I’ve heard it said that God uses ordinary people to do His work. Look in the Bible. David was a shepherd. Joseph was a carpenter. Peter was a fisherman. Yet David became probably the most well-known king of Israel. Joseph was chosen to be the earthly father of Jesus. And Peter is known as the founder of the church. These men didn’t start out to change the world. They were just regular people, but they were obedient to God.
But let’s take it another step further. Not only does God use ordinary people; He uses flawed people. Selfish, sinful, disobedient people. Again, look at the Scriptures. King David committed adultery, yet he was known as “a man after God’s own heart.” Rahab was a prostitute and still God used her to help and protect his people. She is even included in the geneology of Jesus. Paul participated in the arrest and murder of Christians but after his life was changed by Jesus, he became God’s #1 spokesman.
So, can God use me? Ordinary me. Flawed me. Absolutely!! For the past 1-1/2 years my husband and I have been leading worship at a small church (a very small church – about 30 people on a good Sunday!). I am constantly amazed at how God uses me. He uses me when I am in a bad mood. He has used me during pregnancy sickness, anxiety attacks, even through coughs & colds.
He uses me in spite of my imperfections. There have been numerous times when we’re driving to church and I’m telling my husband that I’m not sure I should be doing this. I mean - I don’t completely have this Christianity thing figured out myself. I don’t pray as often as I should. I don’t read my Bible every day. Am I really worthy to be up front “leading” these people? The truth is, I’m not worthy, but if I have been called to this by God and I obey, He will honor my obedience.
Just this past weekend after singing one song, I had planned to tell a brief story. When the time came, I ended up saying something completely different than what I had planned. Even at that moment, I wasn’t really sure why. I just believed that it was a God-thing. I might never know why. Perhaps He knew that somebody there needed to hear what I said (and not what I had planned to say!).
So I want to encourage you - don’t wait until you’ve got it all figured out (‘cuz it won’t happen!). You don’t have to be a super saint. Just be ordinary, flawed, and obedient – and wait and see how God uses you. Then come and tell me about it sometime!
(written by Heidi Songer for the Westwood MOPS February 2011 newsletter)
Tuesday, February 22, 2011
Thursday, January 20, 2011
My Current Top 22 songs
Here it is - RockStarMom's Top 22 songs, not necessarily in order! They are not necessarily new songs, just the songs that seem to be impacting me the most right now. These songs convey the themes of healing, God's love and beauty. As you will see Bebo Norman, Casting Crowns and Tenth Avenue North are currently some of my favorite musicians/groups!
No Matter What - Kerrie Roberts
Before the Morning - Josh Wilson
Body and Soul - Susan Ashton
Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns
Hide - Joy Williams
I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman
Rescue - Desperation Band
If We've Ever Needed You - Casting Crowns
Inside Out - April McLean
Singing Over Me - Building 429
You Picked Me - A Fine Frenzy
My Constant One - Michelle Tumes
Pull Me Out - Bebo Norman
Anyway - Nichole Nordeman
Beautiful - Bethany Dillon
The Real Me - Natalie Grant
Into The Day - Bebo Norman
Healing Begins - Tenth Avenue North
Strong Enough to Save - Tenth Avenue North
By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North
Hold My Heart - Tenth Avenue North
Love Is Here - Tenth Avenue North
No Matter What - Kerrie Roberts
Before the Morning - Josh Wilson
Body and Soul - Susan Ashton
Voice Of Truth - Casting Crowns
Hide - Joy Williams
I Will Lift My Eyes - Bebo Norman
Rescue - Desperation Band
If We've Ever Needed You - Casting Crowns
Inside Out - April McLean
Singing Over Me - Building 429
You Picked Me - A Fine Frenzy
My Constant One - Michelle Tumes
Pull Me Out - Bebo Norman
Anyway - Nichole Nordeman
Beautiful - Bethany Dillon
The Real Me - Natalie Grant
Into The Day - Bebo Norman
Healing Begins - Tenth Avenue North
Strong Enough to Save - Tenth Avenue North
By Your Side - Tenth Avenue North
Hold My Heart - Tenth Avenue North
Love Is Here - Tenth Avenue North
Wednesday, January 5, 2011
New Year, Time to Refocus
A couple of weeks ago my mother was in a car accident – a fender bender. She said it was her fault; she was distracted and wasn’t paying close attention. The accident really made her think – yes, she was distracted, not just in her driving, but also in her life and her walk with God. It’s like God was saying, “Pay attention!”
I get distracted too – by the daily demands of motherhood, household responsibilities, work and whatever else! I’ve been thinking lately that I don’t do a good job keeping God in the center of my life and my priorities. And then I wonder why my son doesn’t display as much spiritual interest as I’d like. Hmm. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it?
I felt convicted at church last week, when our speaker talked about putting Christ in the center of our lives. Oh, He is a part of my life, but sometimes I try to keep Him on the shelf and just take Him out when I need Him. How can I put Christ at the center? How do I make Him my priority and allow Him to fit the rest of the pieces of my life together?
First of all, I have to make the decision that I want to and I’m going to “refocus” my life. I can do this anytime, but right now at the beginning of the year seems like a good time. This year I want to “Turn my eyes upon Jesus” (words we sang at church!). I want to “Fix [my] eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of [my] faith,” (Hebrews 12:2).
It might mean giving up control. Gulp! That’s hard for me! Maybe before I make my to-do list today, I should pray, “God, what do YOU want me to do today?”
It means, asking myself, “How do I model for my children what being a Christian looks like?” Do they see me going to church on Sunday, but losing my temper on Monday? Do they ever see me reading the Bible? Do they see me obeying God or am I modeling disobedience, or even indifference?
One thing we just started doing as a family is a weekly memory and application verse. Here’s our first verse:
And whatever you do in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Colossians 3:17)
My husband talked about going to work with a better attitude. I talked about doing cleaning and other chores as if I was cleaning the house for Jesus. We want to very honestly share with our kids that we are trying our best to follow Christ, and we don’t always get it right, but we keep trying! Our hope is that our children will follow our example.
(written by Heidi Songer for the Westwood MOPS January 2011 newsletter)
I get distracted too – by the daily demands of motherhood, household responsibilities, work and whatever else! I’ve been thinking lately that I don’t do a good job keeping God in the center of my life and my priorities. And then I wonder why my son doesn’t display as much spiritual interest as I’d like. Hmm. The apple doesn’t fall far from the tree, does it?
I felt convicted at church last week, when our speaker talked about putting Christ in the center of our lives. Oh, He is a part of my life, but sometimes I try to keep Him on the shelf and just take Him out when I need Him. How can I put Christ at the center? How do I make Him my priority and allow Him to fit the rest of the pieces of my life together?
First of all, I have to make the decision that I want to and I’m going to “refocus” my life. I can do this anytime, but right now at the beginning of the year seems like a good time. This year I want to “Turn my eyes upon Jesus” (words we sang at church!). I want to “Fix [my] eyes on Jesus, the Author and Finisher of [my] faith,” (Hebrews 12:2).
It might mean giving up control. Gulp! That’s hard for me! Maybe before I make my to-do list today, I should pray, “God, what do YOU want me to do today?”
It means, asking myself, “How do I model for my children what being a Christian looks like?” Do they see me going to church on Sunday, but losing my temper on Monday? Do they ever see me reading the Bible? Do they see me obeying God or am I modeling disobedience, or even indifference?
One thing we just started doing as a family is a weekly memory and application verse. Here’s our first verse:
And whatever you do in word or in deed, do it all in the name of the Lord Jesus. (Colossians 3:17)
My husband talked about going to work with a better attitude. I talked about doing cleaning and other chores as if I was cleaning the house for Jesus. We want to very honestly share with our kids that we are trying our best to follow Christ, and we don’t always get it right, but we keep trying! Our hope is that our children will follow our example.
(written by Heidi Songer for the Westwood MOPS January 2011 newsletter)
Friday, December 17, 2010
Don't Forget Jesus
Have you ever lost your child in a crowded store? Remember how it felt when you realized he wasn’t with you? A few years ago, my sister and I took our kids to the Mall of America. We were browsing at the Lego store when we lost track of my 7-year-old nephew. My sister was a wreck, so I (the calm one) asked an employee for help. I was directed to the guest services room where I found my nephew safe-and-sound, but frightened and sad! Then I realized how scared I had been too.
I think almost every mother has had a similar experience. Even Mary lost Jesus. That’s right! It’s in Luke 2:41-50:
“When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem…as they returned, Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought him among their relatives…when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions…So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought you anxiously.”
And He said to them, “Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
What grabs me about this passage is the very last sentence. “But they did not understand.” Um, Mary – what do you mean you don’t understand? You of all people should understand. This isn’t just any child we’re talking about here. This is JESUS!! Remember how the angel came and told you that you would give birth to God’s Son. Remember how a baby grew inside of you, even though you were a virgin. Do you remember the shepherds and the wise men who came to worship Him when He was just a baby? How could you forget this miracle?!
Yet, I really can’t be too hard on Mary. After all, she was a mother; a mom like me (except she didn’t have Pampers, sippy cups or car seats!). Sure, Jesus was God’s Son, but he came as a baby – an infant completely dependent on his mother. The Scriptures don’t tell us anything about His childhood, but I’m sure He grew up like all children do. He grew to be a toddler, a young boy, and then an adolescent. Is it possible that during those 12 years, Mary lost sight of God’s plan? She spent all those days caring for Jesus, feeding him, bathing him, playing with him, teaching him, keeping him out of the street, rocking him to sleep and then doing it all the next day…and the next. Sounds rather mundane – I know what that feels like! She watched him learn to crawl and then to walk. She was probably there when He spoke His first words. It all seems so…human. No wonder Mary lost sight of the divine!
Truth is, I’m pretty forgetful myself. Some days I just get buried in piles of laundry, dirty diapers, and to-do lists that never get done. Then my toddler throws his hot dog on the floor (again) and I find myself wondering why on earth I wanted to have children! Too often I forget that my son is also a miracle. He started as just one cell and then grew inside of me and now he’s on the outside of me and he’s still growing and learning! How does that happen? I mean, God made this little person who looks a little like me and a little like my husband – and when I really stop and look at him, it’s mind-blowing how perfectly created he is. Yet, it’s hard to find meaning when my Mondays blur into my Tuesdays and each day is much like the last one. It’s hard to know if I’m making a difference as a Mom when I find myself facing the same battles (“Don’t throw your food!”) 10 days in a row. I need to remember that my son is a miracle. I need to remember that toddlerhood doesn’t last forever. I need to remember that I’m not alone; I have my family, my friends, and I have Jesus.
Jesus. Oh yeah, I tend to forget about Him too. I mean, I know He is God’s Son and I believe in Him. But I get caught up in my busy daily life and I forget to pray. I forget to ask for His help, for His guidance. I forget to worship Him. I forget that I have 4 or 5 Bibles in my home waiting to be read. I forget that He loves me and that He created me from a single cell – another miracle!
I need to remember that He came to earth – for me. He died on the cross – for me. He came back to life – for me. I need to remember that it is JESUS who gives meaning to my life, not my daily activities or achievements (or lack thereof!). I need to remember that He made me and He loves me and He wants me to stay close to Him. I need to remember that He is GOD and with Him all things are possible – like being a Mom, a wife, a friend, and all the little mundane things I have to do each day.
(written by Heidi Songer for the Westwood MOPS December 2010 newsletter)
I think almost every mother has had a similar experience. Even Mary lost Jesus. That’s right! It’s in Luke 2:41-50:
“When He was twelve years old, they went up to Jerusalem…as they returned, Jesus lingered behind in Jerusalem. And Joseph and His mother did not know it; but supposing Him to have been in the company, they went a day’s journey, and sought him among their relatives…when they did not find him, they returned to Jerusalem, seeking Him.
After three days they found Him in the temple, sitting in the midst of the teachers, both listening to them and asking them questions…So when they saw Him, they were amazed; and His mother said to Him, “Son, why have You done this to us? Look, Your father and I have sought you anxiously.”
And He said to them, “Why did you seek me? Did you not know that I must be about My Father’s business?” But they did not understand the statement which He spoke to them.
What grabs me about this passage is the very last sentence. “But they did not understand.” Um, Mary – what do you mean you don’t understand? You of all people should understand. This isn’t just any child we’re talking about here. This is JESUS!! Remember how the angel came and told you that you would give birth to God’s Son. Remember how a baby grew inside of you, even though you were a virgin. Do you remember the shepherds and the wise men who came to worship Him when He was just a baby? How could you forget this miracle?!
Yet, I really can’t be too hard on Mary. After all, she was a mother; a mom like me (except she didn’t have Pampers, sippy cups or car seats!). Sure, Jesus was God’s Son, but he came as a baby – an infant completely dependent on his mother. The Scriptures don’t tell us anything about His childhood, but I’m sure He grew up like all children do. He grew to be a toddler, a young boy, and then an adolescent. Is it possible that during those 12 years, Mary lost sight of God’s plan? She spent all those days caring for Jesus, feeding him, bathing him, playing with him, teaching him, keeping him out of the street, rocking him to sleep and then doing it all the next day…and the next. Sounds rather mundane – I know what that feels like! She watched him learn to crawl and then to walk. She was probably there when He spoke His first words. It all seems so…human. No wonder Mary lost sight of the divine!
Truth is, I’m pretty forgetful myself. Some days I just get buried in piles of laundry, dirty diapers, and to-do lists that never get done. Then my toddler throws his hot dog on the floor (again) and I find myself wondering why on earth I wanted to have children! Too often I forget that my son is also a miracle. He started as just one cell and then grew inside of me and now he’s on the outside of me and he’s still growing and learning! How does that happen? I mean, God made this little person who looks a little like me and a little like my husband – and when I really stop and look at him, it’s mind-blowing how perfectly created he is. Yet, it’s hard to find meaning when my Mondays blur into my Tuesdays and each day is much like the last one. It’s hard to know if I’m making a difference as a Mom when I find myself facing the same battles (“Don’t throw your food!”) 10 days in a row. I need to remember that my son is a miracle. I need to remember that toddlerhood doesn’t last forever. I need to remember that I’m not alone; I have my family, my friends, and I have Jesus.
Jesus. Oh yeah, I tend to forget about Him too. I mean, I know He is God’s Son and I believe in Him. But I get caught up in my busy daily life and I forget to pray. I forget to ask for His help, for His guidance. I forget to worship Him. I forget that I have 4 or 5 Bibles in my home waiting to be read. I forget that He loves me and that He created me from a single cell – another miracle!
I need to remember that He came to earth – for me. He died on the cross – for me. He came back to life – for me. I need to remember that it is JESUS who gives meaning to my life, not my daily activities or achievements (or lack thereof!). I need to remember that He made me and He loves me and He wants me to stay close to Him. I need to remember that He is GOD and with Him all things are possible – like being a Mom, a wife, a friend, and all the little mundane things I have to do each day.
(written by Heidi Songer for the Westwood MOPS December 2010 newsletter)
Wednesday, December 1, 2010
Wait on the Lord
This summer I participated in an awesome Bible Study group. We went through the book The Sacred Echo, by Margaret Feinberg. I missed the first meeting and I almost didn’t go to the second one, but I’m glad I did!
Though I hadn’t read the book yet, one discussion question stood out to me that night. “What are you waiting for?”
On my way home, a song came on the radio – “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller. I’ve heard this song many times before, but at that moment I was especially captivated by the message. “While I’m waiting – I will serve you. While I’m waiting – I will worship.” Then as I read in the Psalms that week, I saw these words, “Wait on the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
Ok – now the Lord had my attention. I was listening. But what did He want me to wait for? Over the next few weeks, I continued to read the Bible and I continued to ask the question, “What am I waiting for?” The Scriptures revealed many blessings that the Lord offers to those who wait on Him.
Deliverance (Psalm 25:20)
Protection (Psalm 33:20)
Strength (Isaiah 40:31)
The word that stood out the most to me though was Healing. I have been dealing with depression and anxiety for over 10 years. I’ve resigned myself to the likelihood that I will deal with this my whole life. But I sense that God wants me to pray for healing, and to wait for healing. How long? 1 month? 1 year? 10 years? Perhaps the healing won’t come until I’m in heaven. But still, God wants me to wait, and to wait expectantly, believing that He is able to heal me.
But what if He doesn’t? That’s where another song has ministered to me. (God often reaches out to me through music!). “No Matter What” by Kerrie Roberts is my current favorite song. She sings, “I know that You could find a way to keep me from the pain, but if not, I’ll trust You, no matter what.”
What do I do while I wait? Sit around the house moping? Certainly not! Although there may be some days where survival is the best I can do, there are also days where I can take positive steps toward healing, like taking my medicine, seeking relationships and wise counsel, and of course, seeking God through His written Word and through prayer.
So what are YOU waiting for?
(written by Heidi Songer for the Westwood MOPS November 2010 newsletter)
Though I hadn’t read the book yet, one discussion question stood out to me that night. “What are you waiting for?”
On my way home, a song came on the radio – “While I’m Waiting” by John Waller. I’ve heard this song many times before, but at that moment I was especially captivated by the message. “While I’m waiting – I will serve you. While I’m waiting – I will worship.” Then as I read in the Psalms that week, I saw these words, “Wait on the Lord; be strong and take heart and wait on the Lord.” (Psalm 27:14)
Ok – now the Lord had my attention. I was listening. But what did He want me to wait for? Over the next few weeks, I continued to read the Bible and I continued to ask the question, “What am I waiting for?” The Scriptures revealed many blessings that the Lord offers to those who wait on Him.
Deliverance (Psalm 25:20)
Protection (Psalm 33:20)
Strength (Isaiah 40:31)
The word that stood out the most to me though was Healing. I have been dealing with depression and anxiety for over 10 years. I’ve resigned myself to the likelihood that I will deal with this my whole life. But I sense that God wants me to pray for healing, and to wait for healing. How long? 1 month? 1 year? 10 years? Perhaps the healing won’t come until I’m in heaven. But still, God wants me to wait, and to wait expectantly, believing that He is able to heal me.
But what if He doesn’t? That’s where another song has ministered to me. (God often reaches out to me through music!). “No Matter What” by Kerrie Roberts is my current favorite song. She sings, “I know that You could find a way to keep me from the pain, but if not, I’ll trust You, no matter what.”
What do I do while I wait? Sit around the house moping? Certainly not! Although there may be some days where survival is the best I can do, there are also days where I can take positive steps toward healing, like taking my medicine, seeking relationships and wise counsel, and of course, seeking God through His written Word and through prayer.
So what are YOU waiting for?
(written by Heidi Songer for the Westwood MOPS November 2010 newsletter)
Saturday, April 3, 2010
New Life - reflections on Easter
On Palm Sunday we remember the day Jesus rode into Jerusalem on a donkey. The crowds waved palm branches and sang, "Hosanna! Blessed is He who comes in the name of the Lord." If the story ended there, you might guess that Jesus was on his way to becoming the new king. But the story didn't end there.
Just a few days later, Jesus was in front of another crowd. This time they were crying, "Crucify him, crucify him!" And they did. Jesus died a painful, humiliating death on a cross. If the story ended there, it would have been a tragedy. But thank God, there's more!
On the third, some women went to the tomb where Jesus' body had been placed. When they got there, they found the stone rolled away and Jesus' body gone! An angel told them, "He is risen! Just as he said." Soon after, Jesus appeared to all his disciples. He taught them many more things, then he ascended into heaven. So, is this the end of the story? It would be a happy ending for sure, but I think there is more.
What does this story have to with you and me? Because Jesus rose from the dead, you and I have the offer of eternal life with Him. Now that really is good news! But there is STILL more!
You don't have to wait until you get to heaven to experience the new life that Jesus offers. You can experience it now! Are there any "dead" areas in your life? Could your marriage use a breath of fresh air? How about your relationship with your kids, or with your parents? Are there any areas of struggle or sin or difficulty in your life? The same power that raised Jesus from the dead is available to heal your marriage or to help you defeat that stubborn sin - right now!
All you have to do is ask! God wants you to. "Ask and it shall be given to you. Seek and ye shall find. Knock and the door shall be open to you." Matthew 7:7
*Thank you to Pastor Joel Johnson (Westwood Community Church) and Pastor Dave Johnson (Church of the Open Door). Your teaching has influenced me tremendously.
Sunday, August 2, 2009
Missing You
There's clothes in the closet you will never wear.
There's toys in bins that you will never play with.
There's a gaping hole in my life right now
and I don't know how to move on!
Will there be another baby? Probably.
But it won't be you!
I never really knew you;
Never knew if you were a boy or a girl;
Never gave you a name.
For 15 weeks you lived inside me and somehow
I loved you!
But now,
I'm just missing you.
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