Taking Time to Hear His Tune

My heart is in need of some tuning by the Master Musician. I'm tired, I'm overwhelmed, my priorities are out of whack. I prayed, and the Lord laid on my heart to take a blog break. Could be a few days, could be a week...dunno.

So faithful readers, I'll be back, and hopefully more in tune with Him when I do. Those blogs I faithfully read, I'll be taking a break there too, with the rare exception of a few as the Lord gives me a few moments here and there. Please feel free to check in by emailing me, or PLEASE let me know if an urgent prayer request arises. I'll be praying a bunch, so I'd love to add you to the list if you feel led to contact me.

If you are prompted to pray for me, here's a handful of requests: 

1. My house has been under renovation, and it's a mess. TONS of cleaning up to do, and that's before I can even set up my Christmas tree or anything. 

2. My big sister is coming for a visit this Wednesday thru Sunday, and I at least want to have the dust cleared enough to enjoy her company. Pray for good memories and for her to feel comfortable in our home. 

3. I'm under the weather with a cold/cough thing. 

4. My kids' homework and projects are piled high, not to mention the laundry. Pray that I would have supernatural joy and pleasure in my home duties. 

5. For rest and restoration for my numb and tired and scattered soul.

On a side note, I will be announcing the winner of my giveaway sometime this week, and will contact them too...just gotta figure out when to do it!  :D

Father God, I praise You for Your sovereignty and Your goodness. I exalt Your holy name. Thank You for leading me and guiding me in Your way, and for helping me to obey. I truly long to please You with this decision to take a break from numerous things--things that are in the way of my hearing Your voice as clearly as I need to right now. Things that slide into first and second place when they have no business being there.  For my brothers and sisters in Christ, Lord, I pray that You would lead and guide them to stillness in You in whatever way You see fit. Lead us and guide us to the deeper life, Lord. One that can only be found in You. As you call upon us to keep Your name in Christmas, help us first to keep You at the center of our hearts and minds each moment of every day. May it begin today, dear Father. And may it begin with me. For Your name's sake, In Jesus' name I pray, Amen.

In the Key of HE,

LauraLee's Lifesong 100th Post Giveaway

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It's time to announce the winner of:

WEll, it's my 100th post, and I'm so excited to spend it giving stuff away. Thanks so much to all who not only entered the contest, but took the time to share their lifesongs with me and others. In all, fourteen people entered. Cool!

If you'll recall I mentioned that anyone who would post a testimony about a song that had greatly impacted their lives and how, would be qualified to enter. Whoever posted it on a website, blog or other public forum got his or her name in the hat twice. Whoever posted it as a comment or by way of email, once. So in all, there were 26 names in the hat--not bad, eh?

Here's my son Austin after mixing up the names in the hat before the drawing:



He mixed the names around really well and held the hat up high while I chose the name. I would've taken a picture of it except that he was holding the hat, and I was drawing. Besides that, I'm not picture-worthy today. LOL.

Soooooo, without further ado, here is Austin after I drew the name, literally chomping on the results:



Let me introduce you to Leah Orcutt. She is a fellow Faithwriter with an incredible gift for writing, and though I don't know her personally, her beautiful heart is quite evident in everything she writes. You can see her Lifesong Testimony by clicking here:

Walk By Faith

Congratulations, Leah. I'll tell you what you've won in JUuuuuust a minute.

To the rest of you who posted your testimony, I would like to offer you an opportunity to have it included in something new I'm going to try out on Saturdays called "Lifesong in the Limelight." I will have a guest blogger in a post that day sharing a testimony of some kind, either about a song or music, or even just a way that the Lord worked in his or her life recently.

Would you consider letting me post it here and refer back to your blog or webpage? If so, reply to me on this post and let me know. I truly believe there are fewer tools more powerful for evangelism and teaching than someone's testimony. Thank you for participating and for considering this!

Okay, I'm hearing the game show voice: "TELL HER WHAT SHE'S WON, BOB! er um LauraLee!" So are you ready?

First, I wanted to give Leah a copy of a book that is very dear to my heart (although I was going to come up with a different one if a guy won, LOL). I contributed six pieces to this book, and there are 25 other contributing authors. It is Women of Passions: Ordinary Women Serving An Extraordinary God by Jan Ross and Jeanice McDade. It is rich with testimonies and stories...women sharing their Lifesongs. I hope you'll enjoy it, Leah.



Also, I promised some music, so I want to offer Leah the choice between these CDs:


Hillsong's "This is Our God"

Bart Millard's "Hymned Again"
or Casting Crown's "The Altar and The Door Live"

Again, I am so thankful for all of you. You've blessed my week with your testimonies. Thank you!!!!


In the Key of HE,

Giveaway a Comin'

My hundredth post is right around the corner, and in honor of it, I want to do a giveaway. But before I tell you what it is...

I read this quote hanging on the wall of a church last year, and it moved me so much I wrote it down:

"Grant that what we sing with our lips,
we may believe in our hearts~
And what we believe in our hearts,
we practice in our lives."
Fred D. Gealy

Sounds simple, but it's really pretty deep. How many songs do we sing without even thinking about what we're declaring? It's not that we don't mean them deep down, it's just that we aren't paying attention to them. Then there are times we are in complete realization of what we're singing, but we feel like liars because we're not a livin' the way we're a singin'. You know?

Or maybe it's just me. But this IS my blog, so I'll keep blah, blah blogging about it. After all, there is a freebie involved. (wink)

Anyway, IF you are interested in winnin' what I'm givin', here's whatcha gotta do to earn the chance.

Give me a testimony (I don't care how long) about a song that deeply changed the way you live. Where were you when you sang it? Did it sink in right at the time or later? What happened in your life as a result? How many times had you sung the song before?

If you dedicate a whole blog post to this subject on your own blog, I will put your name in the "hat" twice (just let me know when you've posted it). OR If you reply to this blog or email me through the button on my sidebar, I will put your name in the "hat" once. This needs to be done before my 100th post, which is, well, hmmmmm, probably by Wednesday of next week. My husband and I will randomly draw from the "names in the hat," and I will announce the winner AND the prizes (yes, I said prizes, plural) that day.

And a bonus: If the winner so chooses, I will post the testimony they submitted on my site as a "Lifesong in the Limelight." (This is something I'm considering for the future anyway as a regular deal.)

So whatcha think? I"m just a little, teeny tiny bit excited. I hope you are too. For those of you that are wondering if it is worth it to get involved, think great book and great music, then decide...I can't wait to hear your testimonies.

In the Key of HE,

Five Ways Blogging Has Affected My Life

Well, Bill, I don't know whether to curse you or to kiss your cheek, so I'll do neither. ;) Thank you for tagging me, I think, and I'll follow your lead and say that this is a worthy post, because, let's face it: I am a blogger. If I can't express how it has affected my life, then what's the point?

For those of you who have not visited Bill's blog, The Spiritual Oasis, you're truly missing out on some spiritual refreshment and admonishment. He knows all kinds of things about theology and the deeper stuff of the Bible that I wouldn't even attempt to blog about, so I enjoy going over there to learn and grow.

So, he tagged me, and I'm supposed to write "Five Ways Blogging Has Affected My Life." Seems easy enough, right?
Rrrrrrrrrrriiiiiiiiiiight. It's the way it's worded. It's not "Five Things I Like About Blogging." It's, how has it affected my life? That is a tough one, because since my blog is based on my LIFEsong, I need to express my feelings just so...

In all honesty, four out of the five are positive. Number five, not as much so...so I'm going to start with number five, and work my way down to number one, just so I can end with the positive...lol. Sorry folks, it's the way my brain works.

5. Blogging has affected my life in one not-so-good way. It has eaten up a little more of my time than I care to admit. At times, I have chosen posting a blog or commenting on someone else's over getting in the floor with my children or spending time with my spouse. God has had to create some balance in my lifesong here, because it was beginning to fall a little flat on the main melody. Isn't it just like God, though, to use something we are passionate about to continue to transform us. This isn't the first time He's used something I love to shape me and conform me more to His heart and way of thinking. So even though #5 has been the not-so-good, it is ending up a positive as I go along. AS LONG AS I STAY FOCUSED ON HIM, KEEPING HIS BALANCE AND HIS PRIORITIES, #5 WILL NOT HAVE A NEGATIVE EFFECT ON ME. And just because I can't help myself, have any of you reading this thought about the same...let's all of us bloggers remember that the people, places and things the Lord puts around us take precedent over that which is virtual. As we keep our priorities lined up, it will only make this other a better thing.

Okay then, that said.
#4. Blogging has led me to some really interesting people. New friends. People I know that I would not have met otherwise, who enrich me and challenge me in ways that only they can. I love that.

#3. Blogging has brought about an awareness of how, as Christians, we really are all in this life together. The whole blog I did awhile back about The Body and its parts all working together called One Body, Many Blogs came about from the numerous blogs I visited as I began in the world of blogging. I am still amazed as I look around this virtual world, how many of us are trying to say the same thing, and yet we all have a different way of doing it. When my voice doesn't ring a tune with someone, another's does. And visa versa. So all together, we make each other strong. I don't know about you, but I think that is wayyyyyyy cool. Beyond cool.

#2. My life as a writer has been incredibly impacted by blogging. I've been forced to stay in tune with God's mission for my blog, which is to admonish and encourage the life of believers in Jesus Christ. I'm learning how to use my own voice, and my own personality to speak and teach what I know best, and how to do so more effectively with each post. This is priceless experience.

#1. Much to my surprise, blogging has affected me in a huge way spiritually. It forces me to think through my beliefs, pray through my convictions, and allow the Spirit to put it in a form that will minister to others. Just like David, as I express my heart to the King, He does a work in me (and hopefully in others at the same time). Each time I blog, it becomes less about me and more about Him. I am surprised and amazed by that. I consider this a ministry, an education and a hobby, and how blessed am I with this three-in-one.

So how about you? Any of you care to post about the five ways blogging has affected your life? If so, lemme know in the comment section, and I would love to hear your side of the story on the subject. Thanks for dropping by...


In the Key of HE,

Purse-uaded

Remember a few weeks ago I told you about how I bribed won a giveaway on another blog. Well, it's here, and I am thrilled. Kim at Homesteader's Heart made me a gorgeous purse. Lemme just tell you, I am IMpressed. And a bonus, her daughter made me some earrings. Aren't they beautiful?

Thank you, Kim, so much! I had already grown to love you as a sister in Christ through reading your blog, but now...now I am completely purse-uaded that you are absolutely the real deal! What a blessing you are, dear one. And I will remember and pray for you and your daughter each and every time I wear them.


To Kim:

Philemon 1:4-7 (The Message)
"Every time your name comes up in my prayers, I say, "Oh, thank you, God!" I keep hearing of the love and faith you have for the Master Jesus, which brims over to other believers. 

And I keep praying that this faith we hold in common keeps showing up in the good things we do, and that people recognize Christ in all of it. 

Friend, you have no idea how good your love makes me feel, doubly so when I see your hospitality to fellow believers."

In the Key of HE,

For My Friends, Family and Fellow Bloggers

Yes, a post just for you. And the reason is because no one else would care, but I KNOW you do (wink, smirk), so here's all my random stuff to say, tell, share, sing, forward, promote, etc...

First of all, I WON A BLOG GIVEAWAY TODAY!!!! I've never won a giveaway, ever never ever, so I'm so excited! I thought for sure after I offered to bribe Kim from Homesteader's Heart, that I would be immediately disqualified. But she left me in the mix, and her husband drew my name. Isn't that cool? She is making me one of her fabulous purses, and I even get to choose my color and my fabric. She showed some of the gorgeous designs on her blog, so go check it out if you get a chance. Thank you so much, Kim. What a neat way to make someone's day.

And because it was so fun to do AND I think it is an incredible thing that CWO does for bloggers, I want to show you my interview with Christian Women online.
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And while you're there, look right above me and see my friend Patty's. Her testimony always blows my mind. We didn't even know we were doing the interview at the same time. Isn't that cool? Had to share that.

A couple of other cool dealies. Did you know that there is a blogging network on Facebook? You can actually list your blog there and find some other great ones as well. I found a couple this morning through my search of Christian blog networks that I had never seen before. LOVE them. They are the following:

One is Daily Writing Tips, and wow, do they have a good post on there about the importance of blogging for writers.

Oh, and this one: Light for the Writer's Soul--Definitely will be visiting this one frequently from now on...

What an incredible opportunity to spread the gospel of Jesus Christ in a place where thousands may go to look for answers. THAT is the reason I joined Facebook in the first place. Though I enjoy keeping track of friends and tossing a line back and forth from time to time, I'm wayyyy more excited about the potential of Jesus's face being seen when people come to look for answers. Believers and non-believers alike. If you want to check out my Facebook blog network, click here:

Blog Network:

Name:
LauraLee's Lifesong

Topics:
christianity, religion, family

Join my network

Blog Networks

***One exciting thing in the world of writing for me is that I was published in Just Between Us magazine this month for the Fall 2008 issue. This incredible publication started by Jill Briscoe with Shelly Esser as Editor is a valuable resource for women serving in ministry leadership of any kind. I highly recommend it, and not just this current edition, but all of them to follow. I have been blown away by the wisdom and depth of its contents.

AND ONE LAST ANNOUNCEMENT:
On Monday, I will be hosting the "At the Well" meme from Joyfully Living (listed on my sidebar). If you want to think ahead in terms of topic, here is the info:

Discussion Questions:

A “Call to Worship” is usually at the beginning of a church service to prepare hearts and minds for worship together. What do you do or think you should do at the start of each day to prepare your heart and mind as a woman living a life of worship?

If you were to gather at the well with women younger than you in the faith, what would your call to worship be for them?

(optional question) If your life, worship-wise, could be defined or with a song, which one would it be (or which one would you wish it to be)?

Give it some thought, and maybe even join us At the Well if the Lord leads you...


Okay, so that's a bunch crossed off my to-tell list, but I hope you learned a bit or two of something useful. Keep your eyes open for a giveaway announcement from me very very soon. Love to all of you, and thank you for all the ways you love me, challenge me and help me be a more Godly daughter of the King.

In the Key of HE,

I Love Your Blog Too!

What an honor to be given such a colorful and lovely award. Thank you, Stacy, from "Impressions of A Ribbon Addict" for thinking of me, and especially the way you did so on a week when I needed encouragement. That must be one of your love languages.

Anyway, I stumbled upon a really incredible site this evening that I immediately fell into love with, so I thought this would be an appropriate blog to pass the "I LOVE YOUR BLOG" award on to. This corner of heaven on the world wide web is centered around praying for our children. Each week, a prayer is posted to do just that. I can't wait to implement these prayers into my daily life. Click here if you would like to do the same:

I wish I knew who to thank for this ministry, but since the name on the blog reads "It's not about me," I'll just thank the Lord for it instead. My guess is that's just what she wants me to do. What a beautiful person.

May My Lifesong Keep Singing to Him

I've come off an extremely busy two weeks, with barely time to breathe. Most of the people who read this blog know me as someone who loves to write for Jesus. But these past weeks, God has called me to use another set of gifts. For the past eighteen years (longer really), the Lord has used me to lead children in worship and production. I've been so dedicated to it, that most people think that I am paid to do it (which is not the case). When it's time for a production or a special event, it consumes every ounce of me, so that's why I haven't been able to blog or comment much. As a mama of three and a wife, I can only do so much at once with my time, so the writing had to be put on hold. And oh, how I missed it! ;)

In the course of these days, I've neglected to acknowledge some special honors I've been given in this incredible world of blogging. It is not for a lack of appreciation; rather, a lack of time. So I want to--no, I neeeeeed to--take some time to tell these 4 ladies how much their honor means to me, probably even more today when I'm feeling the ministry crash than it would've during the days of my busyness.

1. Kim, at Homesteader's Heart honored me with the Brilliante Weblog Premio 2008 blog award. Thank you so much, Kim. If you haven't visited her blog, you are missing great humor, incredible insight on getting organized, and magnificent originality and authenticity.

2. Then Kristen from Exemplify also passed the Brilliante Weblog Premio 2008 award on to me too. Wowzer. Truly humbled to receive this from such a gifted writer and Godly lady. Thank you, Kristen.

3. Sweet Tracy, after her incredible Fruit of the Spirit series, who has now started a series on Choosing Life then chose to bless my life with the Arte y Pico blog award. Thanks, sister.

4. Then out of the blue, in my junk folder yesterday (or maybe the day before, I can't remember), I found a precious email from a lady I have never met before telling me that God had laid on her heart to highlight my blog on her Wednesday Wisdom post. As I've looked around "Peculiar's" site (yes, she calls herself Peculiar, which has already endeared me to her), I have enjoyed her unique voice and incredible wisdom and teaching. Can't wait to know her better. Thank you, Peculiar, for taking the time to not only send me a note, but also to honor me publicly. You have humbled me more than you will ever know.

Last but not least, I want to thank Christian Women Online for choosing LauraLee's Lifesong for blog of the month in July. It has helped me to get to know many other incredible bloggers that I may not have met otherwise, not to mention, encouraged me beyond measure to continue to pursue my writing goals. I truly cannot thank you enough.

I pray from the depths of my heart that my Lifesong--the one my Lord and Maker has given for me to write, sing, speak and act upon--will continue to put HIs melody into the heart of others. That is my goal. While these honors could have a tendency to make me feel big in my own eyes, I pray just the opposite: that Jesus Christ would be the only One you see. In my next post, I will pass some blogs on that have ministered to me lately. May all of our Lifesongs combined be a choir of praise for Him.