Worst Blogger Ever

Just want to take a moment to admit that I've been a blog "slacker". =) The holidays are still upon us, and so, I'm not making any promises. Just want you all to know I haven't forgotten you, and will be blogging again soon... I think. =)

Picture Time

This is the Smith family Christmas photo for this year. We're a little behind schedule, but hopefully family and friends will receive them before Christmas rather than after!

Being a leader others want to follow - Part 1

Boy is this something I'm definitely learning and working on. Before being at People's Church, I had always taken worship seriously, but now, I realize that there's so much more to it than just worshiping. I want the Lord to make me an extravagant worshiper, without a doubt. But even more than that, I desire for Him to make me a great worship "leader". Someone who others can look at and follow my example, not only in worship, but also in my everyday lifestyle. I want others to look at me and say, "Lord, show me how to worship You with the same passion and love that she worships you with. Help me to love my family and others that way. Help me to truly love and care about the interests of others like Jamie does." As of right now - I can confidently say, I have NOT arrived to this point. In fact, I can already see many areas where I need to grow, especially when it comes to investing in others and leading by example, but there's no reason why I can't get there someday, and it's one of my goals. I want to be able to look at my life and know I'm doing everything I can to lead others well. The reality of it is, for me and for anyone who is on stage worshiping for that matter, you're position has already been chosen for you. You're a leader whether you like it or not. People will be looking to you to set an example. The kind of example you set, well that choice is up to you and me.

I know this can sound like a broad area - being a leader. So I would like to share with you, over the next few blogs, just a few things that were shared with me that I'm working on right now. Here's the first area:

1. People knowing that you truly care. - If I'm not careful, I could definitely be misunderstood in this area. I definitely DO care about people. Ask anyone, and they would tell you I'm a people person, but I'm also a perfectionist. So when it comes to practices and services, I'm always thinking about the technical things: Who's late? Who may not show? How are the transitions between songs? What songs should we sing next week? Where should the podium be?..... all of these ?'s are decent ?'s I think. There's no doubt that they're all effect the worship service too, but other than just the technical side of worship, I need to be thinking about the personal side of worship. Maybe by thinking of things like these: (all the following names are made up) "Tim wasn't here for practice, I wonder how he's doing? Mary mentioned her mom was sick, I should call and ask how she's handling it? Bill has been playing for 6 weeks straight, I should tell him how much I appreciate him. Ed mentioned money is tight, is there some way the team can help?" These ?'s are the ones that so many times I think of, but fail to actually act out. It's funny too because personally, I really need that. I need to know people care and that I'm appreciated, yet it's not something I've been great at showing others. I really hope that I grow a lot in this area, and more than that, I hope that anyone I lead, will always have the confidence that I'm more than a team leader, but that I'm a friend who truly cares about them. Whether it be by an encouraging word, a quick phone call, or even just a pat on the back to say "good job", I hope that I can communicate to our team and to anyone else that I may lead, that I care.

In my next blog, I'll share part two of "being a leader others want to follow: People knowing they can trust You."

Worship Leading: Taking your audience on a journey WITH you.

Just recently I've been given the privilege of helping lead worship on Sunday mornings - so far, this has been an amazing experience, and it's only just begun.
I would like to share with you what I'm learning on this journey of becoming a well-rounded worship leader:

1. Taking your audience on a journey "with" you:
One area I've really had to grow in (and still have room to grow in) is opening my eyes and connecting with the audience. Before People's Church, I'd never even thought about this, and it's definitely not something that came natural at first. Not at all. In fact, I've always been the type to get really nervous just before singing. So for me, there's nothing more comforting than to just close my eyes, close everyone else out, and just pretend like it's just me and God. That usually always helps - unfortunately, the second I close my eyes, and decide to make it my worship time, I'm closing everyone else off and sending the message, "Here. Watch me worship and watch me on my journey with the Lord". Rather, the message I need to be sending is, "Here. Come with me and let's take this journey together." Brian Rush, the Programming Director at our church, is the one who gave me this nugget of wisdom, and it's something that has not only challenged me in the ways that I lead, but also in the way that I perceive my audience. They're not just spectators, and they're definitely not there to listen to me sing. They're my brothers, my sisters, my friends, and they're there because they're seeking. Seeking more of God and more of His presence. I pray that as I grow, I can learn to "lead" others into His presence in such a way that they know we're all in this journey together.

In my next blog, I'll share how I'm learning to be "a leader others would want to follow".

Drop that cookie!

I made a discovery this morning.... my jeans are a little snugger than they were before Thanksgiving. That could mean only one thing - I've eaten way too much over the holiday =). I can't say that I'm surprised, because I'm not. I almost expected to gain some weight simply because I love eating, and I love Turkey and all the fixings!!!! That's okay. I'm 3 pounds up from where I was, but now that Thanksgiving is over, I'm going to get back down to business. I have to. I'd much rather do it now than wait and have 5 or even 10 pounds to lose. Right now I'm at 132. 129 here I come. And once I get there, I may even tag on an extra 4 pounds and try to get to 125. That would be amazing! Hard, but amazing! Wish me luck! =)

There's no place like home =)

well vacation is definitely over, but it's so good to be home. the phrase, "there's no place like home" is so true. i don't know why, but there's just something about being in your own living room or your own bed, that beats being anywhere else.
with vacation being over, i'm back to work, and jace is getting back into his routine. this is definitely a good thing. for me it's good because i missed being at work. i have to say, i'm one of few people that can probably say i love where i work and all of the people i work with. being at people's church has completely revoluntionized my way of thinking in so many ways, and all in good ways. it's a place where i have great relationships, great leadership, and great rewards. i'm so glad to be back in OK, and back in the swing of things!
for jace it's a good thing because being on vacation really took a toll on his schedule. he's a pretty routined kid, and while on vacation, the word "routine" really didn't exist for us. each day was something like this: hop in the car. hug some necks. pass jace around. eat. say goodbyes. hop back in the car. hug more necks. pass jace around.... i think you get the picture. toward the end of the week, jace was definitely losing his patience with us, and it's no wonder. once we arrived in OK, i took jace to the pediatrician for a check up and not only was he exhausted from the busy travel, but he had a double ear infection! =( atleast now that we're home, and he's got some antibiotics, the both of us can get back to life like normal. ahh! home sweet home!

Things I'm Thankful For:

I just finished reading my husband's blog, and in it he included some things he was thankful for. Well I thought, in light of tomorrow being Thanksgiving, I'll share with you all a few things I'm thankful for as well.

1. Faithfulness: The Lord has been so faithful to Chris and I. From the day we were married, we've always looked to Him for direction, and as long as we've been faithful in the small areas of our lives, He's been more than faithful in all the big areas. It's amazing how just by placing our trust in Him, everything just always seems to fall into place. Thank You Lord for reminding us daily, that our lives are in Your hands, and that You'll always meet our needs.

2. Health: With all the sickness that's attacked some of our family and friends in the past year, I can't help but be thankful to God for his protection over me and my family. Yeah, we've had little colds here and there, (mostly Chris), but for the most part, He's kept us healthy and strong. Especially our little guy Jace. With as many germs as he comes in contact with, it's amazing to me that he's only been sick once since he was born. Each and every day I pray over him and his health, and God has been faithful every step of the way. Thank you Lord for your hand of protection over me and my family.

3. Family: Being home for Thanksgiving has been a real blessing. It's always great for Chris and I to get to see our parents and our brother, sisters, and so forth. But even moreso, I'm so thankful to have a loving husband and an adorable son. From the time Chris and I started dating, I always knew I could turn to him for love, protection, and honesty. He's my best friend and an amazing companion. I am so glad that the Lord brought us together. I truly am a very lucky lady!
Jace, well I could write a book on how he's changed my life! Not only has he shown me that I can love in a way I never thought possible, but he's made me a more loving, patient, and kind person. Seeing the joy in his eyes always lights up my day, and every day I get off work, I'm always looking forward to picking him up and getting a big hug from my little man! He's such a charmer, and he's definitely won me over!... and he knows it! I love that little guy so much. Thank you Lord for giving me the privilage of being a mom!

I hope everyone has a wonderful Thanksgiving. Don't forget to take a moment to be thankful for all God has given you. =)

Why I love vacations:

So right now I'm sitting with my feet up, reclined on the couch, Jace is upstairs snoozing, and there's nothing in the air but peace and quiet. No dinner to cook, no house to clean, no work to do, just simply sit here and do nothing! I love it! In fact, this morning I slept in..... actually almost every morning I've slept in =) and it's been wonderful!
Now being on vacation, isn't necessarily always this relaxing for us, especially when we decide to spend it here in Indy where all of our family live. If we're not careful, instead of relaxing, we can spend the entire visit driving from one person's house to the next. It's such an easy mistake to make, and we've made it many times before. All of our families live here, and of coarse, they all want to see Jace - who wouldn't! So knowing that, we planned ahead. This time home, we made it appoint to spend one night all to ourselves, and that night was last night. In fact, we didn't even bring Jace. We left him with Nina (grandma) for the night, and Chris and I hopped in the car and escaped all the hustle and bustle of being home for the holidays. It was great! We went out for dinner at this nice place called, "Rick's Boatyard and Cafe" where we had the most amazing goat cheese and french bread for an appetizer. And then for our main coarse, Chris selected these yummy pork chops and I chose the pan seared Tilapia and Shrimp. It was DE-LISHOUS!! =) Afterward, we spent some time together at our hotel and then decided to cheat on our diet and go out for late night hot fudge "sippable sundaes" from Steak n' Shake! Those were pretty good too! Then we relaxed, watched a late night movie and snoozed off into wonderful, un-interrupted sleep! It was awesome! The only downside is that we didn't plan to stay for two nights instead of one =)
So for the rest of our stay here, I don't think we'll be doing much, but that's okay. I think I like vacations better that way.

I'm such a kid!

So we just started our "Secret Santa" at work this week between all of us office ladies and the kid in me is so excited. I don't know what's more fun. Walking in the office to find a neatly, wrapped gift with MY name on it, or placing one somewhere for someone else, and them having no clue it's from me! I know I'm 24, but really I'm 100% kid at heart - just ask my husband!
It's funny. Yesterday I needed some pretty, red ribbon for my special gift, and the only place I could think of having any was in the attic with all the rest of our Christmas decorations. So of coarse, I didn't see this as an obstacle. No this was an opportunity to get the Christmas tree down and all of the wonderful stuff that goes along with it. Excited I ran to Chris and said, "OOoo. I need to get ribbon, but it's with all the Christmas stuff.... wanna help me take down the tree?!" He looked at me with a sheepish smile and said, "Are you serious? It's not even Thanksgiving. Babe, if we get that tree down, you're going to put it up in the next couple of days, even though, you know we're going to be super busy before we go vacation. Somehow you'll find a way and put it up. You're so impulsive." I replied, "YUP! So can you help me?!!" ha ha ha. Needless to say, my wonderful hubby gave into my pleas, and now our Christmas tree is patiently awaiting me to take it out of the box and dress it all up! Who knows. Maybe I'll surprise Chris and not even bother with it at all. We'll see because just thinking about it makes me get the warm and fuzzies!

4 days and counting!!!

It's almost time! Yes, I can't wait! In four days, (Thursday afternoon to be exact) we're flying home to Indy to visit family, and we're so excited. Being away from family makes you miss them so much, but it's also nice because you appreciate the time when you do see them so much more. I can think of a million reason's I love going home for the holidays, but here are just a few:

1. Mom's cooking - Hello?!! Yes, that's who I get my interest in food from, and if anyone can throw down, it's my mom! For thanksgiving she's making a roast, as oppose to the traditional turkey, and I can't wait! yum!!!

2. Turkey! Yeah, mom's not making turkey, but Chris's dad is! That's the benefit of having several families to visit - more food =)

3. Jace - Everyone is busting at the seems to see Jace. They can hardly wait, and neither can we. It will be so great to see Jace love on his grandparents, especially since he loves giving hugs right now =)

4. Memories - Even though I wasn't born in Indy, I spent all of middle school and high school there and needless to say, I have many wonderful memories there. I love going back and feeling like I'm back in my old home town.

5. Shopping - The day after Thanksgiving is always one of my favorite days to spend with my mom. We hit the stores running at around 5 am.... SO FUN! I can't wait!

6. Friends and Family - My dad, mom, brothers, in laws, nieces, nephews, all of them. I can't wait to see them and give them all a big hug and a kiss!

7. Thanksgiving - it's one of my favorite holidays and so far Chris and I have been lucky enough to always be home to spend it with family.

8. The cold - Even though I'm enjoying the mild weather here in OK, it will be nice to get out into the crisp air and be reminded of what winter really feels like.

9. Date Night! - The nice thing about going home, is everyone wants to see Jace, which is great. It gives Chris and I the perfect opportunity to go out just the two of us... and that doesn't happen often! =)

10. Christmas Tree - Yes I'm like a kid at heart when it comes to putting up the Christmas Tree - I can hardly wait. And I know, once we get back to OK, it's officially time to put it up!!! So the sooner we leave, the sooner we get to come back, and I get to put up the tree!! =) ... Even though I already threw Christmas lights up all over our house and yard! lol