From the Hope Farm - Entries written by Cyle Lewis

We have met and connected with some marvelous people this  year.

Some such folks would be Aaron Keyes and his family.

Aaron wrote a song called "Not Guilty Anymore." This tune truly resounds with my soul, echoing the heart of God our Father to us, his children.

I could describe it.

I could write the lyrics.

I could tell you the story behind the song.

I could further describe how the song has impacted me.

However, I think I will stop and persuade you to watch this.

Shannon recently completed this interview with Aaron regarding his song, "Not Guilty Anymore". The story that inspired the song is dialogued.

It’s quite powerful.

Its short.
When your done, click over to his site and listen to " Not Guilty Anymore" when your finished there hop on over to itunes and buy it....... it will be good for the IPOD this weekend!

Give it a view and/or stop on over at TheWorshipCommunity.com for more details.

Aaron Keyes Interview part 1 from Shannon Lewis on Vimeo.

Resourcefulness. This characteristic is in full swing at our house. To my husband this word means that I bring things home out of trash piles and dumpsters… or better yet, I send him to collect the finds! Why wouldn't I be a resourceful – trash to treasures kind of gal with such a handyman husband?

The short version:  I saw a pile of wood on the side of the road, near my house. It was quality wood, free from termites or rot. I collected the wood, put it in the trunk- where it stayed for about four months then transferred it to the shed for a mystery project.

As Tucker’s affection for books has increased, I noticed that he routinely pulls all books out to find the “ right “ one, thus resulting in constant book messes. I often imagined the perfect book display /shelf for him.  The bookcases that were in the elementary school where I taught kindergarten often came to mind. One evening I looked at school supply sites and found the shelf. It was only 259.00 dollars. (insert sarcasm)

That ole faithful resolve started rearing it's project-scheming head: "I surely can make this shelf by expending no money." Then the mental images all fell into place. The scrap wood + Handyman husband + white paint + primer + brushes + sander that are already in the shed = The book display I want! That evening I posted a picture of the bookcase on his facebook wall. He laughed and said "Well, that was a little sneaky! Now, I have to build it!"

And he did indeed build a jam-up book shelf/display!

I could not believe what he came up with. He is genius. This shelf did not cost us a penny. He even customized this piece by using up more scrap wood to build a book caddy of sorts up top. If truth be told, he actually made a mistake on the top. In order to cover it, he made this "extra space", which I am really into!

Tucker is loving his shelf and I am in love with my handyman husband!

This trip was such a refreshment to us in many ways. Shannon's post outlined the ministry side of this trip, while I will focus on the family, recreational aspects of this week for us. Read his account here. First, our children were able to accompany us. The camp operates on parental volunteers in addition to their paid staff. Each middle schooler who attended camp also had a parent who came to work the kitchen, snacks etc. While we were having morning and night meetings the parents were having their own worship and intercessory prayer meetings in the cafeteria. The parents did not room with their children. They stayed with other parents. I saw neat bondings happening as parents prayed with others parents for their children. The benefit for us was that their were many adults who took turns caring for my children while I led worship and attended practices with Shannon. 2nd, we stayed in a three story house. The bottom floor housed female campers and counselors. The middle floor housed the camp director and his wife, along with two children (the same ages as mine!) and another married couple. We stayed on the top floor which had two bedrooms and a full bath.  These couples became dear friends. We stayed up many evenings eating snacks, processing the day and enjoying rich fellowship with like minded people.

Other highlights:
A golf cart was the primary means of transportation for staff. We got up every morning dressed and rode the cart to breakfast...and lunch...and dinner... and at snack time. ( I got really spoiled!) While we were at meetings The sitters,  my kids (and their friends) would ride the carts all over camp to explore. ( I have a stinking suspicion they spent most of that time throwing rocks- which brings me to the next highlight.

Rock Throwing became a favorite pastime for my boys. They searched for the perfect rock then promptly threw it in the river making different sized splashes. I think they could have done this for hours.

Everywhere you walked at camp you could hear the rush of the falls. It was like having a sound machine on all the time- except this was the real thing. The mere sounds of the falls reminded me of God's love constantly- the roaring rush, and neverending waters. The afternoons were spent in the river. The camp schedule went like this: river time, snacks,  then nap time before dinner. We pretty much followed this schedule. The counselors split up and went to different river locations different times of the day. The counselors were very trained on safety and did a good job of life guarding the area. Shannon rode the rooster tail with both boys. The rooster tail is like a water ride, the slope of the rock resembles a tail that has a high jump at one point. The boys were in heaven!

Tucker's not so sure.

I Think we look like the Tarzan family in this one!

 

I really can't describe how special this week was for us. The counselors were some of the most outstanding high school and college kids we have ever met. They truly ministered to us in many ways. Singing original songs and having the kids ask to sing them really increased my confidence that these songs come from Jesus and he has a plan for them. The only job we have is to be good stewards of the songs he gives us.

We left Camp Saturday night after some tears and heartfelt conversations. We headed down to Atlanta and woke up early Sunday morning in order to get to GRACE FELLOWSHIP by 7 a.m. We were leading for all three services. Although we were energy depleted at the end of Sunday- I can't think of any better way to spend eight days! A friend of mine stayed with the boys Sunday morning for the first two services and we brought to the afternoon service. She reported that Kenimer cried at breakfast saying that we had to go to the white building to eat breakfast (I think he was a little spoiled also). He was asleep when we got into ATL and was quite traumatized that we were not at Camp! The Lewis Family was completely rejuvenated and encouraged by our eight day adventure!

So, I have a new relationship with reading. Yes, I LOVE books - lots of different ones. With the onset of new years resolutions I made a reading list for 2010. WITH NO FURTHER ADO let me introduce you to my most recently completed book.

Boundaries with Kids When to say yes, When to say no, To Help your Children Gain control of their lives.  By: Dr. Henry Cloud and Dr. John Townsend

After all it is the year of the family.  In January our church announce that 2010 would be the year to focus on family. Therefore our church turned into a mini-college, offering a 'degree' in family via every course imaginable on different days of the week. There were book tables offering every resource under the sun etc.  Ok - no degree was given but you get me right?

This family theme was so timely for us. Sometime in the fall of 2009 we looked at each other and had the talk, resulting in a more purposeful life for us. We decided that there was no longer room nor was there time for excuses. We would pursue our dreams - using gifts and talents we would hone our crafts while focusing on living life to it’s fullest  We also noted that when we are not experiencing the fullness of our potential and working towards goals we become complacent in parenting. We both desire to parent our kids in such a way that they would be filled with ambition, goals and dreams, full of life and living to their fullest potential.  As a parent I often find myself enundated with fulfilling basic needs for my children (health, clothing, sleep, rest, safety, etc), then the paradox emerged: how can we foster these things in our children if we are not living examples? I’ve always heard there is no better teacher than example. We began to pray about how to prioritize our life.  Obviously each and every thing we are involve ourselves with in some way affects the entire family.

So, mid-May I was at church and saw that a Summer book club was being offered for moms. The course was titled  Boundaries with Kids. This was a five week class that occurred one morning a week with childcare. I quickly signed up. A brief picture of those five weeks- sitting in a room with 20 other moms discussing what was read, how it related to our parenting, processing the concepts and putting them to practice. The tensions of trying to understand the concepts while revealing our own struggles with mothering proved invaluable to me. As a parent this book will step on your toes. So many times while reading, I saw weaknesses in my own internal boundaries with others and myself. Boundaries with kids is broken down into three parts: 1.Why Kids need boundaries, 2. Ten boundary principles kids need to know. 3. Implementing boundaries with kids. While every chapter of this book is beneficial and highly enlightening I want to focus on two truths that resonated with me as a parent

This is a practical read for every parent. It is now on my husbands bedside table!

I spent a few days composing a soppy, mushy love post for our six year anniversary. I tried all the usuals- i.e.  six reasons why I adore my husband, listing his great attributes etc. etc.

Im not certain the reason, however none of these formats seemed fitting this year.

As I was scouring the fridge for a quick bedtime snack, I called my husbands name- I then told him something (can’t remember what)

Then it hit me. I call his name dozens of times a day. Sometimes its to tell him stories, tell him news, process something, ask him to do something, share an idea. Tell him something that’s broken, tell him something funny, tell him something sad, ask him to get something out of the car, ask for a cup of water at night, tell him what was on sale at the store, share something cute about the kids, or most recently, in the middle of the night when I became suddenly sick. Our house is small but it seems that when our conversations begin we are in different rooms. Thus talks usually ensue after I have called his name. He answers- then we begin talking. When he is gone I miss calling his name and I miss him not being right there.

Simply because I love calling his name.

I love how he answers. He most often says: yes sweetie, Yes dear, etc. I realized that I don’t have to call his name before I begin talking to him but I choose to. The fact remains: I love calling his name. I am grateful to have had the last six years to call his name. I look forward
to 66 more.

I also enjoy looking at my man while he does his thing! Thanks to Chris Moncus at ChrisMoncusPhoto.com for catching a moment when we were both gazing at one another.

               This pic is very special to me.

1.  I love to grow things.
2.  I used to grow kindergartners.
3.  Marriage and home ownership ensued and I grew lots of flowers.
4.  I abandoned the flowers to grow the babies.
5. Then  the babies evolved into toddlers who mysteriously managed to mutilate the blooms. I developed an appreciation for green plants - the kinds that multiply, mound or cover ground and require little tending. You know, the plants that are less attractive to the toddlers. Some favorites include asiago jasmine, variegated jasmine, ferns, cast iron, juniper, lantana, asparagus fern and ivys. I have succcessfully developed a low -maintenace landscape design that stays the same yearly. My handy husband installed an irrigation system which only leaves me the porch plants to water!
6. But.. this week I got the itch. The itch to grow something.

After dinner, bath and bedtime I scooted out to Lowes. I was like a kid in a candy shop, I tell ya, browsing the isles of green goodness, flowers of all colors. I almost wanted to apoplogize to all the greenery, I wanted to say…

"I'm sorry, I have been so busy these last two years I have barely stopped to 
notice the simple beauty of all of you…" - then my thoughts turned to thankfulness. 
What a wonderful maker we have, to think he created all of these variations 
of plants. I slowly picked up hundreds of plants one-by-one - reading the names and care instructions, smelling and touching. I made my selections: tomatoes (small and large) and basil (lots of it).  My practical side won out and I decided my purchases should benefit me in the kitchen. Sidenote: I put basil in and on EVERYTHING.

The following afternoon, happiness ensued: I was companioned by my four yr. old, warmed by the sun, and our hands were covered in cool earth.

Similarities between gardening and tending to my heart began to surface.  Then it hit me: I have been busy, busy, cultivating, shooing away the pesty lies, embracing the truth and continuing to thrive - even when the drought threatens death. I will store up hope in my soil and dig my roots deep. 

                                         I AM GROWING HOPE!

Whew! A big weekend is behind us. Our C.D. Release did indeed happen this past Friday night. We were very pleased with all aspects of the evening. I love Jon Blankenship’s statement while introducing us. He said “a lot of blood, sweat and tears has gone into this first Hope Farm project. There are no truer words. The devil did all he could to distract us, confuse us and thwart our efforts. Even in the last few weeks, faith-testing circumstances made following through with this project a challenge at times. We have learned a lot about spiritual warfare, the use of spiritual tools, hope and truth.

 Thanks Chris at Chrismoncusphoto.com. I really needed a new avatar.

 My creative juices got to rolling Friday afternoon. I piled my car full with all kinds of possible props. Some friends came early to help me set up….

This was the final set up. I thought it evolved into a unique sales and information table. My favorite part is the old Milk crates that I used binder clips to display the discs. On one end are the Hope Farm idscs and the other end are Mckendrees  dicss.

Saint Lewis was scheduled to lead worship Sunday as well. This was really neat because we used almost the same line up. Friday night we had intertwined popular worship songs with our originals to make a well- rounded worship concert. So,with the exception of two added songs, our Sunday setlist had been delivered Friday night!

The setlist went like this

Wandering Heart- walk in music, Saint Lewis original

Your Grace is Enough-Matt Maher

Glory to God Forever-Vicky Beeching and Steve Fee

Glorious One-Steve Fee

Never Cease to Sing- Saint Lewis original

Take my life- Chris Tomlin and Louie Giglio

The last song was my favorite part of both services, Our church is in a series called “ What are you fighting for”, focusing on the family. At the close of the service all marriage mentors lined up in front and there was a quiet reflective time. Shannon and I did this song with just us and his guitar. I LOVE Hymn harmonies, the rise and fall is so beautiful. I enjoyed working out the tightness of this harmony with my hubby. It was special to sing that with him in a quiet reverent manner in reflection of the sacredness of marriage.

Front cover pics by SarahDeshaw.com Family photo by Chrismoncusphoto.com
 

So my heart is full with thanks to Jesus for allowing us successfully finish a project that we thought would never see the light of day….

Dearest Hubbylove,

 Happy Birthday Week to you.

I love that all you wanted for your birthday was two new books.

I love  that you wanted to play at Summerwaves on your day.

I love it when you praise me profusely for every good meal I make.

I love watching you as you amazingly father our two boys.

I love it that we are a team.

I love making music with you.

I did not plan every minute detail of this day as I normally do.

The day simply unfolded into beauty and simplicity.

Surprise #1

Shannon went to lunch after church with some out of town friends that were in-town

Surprise #2

He had asked if we could use our season passes and go to summer waves.

Unbeknownst to him, I invited another family.

I forgot to tell him until they texted to meet up. (He was thrilled that I invited friends! Points for me!)

Surprise #3

We ended going out to dinner with friends in bathing suits and all!

No plans needed. Perfection. Complete with a fudge brownie and singing.

Next night I made cupcakes with cream cheese frosting. I let everyone take the spatula and put their own icing on the cupcake. That was a big deal for the little fellas. Did I mention, this was a Kitchen aid affair? One of the four times a year I get on a chair and pull that heavy thing down from the top cabinet?

Last surprise worth mentioning- wii resort.- need I say more?

"But Now, Lord, What do I look for, My Hope is in you." - Psalm 39:7

Today I saw Hope...

...when my two year old was putting flowers in my face saying "It smells dood mama". I was busy pulling groceries out of the car. I hadn't even noticed the Jasmine was in full bloom.

I saw it here remembering that these ferns were a lone 8 bunches two years ago. I almost pulled the suckers up and trashed 'em…. They were brown and crisp. Mom told me to give them some more time. Wow… I had to thin them out this spring.

I saw Hope…..in the bottle brush tree that was nothing short of a dead back in February. It has bloomed every year but this winter I thought “are you really gonna be beautiful in a few months?”. You look so hopeless.

I saw Hope remembering the 5 jasmine plants I planted two springs ago. I longed to see it full and thick. I was told the variegated kind didn't mound as well. WRONG. I had to thin it back this year.

I saw Hope when I looked at Kenimer’s vegetable garden today and saw these plants. They were started with seeds a few weeks ago. He can’t wait to get the carrots.

For some silly reason this made my heart sing every time I walked past. Yes, it is a bowl of fruit sitting under the chalkboard announcing it was Mexican night.  I didn't even realize it was Cinco De Mayo!

Hope is... this bay window. The boys were gazing at the rain. It had been raining really hard but at this point it was letting up a bit. This window frames a beautiful tree, ivy garden and lots of other greenery.

Just think – this window was sitting in a trash pile five year ago. It was removed from a house during a remodel.  I had hope for what their trash could be!

 
Hope is something you sometimes have to look for…

"We wait in hope for the Lord, He is our help and our shield." - Psalm 33:20

"Be strong and take heart all you who hope in the Lord." Psalms 31:24

Where do you see hope today? What are you hoping for?

I was slowly coming to consciousness and fighting, fighting, as these thoughts are racing through my head –

“Is that the 2 yr. old I hear screaming?”

“No I think it’s the sound machine”        “oh wait I did’nt even turn it on last night”

“It might be the next door dogs”

I am rolling into awakeness with every cry… ”Oh no , I think it is Tucker” 

I roll over and gaze at my sleeping husband. I then remember He got up with our four year old last night during a nightmare episode.  Its my turn.  

Put one foot in front of the other, come on mama, get up and check on your child.. I scream at myself in an unspoken half asleep state. I get up and walk to his room. I pick him up and at this point I am fully awake and happy to redeem the “gift” of nighttime awakenings ….. Snuggle time! I pick him up and ask him what he wants or needs.

 He is saying “I wan Wata”… I know I must be hearing things.

For those of you who know my two year old you know that I am in a constant battle to get him to drink water. He gets so mad when I give him water, and he doesn't get over it quickly. Surely he is not asking for water. I get him what he requests… As I walk back to his room with water cup in hand, I chuckle as I predict the next occurance: he will scream and yell and say he wants juice or milk.

To my surprise, he grabs the water, says "Tank oo Mama" and sucks down every last drop as if it is the last bit of water left on earth.

I laughed as I climbed into bed at 2:53 AM and process what had just happened. I realized that though Tucker didn't like water he knew when middle-of-the-night thirstiness hit, only water would quench his thirst.. in his two year old mind he knew what he needed.

How many times have I been dealing with discouraging thoughts, despair and anxiety and I knew what I needed? I have known that I needed to renew my mind and meditate on truth. Instead I dwell on the negative because it is easier.

Or…

I am stuck nursing hurts or unmet expectations and what I need to do is let go but instead I hang on and entertain revenge because it is easier.

I learned a lesson from my two year old, what I need may not be what I like, want or what tastes or feels better going down……

So on Monday morning I am muddling through the week via calendar, ordering priorities and trying to not ignore those things I need most...i.e. quiet time, alone time, creative time, some time with hubbie, quality time with kiddos,  and most importantly ..water!

He is amazing
  Hubbie attempted to convert our one -sink bathroom into a double sink with vanity, shelves and double cabinets.  I always have what I want in mind and he far exceeds it. Ok so he can sing, write some darn good songs, produce and mix something fierce… but man can he build some stuff.
It’s not a passion so he only builds things to bless me, make our home more functional and simply cause everytime I want something… he says, hesitantly "we are not paying for that"… I’ll build it for you. And he does...

I don’t have any before pics.. but here is after. The old sink was quite low... I was sure I was getting scoliosis from brushing the teefers...

Did I mention he did all the plumbing as well? We got a plumbing quote- Shannon's response was "I'll just do the plumbing myself"..... Gotta love the how-to books at Lowes!

I just wanted to brag on my man, a job well done and a completed project!

The circus without cotton candy?

 It seems a crime. I mean as a parent, how can I watch those men walk by selling overpriced puffed sugar and not stop to drop my weeks pay on it? I mean the everlasting sticky fingers and pink mustache are enough  for me.

No, really I can’t say no to cotton candy. We eat pretty healthy over here in the Lewis abode but the circus is an exception.

Our camera was on slow death last week. The lens only partially opened… it made weird hiccuppy nosies when trying to open. Nonetheless I managed to queeze two pics out of it before it kicked the bucket for good. Im glad I got these images out of the family fun night- since the trip to buy a new camera never happened that day.

        Kenimer loved that he did'nt have to share his bag with Tuck- Tuck

       Tucker barely came up for air!


We all enjoyed the circus and ended the night with pizza inn buffet and a few video games at the restaurant!

I visited another Church this past Sunday to see a guest Worship Leader, Rita Springer. Her worship would be best described as “wreckless abandon”, and has touched me for years. This worship experience was simply her and the piano. She would occasionally talk and share stories.

Two of her original songs have been anthems in my life over the years: “Worth it All” and “I have to Believe”. These songs bleed that tension between recognizing emotional and physical pain while simultaneously relating to God as a loving Father.  The intensity and abandonment with which these songs were penned simply scream humanity and real life. We are all wrought with the flesh and its’ limitations - this is where God’s strength comes in.

The entire worship set was such a reprieve for my soul but one particular statement stands out: Rita was talking about her brokenness as an 11 year old child growing up in a Christian home. She articulated her journey, highlighting loss, grief and physical stress, and how she dealt with her pain. She said hat she continually gave it back to God. Lastly she said Jesus spoke to her, “You trade in your pain and I give you a heritage shaped with your pain.” She illustrated further by saying “It’s like you give God your pain daily and one day you look in your backyard and there lies an apple orchard that was sown with the seeds of your pain.”

I can think of several blessings that have come out of hard times.

Lemme tell ya 'bout…

...a Sunday night movie at the theatre with Inside Out Youth group and the leaders (well, and a wife!). The movie was titled To Save a Life. This movie sort of reminded me of a teenage soap-opera-type story line, or - to really date myself - a modern 90210 with some coolness and a Christian message ('cause 90210 even back in the day was so NOT cool).

This movie really stirred me up. Scenes from my own teenage years were flashing across my mental screen like a racing reel-to-reel. The vintage memories or scenes had been laid to dormancy. I sat for two hours watching a movie about teenagers and their issues only to be rudely reminded of my own teenage years.

Man, oh man - you could not  pay me to go back. Of course there is the usual thought "...if I knew then what I know now…": P- shaw. Oh, the contradictions and healthy tensions between trying to individuate and respect parents, trying to break free and maintain family ties. It’s tough, rough, and amazingly exciting all at the same time.

The youth pastor in the movie reminded me of my old Youth Pastor - he was amazing. He really loved me right where I was. He  loved everyone this way. He talked to you like you were important. He has been a hero, mentor, and the primary means of salvation to so many for over 20 years. 

Shannon and I have also had the honor of working with two of the best youth pastors in our area - or on the planet for that matter. I have seen these two guys broken for the hearts of the kids. They truly love them, cry out to Jesus for their lives, and spend countless hours praying for them. I personally know these guys and their wives on a very personal level and I know how they daily lay down their lives for the teenagers.

My favorite scene in the movie is when the Sr. Pastor was questioning the youth pastor about what types of kids were coming to youth group. The youth pastor is not concerned with upholding a certain image but rather wanted the non-Christians to be able to come “as they were”. This thought reminds me of a song I begun in January.  The words...
Come just as you are..
dirty, filthy rags and street garb,
come as you are.
You think your chapters have all been written
I look at you and see a blank page, full of possibility.

Good youth pastors seen beyond the sin and shame plaguing these kids and see the potential.  Jesus sees a blank page...full of possibility.

Check out the trailer 

Yesterday was a most favorite day in my book. Why?

Shannon was leading at SSCC and I was singing harmonies and playing keys for him.

I Love: Sunday Morning when we get up at the crack of dawn to catch the bus - when the kids eat their toast in the car - when I am slap wore out on Sunday afternoons and the whole house is hushed with nappingness…

The day looks something like this:

We lay everything out the night before (and I do mean, everything).

We get up really early and head over to the bus stop to catch the bus to SSCC.

SSCC staff ride the bus to church to eliminate parking issues.  The boys think this is so fun. Their backpacks are ready with snacks, drinks, games, ipod, etc.

We arrive at the church, and I have someone set up to watch kids while we sound check/rehearse. The main rehearsal is on Thursday nights so this is really just to spot check and review levels. This past Sunday the sitter was a younger sister of a girl who was singing on our team. The boys had a blast sitting in the lobby: Kenimer loves Sunday rehearsals since that is one of the rare times he gets to play games on the IPOD. Tucker put together a mini puzzle.

After practice they go to breakfast club which is set up for children of volunteers or staff who serve one and attend one. This keeps the kids from having to attend their tiny town class twice.They eat breakfast and play games. After first service I get the boys and we hang out in the Rush Hour room (middle school service) while Shannon is usually practicing. This week, Kim Dixon  was leading for Rush Hour. We enjoyed listening to her rehearsal.

The kids always eat their snack and play some more… often stopping to run laps around the room or wrestle with middle school youth pastor, Justin. Then it’s time for 2^nd service and I take them to their Tiny Town classes. On Sundays we only go to one service, Keminer often cries because he does’nt get to ride the bus to church, or attend breakfast club.

This week as I sat backstage I realized how blessed I am to be able to do this with my life partner. There are things I have been praying about for a while regarding my personal life, heart for worship, attitude and so on. I realized that Jesus indeed is changing me from the inside out.

Here is a short worship confessional from the perspective of a keyboardist and back up singer:

Happy Day (Hughes)- walk in music- I love how Shannon started this song- Acapella and then built it. I especially love the keyboard riff.
Glory to God Forever (Fee)- Such a solid worship song- we had done it three weeks before, congregation responded well and I love the harmonies.

Wandering Heart (Saint Lewis original)- a song about returning to your first love. I am so humbled and blessed to have been part in writing it.  Check out tomorrow's blog for a bit more about this song. 
Not Guilty Anymore (Aaron Keyes) This was a communion song about being set free from the bondage of our sins. Shannon and I are getting to know Aaron and his family and have already been so blessed and encouraged by them. This is a short excerpt from Sunday...take a listen...

Last year, shortly after our home was burglarized and other stressors began to surface I became overwhelmed and physically felt the effects of not taking care of myself. I was feeling so frazzled, always behind and not quite able to get control of life.

I called a wise friend to process my immense stress. This dear friend stopped me mid-sentence and said, “Cyle, your breathing is very labored - I can hear you gasping for air- you are also not taking deep breaths." She went on to explain that by taking short gasps of air I was actually causing my body more stress which added to the emotional stress I was already experiencing.

This is when I learned the importance of deep breathing. This tool has has helped me through some very stressful times.  Deep breathing combined with scripture meditation can really calm an anxious mind.

My dear friend and worship partner, Christine Vales, asked me to lead worship with her at a retreat that took place this past weekend.  Ironically, the retreat was called  BREATHE.

The entire weekend was focused on breathing, struggling to breathe, awareness of breathing etc. I was continually reminded to be still, quiet and just breathe.  With new seasons on the horizon, this weekend could not have come at a better time.

We were immersed with scriptures of God’s love and his spirit wooing us to just be quiet. Be still. We were contantly reminded of all the names of God. We were constantly led in deep breaths.

To top it all off, I had the priveledge of co-leading worship for these precious ladies





Christine and I had a refreshing time together... we laughed a  lot, encouraged one another, and our spirits were united in worship.

The weekend highlight for me consisted of two things:

First, while rehearsing the set-list I was listening to one of Chrstines originals for which I was supposed to find a piano part, but it just did’nt seem to be there.  I kept beating on the computer desk, thinking "I wish we had someone to play Djembe."

We were rehearsing and there was a drum sitting around so I just picked it up and started playing, when Christine said, "That sounds great! Play that at the retreat!" Sure, I thought - I don’t know anyone there. The first drum song went so well that I played it on three more and I had a ball… I loved every second of it. 

Two years ago while pregnant I bought a djembe video and used to play along with this tribal guy who talked crazy talk about going back to rhythyms in the womb or something. I did this for several weeks but got busy and never touched it again.

This weekend it was like my mind just told my hands what to do and it worked. I love learning new things or discovering things I might be able to cultivate into a skill.

Ok- so Shannon was uploading the pics and he found this clip that a girl at the retreat took with my camera... He made this video... He's sweet!
Oh- and the second hihglight of the weekend will be in the next blog! This one is long enough!
Cyle's Hidden Talent from Shannon Lewis on Vimeo.

I have been seeking to disengage the automatic thought patterns that seem to cloud my view Jesus.

I mean, very simply: sometimes when I try to focus on Him, I am inundated with thoughts about what people think about me - whether they approve or are pleased.

As a co-worship leader, worship leader, singer, & songwriter I find that there is a constant battle to be fought and won in order for effective worship to take place.  This battle consists of judging the success of the “worship session” by the comments or feedback of others. Simply put, we are constantly battling Satan’s attempts to get us focused on others opinions.

Have you ever led worship, or participated in a worship set in some capacity & felt that God really showed up - the worship was incredible - only to find that the feedback was not what you expected? Or how about the times you feel things did not go so well and yet find yourself amazed at how others respond?

There are always those special people whose opinions are weighted much heavier in mind – we all have them. I am saddened at how much mental energy and time I have spent wondering what it would take to get this person or that person’s approval. God is wooing my heart with these words, “I want my opinion of you to be the most important in your mind.”

Take, for instance, this past Sunday leading worship with Shannon: in lieu of the sweet times I had been having with Jesus, and the unity Shannon and I were experiencing in our marriage lately, I was particularly excited about this time of worship together. I prayed fervently for God to use me as a vessel, to glorify Himself through me, and to create in me a clean heart. Well, the last thing he is definitely doing.

Well, wouldn’t you know that most everyone whose opinion was of high value in my mind was in the first service. Shannon decided to drop a song at the last minute, and whispered it around the stage, but – unfortunately - I was far away and never got the notice. I started playing the song planned, then realized I was wrong, jumping into the planned song (which I knew very well). But the nervousness caused by being caught off guard, combined with my concerns of other’s opinions, threw me off: I stumbled through the song - not playing it nearly as well as I could have. Yes, this is the gentle way of saying that I made some mistakes. Shannon – knowing that I knew the song well - was quite frustrated and asked what in the world happened.

I sat quietly backstage in between service ands I said “God, what happened? Shannon and I have been so in sync lately but clearly we were not on the same page on STAGE in front of a lot of people and people whose opinions really MATTER to me.”

The thought came over me: “Cyle… ask me whether I was pleased with your worship - ask me whether you ministered to my heart.” My first thought, “How could you be pleased?” “Just ask me”, He said.  I silenced my anxious thoughts and I did just that. I was amazed at the response. Jesus began to talk to me about the condition of my heart. He told me what was pleasing to him. He showed me where my motives were off. He quietly reminded me that I had exalted certain people’s opinions and that He was doing a work in me, purifying my motives. I was humbled. I walked into the second service with an abandon that was so sweet. I had already made a screw up and had nothing to prove to anyone anymore. Of course everything went well, but – of course – the folk’s whose opinions I was interested in – they weren’t in that service.  So I had to resolve that they would probably remember this Sunday as the Sunday I made a mistake, but the Lord said, “That’s Okay.  Do you think – as long as someone’s opinion is an idol in your life – that I will allow you an opportunity to puff yourself up with a good performance before them ?” 

“ ‘My grace is sufficient for you, for my power is made perfect in weakness.’  Therefore, I will boast all the more gladly about my weakness, so that Christ’s power may rest on me.” – 2 Corinthians 12:9

God is jealous after my heart – He wants the only thing that ultimately matters when I am worshipping to be HIM.

Life is grand with two imaginative superheroes! These two super men are the greatest arrows cupid has sent my way… they melt my heart daily.

A lil bit bout Baby Boy:

Every time Tucker says "no, no, no!" I am aware that he is not our baby anymore, and my heart melts everytime he says “yes, maa”. The latter statement only comes when I say things like- "Hey Tuck- do you want some ice cream?" Or "Do you like that new puzzle?" Otherwise, it is "No, no, no!" - constantly.

Sometimes I feel as though there is a parrot at our house - Tucker mimicks everything.

He wants to potty-train. I think the window that the experts talk about is upon us. I’d rather wait for the door, personally.

Tucker is so beautiful and often when I see him in the morning, feel I could eat him up. I often can’t believe he is my child.

He has a brute strength of will that will take him far in life.

If I had to tell you Tucker's love language I would guess quality time. (taking after his mother on this one). If he is awake and not eating he is ALWAYS dragging anyone that seems remotely interested to a quiet, spot away from people to play with just him. He takes you to the closet, tells you to unlock it, shows you the puzzle he wants, take you to the table, tell you what chair to sit in and then put your hand on the puzzle. Any person that walks in our house is a likely target to be Tucker’s personal playmate.

He is hilarious, AlWAYS evoking laugher from us. Yesterday I found him here.

                                        He is such a joy to my heart!

A 'lil bit bout Big Boy:

Kenimer is overjoyed to see people he loves. He is always thinking and talking about people that are important to him.

He is very attached to me right now - he never wants me to leave and when I leave and return he often says “Mommy, I was worried about you." The statement that almost always follows melts my heart: "I just very, very want you.” He often tells me I am beautiful, and cool.

He has a knack for making people feel welcome. 

Some regular Kenimer-isms are (when first waking up): "I missed you, I am so glad to see you"; "Wow, this is great!"; "Hey, the sun is up, its time to get up now!"

His daddy asked him to record a verse on one of my songs which is on our forthcoming c.d. - an experience that was very special to him. After Tucky was in bed he got to come into the studio, the  mic was lowered, and he had his first recording experience ever. When he heard it playback, he did a happy dance and jumped in Shannon's lap and said "I love you Daddy!" Apparently, he felt really important.

Last Sunday he went to Kid jam (which he is not actually old enough for, but...) - one of his "big girl" (a highschooler) friends took him. I was later told that he solicited himself to play the part of David on stage, and had the room in stitches. Apparently he really hammed it up and was a real hit with his four year old acting in a program that is for 6 year olds and up. 

I was'nt surprised a bit when Shannon heard the stories at the church on Monday morning. Ttat was just like my Kenimer to steal the show. He loves the stage... especially if he is on it!

He recently demonstrated some compassion that greatly moved me- regarding the bike. My first born is too precious for words!

My heart is full of love for my two supermen-boys!

Today- in lieu of wellness, [a nugget of truth on health and well-being].

This week has been particularly fun……

Fun is important… or the "ness" of the word. How much fun-ness have you had this week?

{Playing}"Is it in your vocabulary  ?"

Madeleine L’ Engle says:

"One of the greatest weapons of all is laughter, a gift for fun, a sense of play which is sadly missing from  the grown-up world."

We are designing- fashioning-outfitting- our album cover. This has led me to search goodwills, antique shops, yard sales, and any other rummage atmosphere. I am also not limited to digging under my bed and making various calls to good  friends-petitioning to borrow such items as feathers, 1920’s hat, aprons, suspenders, and overalls. These are just a few items I have gathered as props.  NOTE: these are merely ideas My possibility pool really feels like a storm. A tangled mess of inspirations that have to be sorted through.

Yesterday I walked into goodwill and spotted this glorious hat.

It matched my outfit perfectly. I put it on, instantly I felt stunning and had that extra spring in my step. I bought the hat and wore it for the rest of the shopping excursion. Later at TG Maxx, I was stopped by a women. She said, “I love the way your dressed, I imagine you had fun putting that outfit together. Is’nt it fun being a girl.”?

There is the word… two times. {Fun}. I was overjoyed that my outfit said  {fun}  to someone. Another stranger stopped me later emphatically stating they liked my outfit

.Oh - and then there was the man in Ross who said sarcastically to his wife… “Hey, you should get a hat like that”… she wrinkled her face in disgust.

Hey, that’s cool. I’ve been realizing that as I am free to REALLY be who I am- not everyone will like it. Im getting cool with that.

Getting-being the operative word. It’s a journey people.

I had a photographic artist friend who happens to be a fashion genius. She came over to have a stylist session with me. It was crazy fun. I say crazy, cause I actually felt a twinge of guilt- it just seemed like too much fun to be having on a Monday afternoon as the mother of two. We laughed and giggled in my room while trying various outfits I had pieced together and then modeling said outfits for Shannon.  We curled my hair (like the 50’s) tried on different dresses with different aprons, red high heels, various  hats. Antique props.

I’m having fun.

Buying overalls for Shannon at Wal-mart (which are hot - by the way). Putting on red lipstick. Trying on “housewife dresses”.

Being days away from finishing a long awaited project.

There was a time I felt the need to always be in a hurry, rushing and working hard. Fun- it was not something I allowed too often.

Pshaw- with that stinkin stinkin- experiencing fun and play is essential for my well- being.

I am sending a shout out to all the grown ups in the house…… have a sense of play, ask Daddy God for a gift of fun .

I leave you with some more words from the beloved Madeleine L’ Engle:   "Laughter breaks down wall." (CIRCLE OF QUIET, Crosswick Journal v. 1)

And a phrase from the Proverbs ( 17:22)

Laughter doeth good like medicine, but a crushed spirit dries up the bones

If laughter is a weapon let’s use it~

I dare to say- Life is fun (this week, at least)!

“Out of the mouth of babies and infants, you have established strength...” - Psalm 8:2a

It was a normal Tuesday afternoon, My two year old was sleeping and the 4 year old was doing an art project. I was on the phone, sitting in our family room, generally facing the direction of our back yard. Sunlight was streaming in through the bay window, filtered by the glistening leaves of the towering oak in our back yard. Sometime during the conversation - for no specific reason - I turned around to look out the window.

What I saw still baffles my mind.

A boy from the next neighborhood over - somewhere between the ages of 8 and 10 - appeared to be tiptoeing in my backyard. He was walking towards our back patio. He locked eyes with me and looked as though he had seen a ghost, let out a shriek, did an immediate 360, and sprinted off, leaping entirely over our stone wall. I let out a laugh, thinking to myself  “that was odd”, then an uneasy feeling set in. I asked Kenimer if he had known the boy, he said “no”. I walked outside onto the patio and saw what the boy found enticing, which had been just out of his reach when our eyes had met: Kenimer’s shiny new red bike, which he had received for Christmas.

Then it hit me: that boy was trespassing in my back yard attempting to steal my son’s bike!

Anger crowded this mama hen’s mind, partially inspired by a major burglary of our home back in February of 2009. I became livid - this was a boy, a kid!  Who is teaching these kids to walk in yards and steal, anyway? I thought.

I brought the bike inside and called my husband to process is all.  Kenimer heard the whole conversation. I expected that he would share my anger with me. I mean, after all, it was his beloved bike that was almost stolen.

However, Kenimer’s behavior was a bit strange. He was very quietly sitting at the bay window. While I was complaining about the decline of the American family and the fate of children stealing to my hubbie, my four year old came over to me, put his hand over my mouth, and said, “SHHHH, mama - don’t be mad.  It’s OK. I want to give that boy my bike.” “What?!”, I thought. He looked at me with deep conviction and said, “I want to ride real fast, find that boy and give him my bike. That will make God happy, and I think that is a nice thing to do. That boy does not have a bike. I think I don’t want my bike any more.”

Now, people please know I did not prompt any of this. I was particularly in disagreement over his undeserved generosity towards this boy.  I found myself more than a little embarrassed that my son was displaying such amazing compassion and I, his mother, was so angry.

Over the next hour, he asked non-stop to be taken to find the boy and give him his bike.

Another familiar voice was ringing through my mind, “Do you not think that I can speak to a four year old?” This was a spiritual conviction - the burden of God on Kenimer’s heart - something he believed that God wanted him to be willing to do.

So, I decided to die to my anger - my desire to get even.  We prayed for that young boy: that he would stop stealing, and that he would get a new bike, just like Kenimer’s, then took off to the nearby park and looked, but never saw the boy - we were totally prepared to give a young boy a bike. We never saw him.

When I returned home and attempted to lock Kenimer’s bike in the shed, he protested, “I want to leave my bike out for the boy!”  So, we had a little devotional time about generosity and compassion, but also stealing, and how it’s best not to tempt someone to sin - wanting to give the boy the bike was great, but we didn’t want to enable the boy to steal, which Kenimer seemed to understand.

I want that kind of compassion: to see s a person and their situation or pain - their need, not just what they have done or how they are acting.

I learned this lesson from my four year old son.

“And if anyone would sue you and take your tunic, let him have your cloak as well.” - Matthew 5:40

Late December of last year, between Christmas and New Years Eve, my siblings and I happened upon a night when we invited out friends and shared new originals songs. I say that it “happened” because the night wasn’t really planned as such, but was birthed out of my brother’s (McKendree Augustas) desire to host his own concert where he shared new material, but then he invited my husband and I to do a short acoustic set, and then my sis was asked to share a set too, and next thing you know we’re all involved!

The night produced something unique and new. All three of us had shared a set of original music, sharing stories, and exploring the barely-rehearsed new chord progressions, melodies, and words. Together, we marveled at the fresh flavor and the great variety of musical styles that flowed from a simple gathering of siblings.

We enjoyed it so much, in fact,  that we decided to do it again.

Here is the verbiage and photos that accompanied the follow-up event:

"The NEW SONG ANNUAL is the 2nd annual concert of worship exhibiting newer worship songs by worship leaders McKendree Tucker (SonicFlood, & Kid Fits Logic), Bethany Preston (Midtown Community Church), and Cyle & Shannon Lewis (Saint Lewis, St. Simons Community Church). Emceed by Zack Preston, Discipleship Pastor at Midtown Community Church, please come to North Island Church in the Shops at Demere to enjoy a laid-back evening of fresh new worship songs, the stories behind them, and a bit of revelation of what God's been doing this last year, and what He may have up his sleeve in the year to come. We hope you'll join us for this FREE special event!"

This year instead of using different bands for each set, we decided to set up as a writers round, sharing one hand-picked band of some of our favorite musician friends, and basically went in a circle - each sibling sharing a different song with the other ones all joining in.

This year, our new addition - Bethany’s husband, Zach, joined us for a opening/closing prayer and a word in the middle. When he took the mic, I realized what a blessing his teaching/ preaching gifts are to us. After sharing the new songs we went into a time of worship. We combined popular and familiar songs with some older, yet well-known, originals.

This event was a highlight of 2009 for me. It was a special catalyst for my own personal creative expression - I’ve been writing on multiple new songs since.

I look forward to more opportunities to unite with my family for ministry times like this.  It is a beautiful thing.

In case you’re interested, click HERE FOR MY HUSBAND’S REVIEW.

At the close of November, I engaged in a yearly round up of friends - old and new - taking part in the practice of  “drawing a word”.  Simply put, those in attendance each draw a word which is to be meaningful for the coming year. Some share how their words from years past have impacted their lives.  

My word was "Wellness."

I am choosing to ponder, study and apply this word to my life this year.

Join me on Wednesdays for a dose of realness from the “Lady of the House” and a bit of discussion on wellness.

Wellness Wednesdays means...

Prioritize.

Time is kind of like money.

You use it to do things.

You invest it.

You decide how and where it is spent, at least most of the time. Life’s situations can alter this statement.

As a mother of two very active little boys, I could effortlessly resort to throwing my hands up in angst proclaiming a deficit of time. I have often fallen victim to “mommy moanings”:

“I have no time for myself!”      

“I've no time read!”

“No time to develop my passions!”    

Blah, blah, blah.

I have learned this is not true.  In my time with the Lord, he has been showing me creative ways to get what I need.

Simple ways to schedule things for “me”.

Two tools that have changed my world are:

Flylady.com 

No words can describe the ministry of this women and the far reaching effects she is having on homes across our country. Check her out!

A Timer  

Yes, I said it… a timer. This 5 dollar item has been a treasured friend!

When I could fall into overwhemedness at the overall messiness of the house, I grab my timer and do 5 minute rescues in various rooms.  If one room is totally out of order, I give myself 15 minutes and go as fast as I can. Sometimes when the kids are napping and the kitchen is a wreck I set the timer for 15 minutes and veg on the couch with my current book, then when the timer dings I finish the task at hand and reward mysef with 15 minutes of piano playing.  If I feel out of control I decide what I want to accomplish in the following hour and divvy out the time... 10 minutes here, 10 minutes there.

Let me give you a picture of one of my idle nights:

Hubbie gone.

8:oo PM - kids in bed, dirty dishes, toys everywhere, bathtub water still in the tub, laundry piles scattered throughout the house. I decide to check e-mail which turns into two hours of facebook picture gazing, celebrity gossip, etc. Then, Hubbie comes home and I feel horrible.

After many evenings like this I am done wasting my time.

I will invest my time wisely!

This practice has changed my life.

My life is currently full of possibilities and uncertainties. If I allow idleness I can quickly spiral into doubt, anxiety and ultimately depression.

I resolve to stay away from idleness. I commit to try to live a life of purpose in 2010.

Chrayeve is a made-up word combining the Christmas, Day and Eve.

To read Chrayeve Recap Part 1 click here

Christmas morn came later than expected.

We slept in until 7:45… Shannon and I got up and went to sit on the couch.

Turn on the Christmas tree    …no kids

Make Coffee      …no kids

Drink Coffee     …Still NO Kids

Perplexed and puzzled, we made a little noise and finally they came, Kenimer looking as though he had just awoken from such a deep sleep that he had forgotten it was Christmas al-together – an expression of absolute astonishment on his face when coming down the hall.

I love to look at all the presents under the tree and watch their expressions of anticipation when they see all the gifts.

We were blessed indeed. My heart truly dances when I get to buy gifts that my kids love, anticipating getting to watch them squeal with delight.

I love being a mommy …. Especially on Christmas morn… oh yeah!

My husband had the stage….He was singing his debut solo in the Saint Simon’s Community Church Family Christmas Musical, Jingle Jam.  Shannon was doing the open role from “Joyful Joyful” in Sister Act 2.

Sitting in the audience with Kenimer in my lap, Shannon took the stage.  The lights were low - only barely illuminating the stage. The room was quiet - not a sound was heard...

...except (and VERY LOUDLY)…

“Hey Daddy! Hey DADDY!  Hey E’er body that’s my daddy!”

Priceless!  I shed tears.

A proud 4 fear year old exclaimed to the whole audience that the man about to sing on stage is his daddy.

Shannon rocked it as usual.

When the solo was done Kenimer looked at me with a big smile on his face and said “I fink daddy sings dood!!!”

Yes, baby - he does.

Heart = warmed.

The annual Church staff party/ The best party of the season

Some of the staff kiddos…..

Back in the day, whilst tendering my service as a kindergarten teacher, I planned, made costumes, rehearsed songs and took part in dress rehearsals for many a kindergarten plays and PTA showcases. Walking the hall with my class - single file with hands behind their backs - into the backstage entrance. Parents would try to catch a glimpse of their lil’ pilgrim, Indian, or elf - whatever the theme might’ve been. Never mind whether the children sang on key - or sang at all - or did what they were supposed to: the parents were still elated - so proud of their little ones. 

Some parents cried while laughing at their cute little offspring. I can remember feeling stressed because so many parents wanted me to pose with their pilgrim or elf and I simultaneously was trying to smile so little “Johnny” would have his picture to reminisce about Kindergarten, all the while trying to keep up with my class of 21. Whew! I often wondered- what will it be like to be sitting in the audience comprised of other proud parents, watching my child singing songs, reciting a poem, etc. Will I really take that many pics when it’s mine? My mind pondering the deep thoughts of future parenthood.

Fast forward 4 years...

It is my turn now!

Today was the big day. Kenimer - my first born son - had his first Thanksgiving celebration.  The parents were invited and asked to bring a side dish to enjoy at the feast afterwards. Myself, Shannon and Tucker arrived with cameras charged - ready to have a flash-fest, our homemade pumpkin pie in hand. The director made her speech and it began: the single-file line of Pilgrims and Indians filed in. My heart lept as I anxiously looked for my little Indian boy. Then I saw him: feathered hat, drawings on his face etc, file onto the stage and began to sing. His next gesture was amazing and I will never forget it.  He turned his head and saw his Pipie (granddad), Allie (grandma), Mom, Dad, and brother Tucker. He very loudly greeted each one of us from the stage while the songs were being sung.

It went something like this:

“OH, HEY MAMA! OH, THERE’S PIPIE! THERES ALLIE! HEY PIPIE! HEY ALLIE! HEY TUCKER!” He then proceeded to count loudly, “There one, PIPIE; 2, ALLIE; 3, MAMA; 4, DADDY; and 5, TUCKER.” Five of his favorite people were there to see him. He sang and did the motions interjecting every third or fourth line to shout “Hello!” to one of the five people who were there for him.

And, yes in case you were wondering I did take that many pictures, I did shed tears, I did laugh hysterically. Have you ever seen a cuter Indian boy? 

A few of the pics and a short video for your entertainment.

"With Thanksgiving on the Horizon" will be a mini-blog series extending from Nov. 17th through 27th, reviewing my many adventures leading up to Turkey-day as I simply write from my heart.  Hope you'll come along with me for the journey...

Earlier last month I marked another year. We call these said markings “birthdays”.

In years past I have had some… how should I put it... let’s say I’ve had some HIGH “expectations” on my birthday!  You can fill in the blanks, assuming that this little lady fell into some“ holes” of unmet expectations in years past.

This year the revelation hit me: this is my day! My day to thank God for my life. After all, He created me - I am His masterpiece. The realization that I am responsible for my life choices, therefore happiness and love are a choice. It all hit me like a ton of bricks.

As this truth seeped into my thinker as brine fabricates a turkey (had to throw in some seasonal lingo) I awoke with a plan. I WILL NOT HAVE A BIRTHDAY! After all, how can anyone expect your close friends and family to all commemorate your worth in one day?? It’s ridiculous. Thus an idea was birthed: BIRTHDAY WEEK! One simply constructs an “ agenda" for the week with something special each day. It’s a win- win for all parties; the siblings, aunts, uncles and college roommates who miss “ the special day have grace since it is Birthday week, and there are plenty of opportunities to jump right in and celebrate!

My week started with a date to Bonefish with my hubby, followed homemade cake by mom.  The next night was sushi with the girls.  Next,  pumpkin carving, Ice-cream Sundays, & Icees from Target.

...and The GRAND FINALE: one of my favorite past times of life in good ‘ole GLYNN COUNTY. The annual rival game, Brunswick High versus Glynn Academy. I’m not really a football person, nor are we a football family, but what I am is a People person, popcorn eater, music lover (halftime show rocked) and a screamer! We took the two little fellas, who had never seen such festivities. Kenimer channeled the energy of the crowd to the point of eruption - the energizer bunny comes to mind!

To conclude, let me encourage each and every person to begin this must-have tradition!  Celebrate your life, and while you’re at it, MAKE A WEEK OF IT!

Who:  Alyson Tucker (My Mom) - the featured artist

Where:  outpatient center of the Southeast Georgia Regional Hospital

What: A video collage to commemorate the artist and interview an admirer

How: Click the video, & watch it till the end to see the paintings scroll through.

Need to know: Art is healing, art brings therapeutic benefits to those who engage and admire.

Next: Create something today, dance sing and express yourself for the healing of your soul and the enrichment of those around you!

Alyson Tucker Art Show from Shannon Lewis on Vimeo.

I saw Mom’s display a half-dozen times for less than ideal reasons. I was running to and from the pediatrician’s office on the 4^th floor (occasionally to the E.R.), to the Pharmacy on ground, rinse and repeat - all the while walking the long corridor where all 17 paintings were displayed.  There I was, a tired mommy briskly walking to acquire yet another prescription, laid eyes on these familiar paintings and often felt the onset of tears. I was so moved by the beauty that lay on those canvases. Each scene seemed to jump out and dance before me. It was as though every brushstroke whispered “Everything is gonna be all right” and “this too shall pass.”  I was paralyzed with this truth: art brings healing.

I decided to remain as incognito as possible by sitting on a bench facing the paintings and surrounded by large shrubs. I sat and watched - what I saw was priceless. I saw cancer patients, elderly ladies with oxygen tanks, and moms with sick babies in strollers. I saw eyes light up as they pointed out their favorite pieces. I saw smiles, I saw looks of nostalgia. I saw hope, and life returning to people’s faces.

I love how artists can create from their pain, trials and victories and simultaneously encourages others in their journeys, and I’m proud to be able to say that my mother is one of them.  So create something today, dance, sing and express yourself for the healing of your soul and the enrichment of those around you!

One and a half months ago: July 17^th, 2009, marked the milestone - 5 life changing years of marriage and 5 x 50,000 lessons learned to date. The day approached and I was expectant.  Jeremiah 29:11 began to ring through my soul, “For I know the plans I have for you...”  Then two nights before our anniversary I was awakened with this verse screaming at me: “You are a new creation, the old has gone the new has come.”(2 Corinthians 5:17)

My heart began to feel dreams unfolding, seeing the tips of the mountains and the hope flooding in…

and we talked………………..

We were mulling over the hard questions:

·        What are we most proud of ?

·        Worst disappointments /challenges?

·        How did we handle crisis?

·        What could we do better?

·        What are we doing well?

·        What about parenting? 

·        Etc, etc, etc

The conversations went on and on for days.

We felt a stirring of sorts.  These years had definitely brought some crisis and crisis always means change.

Humorous memories of our wedding day filled late night talks.  While reviewing old pics I thought that maybe I had gotten married in the dark ages.  I mean, really- “what are these brown square things”… “Oh, that’s film”... you heard me right - our wedding was shot on FILM… yes, 35mm film.

Needless to say I marched up to Walgreens with a million film packets in hand, asking for C.D.s – DIGITAL PHOTOS, thank you very much.  Now I can edit them…in fifty years, when I have that kind of time.

Through vivid imagery we watched a beautifully arranged video,

listened to songs thoughtfully written for each other,

recalling meticulous details, and how important they were to me -

each detail had some significance.

I remembered how thematic I had been about the whole thing…

I was a kindergarten teacher. I planned with themes, taught in themes and even thought in themes - I still do!

The video collage included footage from the rehearsal dinner. My memory began to un-cloud, “Oh, I had a theme for that night!”, I recalled: “Harmonies of praise” - looking back it sounds more like the title to a 80’s Hosanna tape (I said “tape” - mind you). I can see the big worship leaders packet complete with lyrics and chord charts. I remembered the strong desire to create beautiful harmony literally and figuratively with my marriage and life.  This meant the interweaving of two separate lives, individually secure and rooted in Jesus coming together. The wedding memories served as shovels to dig out the true desires I had for our union.

I felt the revelation. The knowledge that I had a different plan of what our ministry would look like. As be toppled over bumps in the road and recovered the Lord began to reveal. I feel clearer about where we are headed and what we are doing. I am truly grateful for the disappointments and conflicts - they have only strengthened us. Our relationships are deeper. Our community is wider. We are better. We are becoming seasoned and are aging with Jesus. We had our own idea of where we were headed. As we have been in this refining stage our dreams have become infused with God’s. It’s a beautiful thing, I think.

So eight weeks ago we committed to strengthening our marriage. Here are some of the ways:

·        Regular date nights: I am having a blast with this. We used to say we didn’t have the 

        money. PSHAW!  There are really great ways to have cheap dates, but that’s 

        another blog entirely!

·        Prayer , accountability and devotion: we have been rising early to do Love Dare. We 

         pray that the children will stay asleep - most of the time they do. This has been 

         phenomenal. If we don’t get up early we squeeze it in some other way.

·        Marriage enrichment: We each currently reading What every woman/man should   

         Know.  Great books with some helpful insights.  The one for men begins with a fold-out 

         chart, and Shannon – with chart in hand – walked into the bathroom where I was 

         cleaning up and said, “Hey Cyle – according to this fold-out you’re pretty normal!”  

        I’m normal!  How encouraging!

I am honored and privileged to be married to my best friend, and the best part? He never runs out of cool, interesting, fun-facts or stories to tell me! …. And there’s more - Im married to my favorite singer… Looking forward to the rest of life!

Cyle