Praise the King Today

Today is Palm Sunday. It means more to me this Sunday than in the past because Joel and I started following the Christian calendar this year. Now we are more focused on the themes. It really struck me that Jesus is King and I'm compelled to praise him as I think of everything he is worthy to be praised for.

Joel gave the sermon today at church. It just seems right, when he is preaching. It brings both of us joy.

We are getting ready for some transitions. We are stepping out of leading worship at the Vineyard as we look at ministry jobs for Joel. I'm not sure what our church community will look like over the next months, which is just a bit unsettling. We have our hopes that Hollywood will work out in the end, but we are on the ride of waiting and wondering right now.

My end of the quarter R&B performance is Tuesday, so that will wrap up another quarter. I never thought I would enjoy studying and singing R&B, but the old stuff has gems of singing with soul! I have learned so much from the licks, ad-libs and feel, staying in the pocket (rhythm of the song). I've gained so much from studying "true" R&B (I'm not talking about the modern hip hop stuff). I feel like it's added more color and texture to my voice.

I'm starting to write some of my own songs and giving that some attention. It's amazing to me when I realize, I can actually hear something in my head and write the sheet music out so other musicians can understand it and play it. I can't do it as quickly as I hope to in the future. It takes me a while, but I've finally begun. I have that tool in my bag to pull out now:)

I'm not completely sure what will come out as I write, but I'm not going to worry about it, I'll just let it be what it is. The song I'm working on now is actually rather serious and has a bit of blues feel. I think of myself as being someone who writes about the many seasons of the soul. There are hard grieving seasons, so this song will probably relate to that best.

Fantastic & Much Needed Weekend!

It would be criminal to stay indoors. These are my favorite months. God's completely necessary grace comes to us all in different ways, and I am convinced that grace in my life lately is most shinning in the fresh warm sun and spring blossoms.

LA seems smaller after Joel's triathlon, it's a unique community of people that make up this place! We met some of the nicest people while Joel competed his heart out for the benefit of World Vision. It was a wonderful day at the Rose Bowl!

Thanks to all who are praying as Joel continues on the path to an "official" ministry job. We don't really know which church we will be calling home, and have worn a bit with the ups and downs, but each new day we put on our trust in God and find rest that he has a good plan for our lives. Please keep praying.

We met with Aunt Suzy and cousin Holly for some Italian at Holly's little find in Brentwood. We love our family and are always up for visits, it was a wonderful time! We also got excited for Justin as we met for coffee and heard how God is bringing things together for his amazing work to take place in Africa.

Let Me Begin

After thinking about which forum to use for connecting with those dear to me, being somewhat simple, and in need of an uncluttered, straight-forward format, I'm giving blogger my time. As nice as it would be to spy:) on people, like my little brother, with a my space account, my head was spinning just to try and set it up. It had the similar effect on me as an overly cluttered, discount sale rack. As tempting as the sale may be, it's like torture to look at the chaos, let alone begin digging through it.

So as time moves, days turn, and life happens I hope to share with you glimpses of those things I am experiencing, thinking about, and simply enjoy, whether it be a book I'm reading, tried and true (to my taste buds) recipe, LA excursion, or song I am singing... my heart is not to find identity and recognition by casting myself through cyber space, but rather to share the richness of friendship I have with those I miss. Here's to hoping I'll feel closer to you than the reality of miles or neighborhoods away.

Cheers to sharing!

when i get inspired

i'm singing


i was awakened with first impressions
earthy human fleshly tones that breathed
connections of the human soul

feeling safe to feel subliminally
for the courageous uncontrollably
unlocking inward groans

to let the swell of ocean waves roll
into my cavernous soul
empty spaces filling, now full

receiving can no longer hold
what is compelling can not be told
in quiet and mere words of spelling