Why "Indie" Christian Bands Struggle

This isn't a nice post. It's sarcastic and bitter. It's also how I feel. The Jesus lover in me is keenly aware of doing things simply for His glory and that I might get struck by lightning for this rant, but if I'm already thinking it, I might as well put it in writing. Right?

About a year ago a band was invited to do a couple of concerts in San Francisco. "It's strictly ministry." we were told. Ok.?. why else would someone be part of "Christian" band/music ministry? Why did they have to make that disclosure? Maybe to make it clear we wouldn't be getting any money from it. That's not unusual and something we've grown accustomed to.

It was A LOT of work. Not for me. Once all the communications had been made, meetings and details arranged my part is pretty much done. The work is left to my husband and his bandmates. Part of our effort in this outreach meant bringing our truck and trailer into San Francisco. Crazy. Where would we park, unload and park again? If you've ever been to San Francisco you understand what a mess that was. We were told we'd have all the help we needed. Not true. We had a little help but certainly not "all we needed." The "helpers" had a good time catching up with each other, though. That was nice. It was an unusually warm day for San Francisco and my husband (and other band members) were hot, sweaty and tired and they hadn't even started playing/singing.

Yup-MHR band sets all that up before most every show.

Don't get me wrong...once the music started it was great! People were stopping in the middle of the Embarcadero Center and Union Square just to hear what was going on and hearing about Jesus in word and music. I know God was at work that day.

Mars Hill Revisited at Union Square, San Francisco

We were only one part of the three music ministries taking part. The other groups offered no assistance. They used all our equipment and didn't help at all. What? Where's the community in that? No wonder independent bands struggle. (At least it wasn't as bad as the guy who "helped" our band and then promoted his own band during the break.) I just don't get it. In fact, it just makes me mad.

Seven years of one to two weekly practices, loading and unloading the trailers. It's not for the faint of heart. It's for those who feel they are fulfilling a ministry that God has put in their hearts to do. It's only by His grace, mercy, and strength that an indie Christian band can continue for that long.

After a while is it any wonder the "Christian" music industry is stuck in the hamster wheel of music. You've got your gold category on radio and the worship bands that are now writing music for churches. Who's taking the music to the people in San Francisco that need to hear a message but refuse to step inside a church? And how can indie bands even consider going into the cities if they have no support? No wonder independent bands get burn-out and quit.

I love concerts as much as anyone! I'm not knocking it....I'm just saying the family who wants to bring their neighbor to a Chris Tomlin concert can't afford the $40 ticket to cover the promoters $45,000 budget he needs just to break even. So, they try and invite their friends to their church barbecue. That's not awkward at all. People crowding the new guy wondering how long it will take for him to make the famous "walk to the front with all heads bowed and all eyes closed."

This is just a rant. An anecdotal story I'm sure no one else understands but those in the thick of it.

Guest Post by My Husband, Will Clark

I've never done a guest post before, but I've read a lot of them. So here's my first and perhaps my last. Will originally created this as a status update on his Facebook Page but I loved it so much I had to share it with you.

Yesterday Elaine Clark and I spent some time helping our 8th grade daughter decide what classes she will take in High School! This is one of those days you think is so far away when you're buying diapers and car seats, only to turn around and find that the little girl whose crib you used to lay next to so you could hear the beautiful sound of her breathing as she slept is now taller than her mother and strong enough to lift her 220 lb daddy a foot off the ground. As we sat there strategizing about her high school classes, thinking ahead to college admissions and hopes and dreams, I couldn't help but appreciate how beautiful the moment was, and how beautiful the girl is. Yet there was also a tension in my bones, the subtle unease generated by the heart of a protective father who sees on the other side of this transitional benchmark the inevitable reality of the harsh toils and troubles of this world. This paradoxical experience, the mixture of joy and heartache had by every caring parent, awakens within us the reality that we live our lives for these moments when we can look back at what we've done, observe where we are now, and plan for what we're going to do next. The past teaches us nothing if not that we must plan for the future while adapting to the present. We must be adept at both the planning and the adapting. Fifteen years of working in a manufacturing environment and 13 years of being a father has provided me with a wealth of experience at this kind of thinking. So as we filled out the forms, talked about high school and planned for the future, I gave my little girl four pieces of advice: 1) Faith: You can't neglect your spiritual self without consequence in the physical, mental, and emotional. Love the Lord your God with all your heart, soul and mind. 2) Friendships: The kind of friends you choose is almost as important as the kind of friend you choose to be. Treat others the way you would want to be treated. Choose your friends wisely. The right people will respect you for doing the right things. 3) Work Ethic: Learn how to work hard, to persevere, to set goals and then achieve them resourcefully. Plan well, adapt brilliantly. 4) Choices: Think about consequences and rewards. Delayed gratification is the "secret" of most successful people. Never dig a hole with a tractor that must be refilled with a shovel. Never make permanent decisions in temporary circumstances.

So there you go...do what you will with this insight. Maybe his advice for our daughter is something you needed as well.

Our (Mini) Trip to Fort Bragg 2012

One of the things the kids remember about Fort Bragg was that at a restaurant we visited, there was a fly in the salt shaker. That pretty much sums up their opinion of the place. The beach was pretty but it was too cold to really enjoy the water.

All in all it was a quick trip and the memories we made were the most important part.

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Stitch Fix

 I hate shopping. I don't like trying things on, I hate finding the perfect shoes and accessories. I just don't like it.

That's why I was so excited when I heard about Stitch Fix.
You fill out a "style profile"

You enter your height and weight and get as detailed as to whether your arms, torso, hips, etc. are short, average or long.

Then it shows you samples of particular styles and you tell them if you like some or most or love it. 

Then comes the big day! The day your "Fix" arrives!

Inside you'll find a note that doubles as your invoice from your stylist. Five items that usually includes one accessory are neatly packaged.

I'm on my third fix. You get charged a $20 stylist fee that gets applied to what you keep! What you don't want gets sent back in a postage paid envelope. It's so easy and for those who love to shop but don't have time it's just as exciting. I know because that's my sister and she loves it too!

This is a sample in what came today. 

This is pretty but I just got one in my last fix that's similar...it's dark too but with birds instead of polka dots.

This one surprised me. I love it. I thought the detail would have made it too bulky, but it was perfect. 

Each item also comes with a helpful card with descriptions of the item. It's beautiful.

I absolutely loved the next blouse! It was exactly what I was looking for in this fix. However, the lack of give/stretch in the fabric made it very uncomfortable. So sad!! 

Finally, you get to tell Stith Fix what you're keeping and why and what you're not keeping and why. This is a critical step because they will review this for the next time you request a fix. You can request it at any time or you can have it delivered monthly.

If you decide you would like to try it out, I encourage you to click on the links throughout my post...if you sign up you will likely be put on a waiting list. Once you get your first fix ordered I get a $25 credit. You can get the same thing for anyone who signs up with your link as well. Trust me, I've had plenty of comments and opportunities to share my love for Stitch Fix

School Called (Kind of)

This post is a response to my recent moment at the pulpit, where I shared that social media can often make people feel inadequate because of all the "successes and praises" that people share.

I thought I'd share one of those things that rarely gets mentioned on social media. Those things we aren't proud of but happen every day! I'll go first and maybe you'd like to chime in on your [not so] shining moments as a parent.

I went to pick up the little guys from school today and encountered the teacher of my older son. They had their annual swim day so I asked if my son came home with his towel. She said, "I don't know, but did he tell you what happened at the pool?"

"No." I replied, "What happened?"

Pride started welling up inside me. "I bet he jumped in to help someone who was struggling in the pool," I thought. I even stood taller as she began to share the story.

Isaac had been in the bathroom with a group of boys who were attempting to flush someone's underwear down the toilet.  

As each word exited her lips, my shoulders slumped a little more.

No- he didn't actually participate in the flushing, but became "guilty by association" for being in there while it happened.

*SIGH* 

That's it. My shame for the day. What else is there to say?

A Friend Indeed

I have an amazing friend.
Though many miles separate us, she has always been a blessing! Always making an effort to call me despite my lack of reciprocation. Not because I don't want to call her, but because I feel I have nothing new or exciting to say. My life is boring. Busy but boring.

I can't count the amount how many times I've called her and her first response is, "what's wrong?" She knew. She just knew I needed her friendship.

For a week she has been on my heart. I passed her old house and didn't call. I saw her mom in an old photo and didn't call. I found an old picture of us together from days gone by and I STILL didn't call her. I told my husband I needed to call her...it had been to long since hearing her voice and STILL didn't call her. All within seven days. What is wrong with me?

Finally, this afternoon I called her. What a joy welled up inside me, hearing her voice. I may not have had anything new or exciting to share with her, but maybe it wasn't about me. Maybe she needed to know that I was thinking about her. How was she to know I'd been thinking and praying for her for a week? I had to tell her!

My prayer life often is lacking for a similar reason. I don't have anything needy or pressing to share with God. But he already knows the details of my life. Is it possible that he just wants to know that we know? He just wants our attention. He simply wants us to want Him.


This song makes me think of her every time! I love it and I love her!

Hands and Feet for the McGowan Family

Sometimes stories come our way and we think, "how sad," offer up a quick prayer and move on with our day.

I get it! I'm right there with you.

Today was different. I was struck with the story of Ryan McGowan. In part because I went to high school with his mommy, in part because his big eyes gripped my heart.

We can never imagine the pain and heartache a family deals with minute by minute when dealing with a sick child. We may not know how to help or what to say.

How about being the hands and feet of Jesus in a tangible way? There are countless hospital costs, hotel charges, meals on the road, etc.

I'm sure every dollar matters to their family. Please click the link to the left and help however you can! I know they will be grateful. If you can't give financially, please pray. Not just a quick prayer but commit to praying ever day for their entire family as they trudge through this time!

Thank you

Home

All of my kids have been readers and my youngest is no exception! Xzavier learning to r

Maybe it's nostalgia that reminds me that Xzavier is my last to have all these firsts. I've enjoyed every part of watching my kids learn and feel so blessed to have been home to see it all happen!

The other night Will and I and the kids were laughing at some of the funny video clips we have on the computer. One of them was Savannah, Isaac and Jaden outside when I caught them singing. I quickly grabbed my camera and caught them. In the midst of the song, Jaden (with his deep toddler voice) interjected his favorite part of Gavin Degraw's song Chariot.  When we finished I was in tears. Will grabbed my shoulder and said, "Aren't you glad you were home to see that?" 

I've always known how blessed I was to stay home with my kids. Blessed of God through the hard work and determination of my husband to make sure it happened! 

Book Review: The Encounter

I have heard so many good things about Stephen Arterburn. My good friend, Moni is an avid reader of his writings. She said she picks up all of his books- they're so good. Stephen Arterburn has a short program on the station I work at 101.5 KAMB, called New Life Moments; short snippets of wisdom and practical advice for all parts of life. That's why I am disappointed that it's taken me this long to read his stuff!

Thankfully, I'm part of Booksneeze. I get free copies (E-books and/or hard copies) of books that I get to choose and review them.

This month I chose The Encounter . It's about a wealthy business man who goes to his hometown in Alaska to adress the anger he has towards his birth mother who left him at four years of age. Although he was adopted by a wonderful family who loved him in spite of his outbursts of anger, he couldn't get past the fact that he was "given away."

This is a short novella and easy to read in one sitting. It's about love, forgiveness and attempting to get the whole story. Whether we have someone in our life to whom we have put on a pedestal or someone who has "wronged" us, there is a backstory. To move forward in our life...past the hurt, disappointment, anger or bitterness we need to know the facts.

Getting truth can be painful. It may ruffle our feathers. But their is such freedom and peace in the Truth!

I encourage you to read this. If not for yourself, maybe someone you know could benefit from the wisdom in these pages. At the end Arterburn shares the true life story of the person he loosely bases the book on and shares some insights and thoughts on how anyone can find the freedom that the main character found.

Book Review: Heroes and Villains of the Bible

I was so happy to receive this free copy of Heroes and Villans of the Bible through Thomas Nelson to review. It was something I had been excited to do because of my four children that are just at the right age to benefit from this "adventure" Bible.

Heroes and Villains reads like a comic book with fantastic illustrations and stories my kids have heard for years. The difference is that now instead of the stories being told to them, they are seeking them out themselves. 
It's a great way to get your kids in the practice of daily Bible reading.

It's not a complete Bible but it's a great place to start with stories of the faithfulness of God, obedience and disobedience and the repercussion of both.

My Favorite Summer Drink

I remember summer days with a jar of tea sitting in the sun. My mom always had sun tea brewing. I was never really a fan of it until I met my husband. I realized then that not all iced tea is created equal. What was missing in my mom's sun tea was SUGAR. I love sugar!

Beside regular, Lipton Iced Tea I also enjoy mint tea. I love it hot with honey and milk! Mmmm. So why shouldn't  I put the two together? I started brewing them together and it's my absolute favorite!!

Now I know that my blog is all over the place in terms of topics, and it's in NO WAY a recipe collection, since cooking isn't my forte. But I just wanted to share this with you...whoever might be reading it because after I made a pitcher yesterday I was taking sips and talking to the empty house, "this is so good!"

This happens to be Decaf. Not sure what joker bought it. 

To make a gallon I boiled 12 lipton iced tea bags and about 20 leaves (of varying sizes) of mint fresh from my mint garden. Once it had boiled about 2 minutes I turned off the heat and let it set for about 10 minutes. I strained out the tea bags and mint and poured it in a pitcher with about a up of ice.

I then added two cups of sugar. I know it's a lot, but I love sugar! Obviously it's to taste and you can add less if you're so inclined.

Voila' My favorite summer drink!

P.S. Before I had mint growing in my garden I used about 4 Bigelow brand, Plantation Mint tea bags. It's just as yummy!

Food and Prayer

My dinner was a flop tonight. It wasn't intentional...it just happened. I made the minute rice as usual and when dinner was ready I took it off the stove and removed the lid. When I took a test bite I realized that I had accidentally used the regular rice and not the cheater rice I'm accustomed to. I quickly resorted to microwaving (to me microwaves are for reheating, not cooking) the instant rice. I pulled it out of the microwave and it wasn't done. I was incredibly frustrated! I set it aside and decided to deal with it later.

When I started cleaning up (an hour later) I saw that somehow the steam that was trapped in the bowl for that hour had cooked my rice. Now what? I couldn't be so wasteful as to throw it out now. I made Will a plate for lunch and decided on making atole de arroz.

The Finished Atole de Arroz w/ cinnamon sticks

Atole de arroz is basically like a rice pudding. Growing up, my maternal grandmother, Ama, knew how much I loved it. She took care of me often until we moved 2 hours from her when I was eight years old. Even then, we would visit almost every weekend to help my mom cope with her, very difficult, home-sickness. Ama would have it waiting for me when we arrived at 9 or 10pm.

My mom, Ama, me and my sister (1999)

How I treasure those precious memories. She would wake up at dawn to prepare for my grandfather's day (and hers) and then here we came, our family of six. She would ALWAYS have something for us to snack on when we arrived. Sometimes it was a full dinner, even if it was 10 o'clock at night.

Since Ama has passed on my mom has made it for me and my Tias have been readily available with their version. One of my Tias even made it for me while she was visiting for the day.

It wasn't  until I started making it for the first time did I realize what a labor of love all these women put into making this wonderful snack for me. It was an emotional moment for me. I just thought about all of them and the prayers followed. I am beyond blessed with amazing women in my family and am grateful for all of them. The ones I see often and those I should do better about seeing more often!

I'm grateful for women who put those they love at the heart of what they do and why they do it! 

Some of my cousins and my maternal Tias

My Daughter

November 11, 2000. The day my precious daughter entered the world.

The first thing I remember about her entrance was what a large mouth she had. Yes, she was tiny, but her mouth...my goodness.

What I didn't know was that 11 years later she would still struggle to be quiet. I know, I was a tween girl once too, but she is always talking-and laughing. Mostly laughing. She brings life to our home in a way I could never imagine.

I'm not a great writer. I leave that to my husband. So here is his take on 11/11/11. It brought me to tears in such a good way.

"Eleven years ago today, my baby girl entered this beautiful, crazy world. The first thing I remember about her was the shape of her mouth, which reminded me of her mother's, and the loud cry she let out. She came at a time in our lives when we needed stability, closure, and a new beginning. She was and is a wonderful gift from God, and I love that little girl more than my own life."

Which brings me to 11/11/11. Savannah and I came up with the idea to have a "Crazy in Neon" Party. We made out black invitations with neon ink and encouraged those who could attend, to dress in neon or white clothes.

With the help of some wonderful friends and some great, after-halloween sales, we taped the garage in black garbage bags and splattered neon paint all over them. We sprayed the ceiling with glow-in-the-dark paint added a few black lights in the garage, shut off the lights and prepared for the onslaught of tween girls. Here's Will's take on this evening:

Since she was born on 11/11/00, we knew the day was coming in eleven years when we'd celebrate her 11th birthday on 11/11/11. We always said we'd throw a big party, and now that day is here. There are at least 15 kids in my house, little girls dancing around and laughing, a few of us boys are having a Nerf gun war and causing havoc, and it's a great day. Sorry Disneyland, but HOME is the happiest place on earth. Happy Birthday, baby girl. Your Papi loves you."  And so does your Mommy!

Life Support by Robert Whitlow

Another Booksneeze review underway!  I am so grateful for this wonderful program where I get to read books that I would otherwise pass over because I only budgeted for one book purchase that day.

Life Support is the first in the Santee series. Santee for the town it's based in. It follows newly married Baxter and Rena Richardson. Baxter a child of a wealthy businessman and successor to the family fortune and his troubled wife with a troubled past.
It then takes us to a law firm in Santee and the young attorney, Alexia Lindale, who is on track on becoming the firm's first female partner.

The story collides when Baxter Richardson finds himself in a coma and his wife has to deal with an onslaught of emotion and practical issues that brings to her. The Richardson family is represented by the firm Alexia works for and Alexia quickly finds herself representing Rena Richardson to end Life Support of her husband Baxter.

This author is new to me and it took some getting use to but I certainly have grown attached. I'm not sure I liked the way the story jumped around from story to story. Because I read as time allows, I would pick up where I left off and forget what book I was reading. I had to start over a couple of times. It could just be me...However, once I got into the characters I was following right along.

The twists and turns were everywhere. Just when I thought I knew exactly where Whitlow was taking the story, he shocks me..again and again! The suspense collides with the spiritual in a rather forceful way but by that point I'm so vested that I hardly noticed.

It was a great read and if you decide to try it (which I recommend...be sure you have Book 2 close by...you'll thank me.)

My Baby isn't a Baby

My last baby lost his first tooth today. Maybe he lost it last night. The reason for the confusion is that we didn't notice it was lost until 9:15a.m, two hours after we woke up.

While combing Xavier's hair he smiled in the mirror and I said, "Hey, your tooth!" He threw his arms in the air and screamed, "Ah! My tooth!!" I said, "Wait, where is it?" He screamed again and ran out of my room screaming excitedly, "My tooth, my tooth, where is it?"

Honestly, I thought there was no way we'd see it again. I mean when and where did it get lost? He'd already had eggs, bacon and pancakes. I figured he swallowed it.

I suggested we crawl on our hands and knees from his room to my room as a place to start. Then I realized that he had come to my bed in the wee hours of the morning. Will thought he probably knocked it out in his sleep. I told them to start looking in the bed.

Isaac, our nine year old seeing his opportunity to help runs to the bed and starts throwing the pillows everywhere and voila'!! The tooth was there, just waiting to be found!!

Xzavier has been nervous for weeks thinking through how his tooth would fall out, wondering if it was going to hurt or bleed. Now he's so proud. He's looking forward to when his next one falls out.

As his mom, I'm proud too. But I keep thinking, how did we get here? Wasn't it just last week when I was juggling a newborn, two toddlers and a kindergartner?

Confession Time!

I have a confession to make it. My pride hit me square in the nose today and it did not feel good!! I'm just going to lay it out there, is that okay with you? Since this is a post on pride, I might as well go all or nothing.

I have been the same weight now for 5 years. It's not fluctuated since I gave birth to my last child, five years ago. I say that to make the point that I have had 5 years to get rid of the extra weight that is not healthy for me.

For months I have been reading posts by people I love telling about their trials and successes or failures and all the while my pride kicks into overdrive.

"I'm happy sitting here enjoying my coffee and snack. Why would I want to go through all that hassle. I don't feel like spending my money on diets, gyms, programs, etc. I walk, I'm active, I don't need to exercise." Whatever!

Okay, so why am I telling you all this? I'm glad you asked.

A friend of mine invited me to a cardio-kickboxing class. I laughed when I read the text. We went back and forth and while I really really wanted to say no, I didn't.

I started out okay. I watched a couple of people and tried to keep pace with them. First dumb mistake, it was clearly not their first time. After 3 minutes, (yes, 3 minutes) I thought I was going to have a heart attack. After 5 minutes I had to take a 5 minute break. I was so ashamed. Not because I couldn't keep up but that I couldn't keep up after only 5 minutes.

All the stupid thoughts came back to me and I realized that through my pride the only person that was suffering was me and my health.


Proverbs 11:1-2 "The Lord detest dishonest scales, but accurate weights find favor with Him. 2. When pride comes, then comes disgrace, but with humility comes wisdom." 


The classic verse on pride...Proverbs 16:18 "Pride comes before destruction, and an arrogant spirit before a fall." 


I was most definitely humbled last night's work out. Wisdom I hope will come with that humiliation. 


I found this blog very encouraging!! The Truth About Regular Exercisers

"Baby" Sin

I love simple life illustrations that can cause us to check our spiritual selves.

Today I recorded a short thank you liner to a Business Impact Partner the station I work at, KAMB. I went into studio C and sat in front of the mic and hit record on our Sound Forge program. I read my script and went back to my desk. I asked our Production Coordinator and IT guy to come and constructively critique my liner. We laughed at the fact that it had been very rare that a woman had asked for his criticism.

He played it, then played it again. "This can't be good," I thought.

Then he asked me to say, "support."
I said, "suppordt."
"Support" he said, enunciating the "T" at the end. I was clearly leaving that "t" off my pronunciation.

I don't think people understand the difficulty of radio and speaking publicly. Trust me. It's more than talking into a mic.

We laughed about it and I went back in to re-record.

This little episode got me thinking about life and the "small" or "baby" sins in our life. Things we do over and over and probably don't even realize it's wrong until someone points it out to us. News flash! There is no "small or baby" sin, at least in the sense that all sin is disobedience.

Let us always be aware and accountable. 

Women of Faith 2011, Sacramento

I'm going to Women of Faith!!! Thanks to my blogging and BookSneeze I am taking a friend to Sacramento.
I haven't been to a Women of Faith Conference since my oldest child, now 10, was a baby. I remember what she dress she wore and what color her bow was, and I remember Chondra Pierce. That it. That's all I remember.
This time I'm all in. Nothing will get in the way of my focus on what or how God will speak to me through the various speakers and musicians.
Speaking of the line up; I'm just getting into the music of Mandisa. Scandelous, I know...in my defence I wasn't an "Idol" fan until season 7, so I'm really excited about watching her sing; Also excited about seeing Andy Andrews. I've recently read a couple of his books and anticipating the others I haven't read yet. (See my review of The Final Summit on my blog)

I attend a small church but I think even 3 or four of us together could be life changing. When I'm done here I'll head over to my Facebook and see if there's any one else who want to have an "Over the Top" weekend!!

Book Review of Final Summit by Andy Andrews

I am so grateful for my Nook and Booksneeze. I recently received a FREE E-Book download for review called Final Summit by Andy Andrews. 

It started interestingly enough and I thought I knew the direction it was going. Then it took a turn I really wasn't expecting. However, unlike a poorly written story, I wasn't turned off. I was already engaged and attached to the characters that had been introduced.

The story is about David Ponder and his Travels. His wife has just passed and he has a spiritual encounter that leads him to tell us all about his first "travels" and how they changed his life and outlook on life. The characters that share the pages with him are historical figures and their lives really took on a new reality for me.

What I didn't know was that this book is a continuation of Andy Andrews book, The Traveler's Gift, which I will most definitely go buy now. Im sure that would be helpful in understanding some of the small nuances in The Final Summit.

The humor is real and the emotions are intense. It got me thinking about how my future would look like if I was deliberate in applying what I've learned through my difficulties and sharing it with others.

How would you answer this question, "What does humanity need to do, individually and collectively, to restore itself to the pathway toward successful civilization?"

The Final Summit helps you figure this out, not by outright telling you, but by  encouraging you to work out your own salvation as Phillipians 2:12 teaches.

This is a fantastically written story and easy to read and follow.




Disclosure of Material Connection: I received this book free from the publisher through the BookSneeze®.com <http://BookSneeze®.com> book review bloggers program. I was not required to write a positive review. The opinions I have expressed are my own. 

Relationships

I guess spending time on the freeway is a recipe for blog posts. Sorry for the analogy, but it came to me so strongly I just had to share.

On my way to work the other day I was driving along, minding my own when I could see in my rearview mirror, a car anxious to be ahead of everyone else. He was weaving in and out of the lanes without regard to how fast he was going or how unsafe he was driving.

It got me to thinking not of driving but of relationships. How we weave in and out of people's lives without regard to the people we may be able to connect with while we're in that "lane." We get so caught up in what we want that we rarely give a thought that maybe we're there for the benefit of the other. Perhaps by passing them by we're missing an opportunity the Lord has for us.

I'm not suggesting we are supposed to have the same circle of people our whole lives, of course not.
We go through seasons of life weaving in and out of relationships. As single folk you have a set of friends then somehow that changes (intentionally or not) when we get married. There's the married without children and married with children. Mother's of Preschoolers (MOPS) and Mother's of school-aged children who are busy arranging play dates and running to and from sporting practices and games.

Thanks to FACEBOOK I have reconnected with a number of friends I had in those various times of my life. I hope I made the most of those relationships at the time. Mostly I am grateful for those who refuse to let relationships that matter to them, die to the seasons of life.

Elaine and Julie

I am grateful for all the people that I have passed in my various "lanes" because they all shaped me into who I am today. Words poured into me, disagreements that opened my eyes and heart. 

"Every encounter could be a divine appointment"- RZ