Ok, so the concert is over, and it was wonderful and as always, it was just what I needed to put me in the right frame of mind going into the Christmas season. Trust me, leading up to last nights concert was not pretty... lots of stress and fear and worry and every other emotion in-between. To put it mildly, I was not easy to be around. I can get that way. Focusing on the wrong things, negative thoughts, emotions all over the place. All because I choose to make it all about me rather than Christ in me. Man, I can make my life so much harder than it needs to be.
What did Randy say last night? That as much as we attempt to fill our lives with things that make us happy and comfortable, deep down we are still left empty, longing for that peace, joy and contentment that is only found in the Lord Jesus Christ. Randy reminded us that this is not our home. We are aliens and strangers. With one purpose. To give our lives away. To love. To model Christ. To give grace. Oh, I want that to be true about me. But I tend to clutter up my life with so many things that distract me from being aware of those around me that have needs. Those longing to be loved, to be known.
So, I am grateful this morning. I have hope. I am renewed. I am ready for the season to begin.
My daughter Miranda, me and our friend Jess on bass.
It was a beautiful night! Thanks Linda and Randy for making it happen. I hope that it continues for many years... I just love to see all of you up there singing together as a family and the older folks with the younger. What a huge blessing it was for everyone.
ReplyDeleteWe should talk about ways that Terry and I and others can help to reduce the stress in years to come. There must be more that we can do to lighten the load in prep for that glorious night.
Love you all,
Nancy
Hey Linda I have other good pics too. I'll post soon.
ReplyDeleteSpeaking of posting...tell your friends to post a comment on my blog for a chance to win a free book!
Hi Linda - thanks for sharing. Been there many times with singing - it's always amazing to how we diminish and God becomes the focus. Worry is such a robber.
ReplyDeleteI'm sure it was an amazing evening - and to have your kids with you! (sigh ..)
Sandy
I would have loved to been in attendance at that concert!!
ReplyDeleteLinda, we all get distracted. We're sinful, human beings. That's our human nature.
Satan preys on it. We have to constantly be mindful of that. . . happens to all of us.
Also, you're around my age, that menopausal stuff doesn't help with the emotional, stress stuff either :) Go have a cookie, things will get better.
Blessings,
Sher