set remind me to expect only the joy that comes from celebrating the birth of Jesus Christ. <br />
<br />Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-20205658943347796592013-01-15T08:48:00.000-08:002013-01-15T08:48:03.627-08:00Real or Artificial?As I sit here this morning, I must confess that I am sitting beside my Christmas tree. Yes, it is January 15th and our tree still stands tall in the living room. I did manage to take the ornaments off two days ago, but the lights are still strung and it is starting to take on a stale presence in the room. By now you've probably presumed that this tree is indeed artificial, otherwise it's needles would surely be in a pile on the floor by now. But you would not know to look at this tree that it has never had a life-giving source.<br />
<br />
Many years ago, we decided to take advantage of after-Christmas sales and get a fake tree. This was a huge sacrifice for me because I thrive on the whole experience of taking the family out to a tree farm and cutting down the perfect tree with our own saw - often a pain-staking event for my husband as finding "the one" could take quite some time. In exchange of this experience, a fake tree would have to meet some pretty tough standards to make it into our home. And so, we found a tree that passed the test. Now, each year it is quite a chore to put this tree up because it was before the days of pre-lit branches or trees that open at the push of a button or that come in two pieces and can be stored easily between seasons. It has to be put together branch by branch and each stem must be "fluffed" and adjusted to pull off the deception of realness. When friends come over at Christmastime, they're amazed that our tree is indeed artificial. And this, of course, causes my heart to smile.<br />
<br />
As I was stringing lights and hanging ornaments on the tree this year, my thoughts went to how much our lives can be like decorating a Christmas tree. We shower to keep our bodies smelling clean. We style our hair to keep from looking unkempt. We put make-up on to conceal our flaws. We put on clothes to hide our nakedness. We add jewelry to give just the right touch. We put on smiles to mask our true feelings. Some go a greater distance and add more permanent effects like tattoos or piercings in places that cause the rest of us to cringe. We put on an air of confidence to cover our fears and insecurities.<br />
<br />
We put a lot of energy and expense into our appearance and trying to look like the real deal, but what's really going on on the inside? Are we drained of energy? Are we at war with low self-esteem and worthlessness? Are we weighted down with bitterness and unforgiveness? Do we have a stinky attitude? Are our relationships crumbling? Are we wrestling with sinful behaviors and addictions? <br />
Do our lives mirror the truths we claim? <br />
<br />
As I think of the task before me in disassembling the tree, I realize there are some things in my life that may need to be uprooted, some branches that may need to be removed that aren't bearing fruit. I also realize that the pruning process is not always pleasant and can, in fact, be painful. But I want to be authentic. I don't want my life to be a grand charade. I want to be relentless in my pursuit of deeper intimacy and a closer walk with Jesus - Giver of life and peace and joy. Unlike our artificial tree that will never have the fragrance of fresh pine, I want my life to exude a fragrance of grace and love and acceptance.<br />
<br />
I want my Father's heart to smile when He looks at me. <br />
<br />
<br />
<div class="separator" style="clear: both; text-align: center;">
<a href="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCO2BM_uuSxcVSw8gHWG21NqIALb4yeYJIkH2PcSlsnSo5yZoAXjAH_lbxZRtR2NiC0Fa8D42WZWayWNj_0XUSD8W93Yg7yOQhtQ7BgsKhvCk01Gp6JI6sOwsRVsHTIzljLZOdd1K_70/s1600/IMG_0844.JPG" imageanchor="1" style="margin-left: 1em; margin-right: 1em;"><img border="0" height="320" src="https://blogger.googleusercontent.com/img/b/R29vZ2xl/AVvXsEgmCO2BM_uuSxcVSw8gHWG21NqIALb4yeYJIkH2PcSlsnSo5yZoAXjAH_lbxZRtR2NiC0Fa8D42WZWayWNj_0XUSD8W93Yg7yOQhtQ7BgsKhvCk01Gp6JI6sOwsRVsHTIzljLZOdd1K_70/s320/IMG_0844.JPG" width="240" /></a></div>
<br />
<br />
<br />
<br />
<div>
<br /></div>
Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com1tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-66677146257132866472012-02-28T11:33:00.001-08:002012-02-28T11:39:18.440-08:00"When"...Not "If"If you're reading this blog, you know that my site is called "From the Heart "...a place for me to share what's on my heart on this journey called "life". As I write today, my heart is heavy and I am crying out for God's peace, His presence, and His healing power to be evident in my life and in the lives of those I love so dearly. <br />
<br />
Before I get to the present, I need to go back a few months to July 9, 2011. This was to be a day of celebration - celebration of my dad's birthday and celebration of church friends saying their wedding vows. While I was providing music for the ceremony, my husband received word that my sister's life was hanging in the balance- she was unresponsive, had been placed on a ventilator and was having emergency surgery. As soon as the service was over, we made the hour long drive to the hospital not knowing what news we would arrive to hear. Even in the midst of fear and anxious thoughts, my heart was singing out to God - "You are good". I sensed His nearness as we drove and as we waited...and waited...and waited. My sister's splenic artery had ruptured as a result of complications from surgery earlier that week and she lost enough blood that she should not have survived. I believe God worked a miracle in her life. We were able to celebrate that day after all!<br />
<br />
A couple days prior to this, Dave's dad had been admitted to the hospital after failing to pass a stress test and was waiting to hear what the next step was going to be. On July 8th, he was transferred to another hospital and would need to have open-heart surgery. So on July 12th, we found ourselves waiting...again...as his dad had surgery. After many hours of waiting, the rest of the family went to get something to eat and I stayed behind. The emotions of the past few days were taking a toll and I longed for some quiet time. While sitting in the now quiet waiting area, the hospital chaplain came over the intercom system and offered a prayer up for the patients and also read from Isaiah 43 - "Do not be afraid, for I have ransomed you. I have called you by name: you are mine. When you go through deep waters and great trouble, I will be with you. When you go through rivers of difficulty, you will not drown! When you walk through the fire of oppression, you will not be burned up: the flames will not consume you. For I am the Lord, your God, the Holy One of Israel, your Savior." Tears flowed as I knew these words ,which I've known and read so many times before, were spoken just for me that night, straight from God's heart to mine. <br />
<br />
Dave's dad ended up with five bypasses that day and has done well in his recovery. My sister has had numerous complications and setbacks over the months since we nearly lost her, but I believe God had a purpose in sparing her life and that He has a future of hope and promise for her. <br />
<br />
So, now we find ourselves in the place of uncertainty again. I've been facing some health issues of my own and last week, my mom received an unsettling report from her doctor. As I was processing what I had been told and trying unsuccessfully to keep my fears at bay, I heard a clear voice speak to my heart - "This has not come as surprise to me. It's not catching me off guard. I am God and I am still on My throne. I am in control of what's going on even now. Remember that I've promised to be with you." <br />
<br />
I am holding onto the promise in Isaiah 43 that my Lord, my God, my Savior will be with me...with us...when- <i>not "if"</i> - but WHEN we walk through the deep waters of this life.Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-51699441326177040862012-01-24T21:00:00.000-08:002012-01-24T21:00:54.578-08:00Cravings\ˈkrā-viŋ\ - an intense, urgent or abnormal desire or longing for some particular thing<br />
<br />
Have you ever noticed that once something is forbidden it becomes all the more desirable? <br />
<br />
Over the past couple weeks, I have been making an honest attempt at trying to eat healthier, not only for myself, but for my family as well. My diet has consisted of lean meats, eggs, veggies and fresh fruit. Not allowed on this plan are breads, potatoes, pasta or the sweets that I've come to know and love. Oh how I've longed for just a bite or two of something fun...a cookie, some ice cream, a piece of chocolate. I've come to learn through the years that avoidance is the best policy. Once you allow that first bite in, it becomes easier to give in to the craving the next time it comes along. Before you know it, the little bite turns into eating the whole brownie and since you've already blown it, you might as well top it off with some ice cream! <br />
<br />
After visiting with a dear friend over breakfast this morning, I had to pick a few things up at the grocery store. A new cereal was being proudly displayed on the end of an aisle. Wouldn't you know it was called "Krave"! It comes in "two irresistable flavors- chocolate and double chocolate". One looked to have a vanilla "whole grain" shell and the other chocolate. Both come with a smooth, creamy chocolate filling and both are sure to satisfy any chocolate-lovers cravings - especially one who has been carb - starved for a couple weeks! <br />
<br />
So how does this fit into my journey from the heart? After all, that's what I said this blog would be about.<br />
<br />
My companion on this journey to better eating habits has been a book by Lysa Terkeurst called 'Made to Crave'. It has been both challenging and encouraging and has been a perfect fit for me on my journey of longing for deeper intimacy in my walk with Christ. We were created to be in relationship with Him. God wants to satisfy our deepest longings with His perfect peace, love and presence. Giving in to food cravings - or other physical things we use to fill a void - only provides temporary fulfillment and often leaves us feeling guilty in the aftermath. <br />
<br />
Psalm 42:1-2 is a good reflection of my heart's cry: " As the deer pants for streams of water, so I long for you, O God. I thirst for God, the living God." When we look to God to fill us, we will find lasting joy, lasting peace and lasting hope. <br />
<br />
May He truly be my heart's desire.Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com0tag:blogger.com,1999:blog-1792060115018906390.post-41037884171798151582012-01-17T11:21:00.001-08:002012-01-17T11:55:51.509-08:00It's Time!Christmas has come and gone and the New Year is upon us. Not unlike you, I have many goals for the year and thoughts of things I would like to see come to fruition in my life, both from a lifestyle perspective and from a ministry perspective--and I believe I'm going to find that those things are connected to each other in the long run. <br />
<br />
One of my goals is to stretch myself in sharing thoughts from my heart and do this blogging thing. This has been on my to-do list for some time now...well, a couple years, in fact. So... it's time! It's time to dig out the list that I've been compiling of things I could write about. It's time to stop worrying that what I share may not be "spoken" with the eloquence I would like it to have. It's time to put to words what God has been showing me and speaking into my life. <br />
<br />
I believe that journaling from my heart will have a healing effect on some of the difficult things I've journeyed through over the past few years. I also believe that it will help birth some new songs to be used in ministry. I hope that something I share will be an encouragement to you in wherever your journey is taking you- or perhaps where you feel you've been left and forgotten. <br />
<br />
So, come and walk along with me on the road to restoration and redemption. It's time!Leslie McKeehttp://www.blogger.com/profile/00605591629944990219noreply@blogger.com1