Dec 10, 2012

Psalm 118:26-29

  Blessed is he who comes in the name of the Lord.
    From the house of the Lord we bless you.
The Lord is God, and he has made his light shine on us.
With boughs in hand, join in the festal procession
    up to the horns of the altar.
You are my God, and I will praise you;
    you are my God, and I will exalt you.
Give thanks to the Lord, for he is good;
    his love endures forever.
My boys surprised me five years ago with a spindly pine that they had cut down all by themselves.  The tree has progressively grown bigger and stronger, just like those two blond boys with big grins.  The LORD is good, His love is enduring.  I praise Him for so many Merry Christmas's with Drew and Finn and I pray for many more.  I thank God, who sent His beloved Son, to save mine.

Dec 6, 2012

The rhythm of a small town.

 
 Nate began taking guitar lessons at Downtown Music three years ago. The owner, Gabe Stalnaker, and him became good friends.  He began spending more time there, longer lessons, drop by visits, recording songs, setting up for summer concerts, and more lessons.  About a year and a half ago, he was feeling something.  He couldn't explain it to me, but the best I could understand was that he wanted a ministry opportunity with youth and music.  He met with several people, prayed for understanding, and waited.  And waited. At the same time, Gabe had been feeling called to ministry and was praying for a church to open their doors for him to pastor.  One thing led to another, several months of tossing ideas around, waking up in the night, and prayers, we all took a big step of faith.  Gabe accepted a ministry opportunity in Tennessee and Nate accepted the keys to Downtown Music.  We, okay I, have weak knees and a weaker stomach.  I don't know what the next year, even the next month is going to bring, but, for now, we are managing a music store in downtown Rocky Mount, Virginia and I fully believe and trust that God opened that door for Nate.  We could never replace Gabe Stalnaker, we aren't looking for anything else but that God can be glorified at Downtown Music and we can keep the doors open for all of the music students to continue their lessons.  There are six amazing teachers, you name the instrument and one of them can teach it.  Banjo, guitar, fiddle, harmonica, mandolin, piano, drums, etc.  There is a small recording studio, four classrooms, and a lot of love for music.  There is a stage outside for the summer concerts when the students showcase their talent.  We have some new ideas hidden in our heart and we'll just keep praying and see what God allows to happen.  We are taking it slooow but it's been pretty exciting to add our own small touches to the shop. 




Our first big event is Come Home to a Franklin County Christmas this Friday night, December 7, from 5:30 to 9.  Drew will be marching in a small parade with the middle school band at 5:30 and then Cable 12 will be filming the students at Downtown Music playing Christmas music.  They amp the music out to the street so you can stand outside the window to watch.  The downtown is full of vendors, horse and buggy rides, all of the stores are open, and lots of craft vendors.  I will be inside selling cinnamon rolls and brewing Starbucks coffee.  (Homemade creme de menthe syrup, whipping cream, and candy canes for a peppermint mocha if you so desire.) Proceeds to benefit We Care of Franklin County.

One of my favorite things about the store and its location?  It is located along The Crooked Road, which is the Virginia heritage music trail. 

And finally, I would love it if you would like Downtown Music on Facebook and I've even got Nate all set up on Instagram as downtownmusic.

Dec 2, 2012

Jeremiah, Cindy, and Hudson

*Update* Cindy's husband, Jeremiah posted an update.  I soaked in every word because I had so little information for so long.  I understand now that I was better off not knowing how serious... that I just needed to pray.  Still praying for recovery and Hudson's health, but so thankful that I have a lot more praise than pleas.


Jehovah Rapha.  The God who physically heals as in 2 Kings 20:4-5.  This is what the Lord, the God of your father David, says: I have heard your prayer and seen your tears; I will heal you. 

We've joked about being Blog Friends Forever (BFF) and it seems so flippant now.  Please join me in prayer for the Cook and Covey family.  In early complications with Cindy's health, Baby Hudson was born on Friday.  I don't know all of the details and I don't need to know them, all I know is we've been asked for fervent and urgent prayer.  I lift them up to Jehovah Rapha and trust His plan.  I praise Him for our friendship and I beg for His protection and comfort.

God IS on her side, I'm trusting in that.