Tuesday, June 24, 2008
THE COUNTDOWN HAS BEGUN!
Woo hoo! Deeper Still is almost here. I can't wait! This weekend is going to be over-the-top great.
The band and I have been waiting (not-so-patiently) for this special weekend. We even had a rehearsal. That's a big deal, people. We have been learning some new tunes and brushing up on some older ones (see Psalm 134:2).
Yep...we have been getting our music ready. But we have also been getting our hearts and minds prepared for whatever it is the Lord has for us to learn and experience this weekend. The Lord brought to mind a funny story that Julie, a member of the praise team, told us recently...
Julie and her husband wanted to get their kids a Wii game system for Christmas. The problem was they waited until the last minute to find one. So, they were two of the crazies who slept outside Target on Thanksgiving night so they could be one of the first to secure a Wii on Friday morning.
Well, they were successful. And you didn't even need to know that part of the story. I just love to tell it. I love to expose the crazies.
Anyway, 2 or 3 months into the new year, I asked Julie how their family was enjoying the Wii. She said that she was going to have to send it in to the manufacturer, because the controls weren't working. Bummer, I thought to myself. Actually, I didn't just think it. I said
it. Bummer.
OK...so fast forward a couple of months after that. I asked Julie if she got their Wii back, and if it was fixed. She immediately got a sheepish look on her face, and ashamedly responded, "Uh...um...I didn't have to send it. The remote sensor was just dusty. Once I
cleaned it, it worked fine."
(My apologies to Julie for exposing her dusty Wii sensor.)
Hmmm...I thought to myself. I really just thought it this time. I didn't say it.
It made me think...
I don't know what all you have weighing on you this week. Maybe you come with heavy burdens...and you are desperate for immediate answers from the Lord about a specific hurt, or problem, or do-or-die situation. Or maybe you come full of joy because in this season of your life you are on the mountaintop. Or maybe you are like Julie's Wii game...and your spirit needs a good dusting off...a refreshing new move of the Spirit of God in your life...a new Word for this new day.
Whatever season you are in...I have a feeling that all of our "sensors" could use a dusting. And I pray that we all will come ready to receive it. If you are hurting...come with your wounds exposed, and let His grace cover you...heal you. If you are celebrating, bring your joy to Him, and let His love complete you. And if you are feeling dull, stale, in need of a fresh Word, let His perfect Spirit restore you.
Because we weren't made to watch this game of life go by with a half-engaged heart. We were meant to play it...live it...love it! And thanks to Jesus, this good life is there for the taking.
And we don't even have to wait in line all night at Target to get it.
Come ready to engage your heart fully...He is ready for you. And we will be, too...see you in Atlanta...THIS WEEK!
Blessings,
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Comments (2)
Katie in TN said...
Hi Travis! I love this blog! I just wanted to tell you that I am a combination of the above. I have been on an intense journey that God has called me to this year. As I look back, I can see that it is all leading me to this conference. God is going to move with great power!
All year, God has been telling me to let go and be still. My prayer has been for God to empty me of myself and fill me with Him. I have had to let go of people who are very dear to me (especially my son who enlisted in the Navy Special Forces). I have been a single mom of two for the last 8 years. I live with my best friend who bought the tickets for this event and gave them to me for Christmas last year. We have been so excited! Counting down the days!
Over the years, the struggles for survival have caused my best friend (who God has used more than anyone over the last 8 years) and I to grow a bit distant at heart. We have been looking forward to this trip and were so excited to be leaving tomorrow for our 8 hour journey together to Atlanta. We have done so many of Beth's Bible studies and attended conferences before. We both grew immensly each time. They have been spiritual markers. We both need this. Sadly, circumstances have come about that threaten this trip. She may have to work. We are currently unsure if we will be able to attend together.
I was hoping to reignite our friendship, grow deeper in my faith, and find some answers to some very difficult decisons I am having to make as journey into a deeper faith. With only hours to spare I ask you...
Please pray for us.
In Christ,
Katie
Katie said...
Travis!:)
Blessed to meet you via blog world:)
Thank God for your post too! I am need of just about everything you mentioned! I am ready to receive! I just keep getting more and more excited!!!
I also am moved by the other women going-esp. the 8 moms who lost their children. I hurt for them-life can be so hard! BUT, GOD SUSTAINS US! HE uses us too-and HE is going to use that marvelous gift HE gave you and the praise team of song and ability to sing beautifully to inspire us all! I'm just blessed to be there to partake-AMEN!
Have a joyous day, Travis! Also: have to let you know, I have been going through fertility treatments and I played your newest cd-wore itout-for about the first month or two of my treatments! I am so messed up, but God uses people like you with your gifting to instill peace and hope in others. Praise the LORD for you Travis! Prayin' for you:)
Katie
Posted by Katie | Jun 24, 2008 at 08:29 AM