Closer Than Your Heartbeat

My Liz list.

2011-08-14T07:58:00.000-05:00

My Liz list. In honor of her birthday, because she's so awesome. And she likes randomness. And because she likes lists.

*She came 2 weeks early!
*I didn't get to hold her for the first 48 hours, because I had fever. We still bonded :)
*She had her days & nights mixed up as an infant. Good preparation for now.
*When she was about 5, she was holding the baby while I did the dishes. He got cranky and I said "I'm coming." But I didn't come, until she asked, "Mommy, do you love the dishes more than you love your baby?"
*Liz likes to help others. I have a picture of Liz standing in the washer. She was too young to reach in and get the clothes out, but she found a way to help. I also have a picture of her ironing. I think she was 6.
*Liz refused to admit that she knew how to read, until she was about 7. I think she knew sooner, but didn't want to make anyone else feel bad. A sad day for me was when she was reading a novel and didn't even look up as I walked by with a huge load of laundry. Up until then, I hadn't folded clothes alone. She was always up to it, as long as they were fresh out of the dryer!
*When she was about 8 or 9, someone asked Liz what her favorite verse was. We expected to hear John 3:16 or something familiar to kids. Her answer: Well, that changes. But right now, "The heart is deceitful above all things, and desperately wicked: who can know it? Jeremiah 17:9" (Thank you, Awanas.)
*As a teen, Liz was extremely tolerant of my dad's dementia and failing health. I saw a strength in her that I needed in my own life. Around this same time, I saw that she valued the wisdom of older people, like her grandmas & grandpas. But others, too. For that I'm thankful.
*She sings when it's least expected. And loudly. And somehow makes the rest of the people around her join in!
*She got a passport before I did. And she used it before I used mine!
*Liz studies. That's how she learns. It doesn't come easy, even though it might look easy, it's not.
*Liz & her sister Ruth are best friends. OK, I'm choking up now.
*Other things. Journaling. Thrift shops. Photography. Chocolate. Milk. Letters, handwritten. Coffee. Mugs. Teas. Straws. A good ol' Mason jar suits her just fine.

There's so much more I want to say, but I'll save it for another day. And at that time, I might add pictures, because she does love pictures!

Brave Heart

2011-07-20T07:47:00.000-05:00

I wrote after Liz left for a semester in Niger...I turn to it often...

Brave Heart
©2008 Eva Wilson

v1
The gift God gave me years ago is walking away
A strong arrow of my quiver is flying today
Spreading your wings ~ feeling the breeze beneath you
Knowing the Almighty One will carry you through

chorus
Brave heart, following God’s call
Whole heart, offering your all
Kind heart, eyes of mercy, go and share your smile
Brave heart, brave heart, I’ll see you in a while

V2
A tiny seed God planted is deep in my heart
A faith in Him to watch over you, wherever you are
Getting on my knees ~ down there I’m never alone
Knowing the Almighty One will help me to become

Chorus 2
A brave heart, following God’s call
A whole heart, offering my all
Your kind heart, eyes of mercy, I can almost see your smile
Brave heart, brave heart, I’ll see you in a while

10 Things That Make Me Think You're Going to Be OK :)

2011-07-19T20:08:00.003-05:00

As I reflect on the last few months, as David prepared to leave for his year in India, there were a few "aha" moments that made me think/know he'd be ok...there are so many more things than what I will say here, but this is a start.

I dedicate this blog to my amazing son, David :)

10)You are not ashamed of the gospel of Christ, for it is the power of God to salvation to everyone who believes. Faith.
9)You surrounded yourself with awesome friends/mentors/mentorees. All of them have built you - into who you are. You checked in with the grandparents, without being asked to! Wisdom.
8)You listened to everyone's spiritual and practical counsel during your going away party. And didn't argue, or offer a better idea. You just nodded and said "I'll do my best to remember that." I've heard it put like this: "Recognizing that it is actually God and others who are responsible for the achievements in my life." Humility.
7)You woke up before me this morning. That's a first haha ok, yes, you know it's true! Initiative.
6)You packed a 49.5 lb bag, filled for people who asked you to bring them stuff. And paid about $1/lb for it without complaining! Generosity.
5)You weren't afraid to tell facebook about how you fell down the stairs on one of the most important days of your life. Enthusiasm at its best!
4)You didn't blink when the strap on your new duffel bag broke before you even left home. Flexibility.
3)You insisted that you hadn't seen your passport today. Combo comedy/freakinoutedy.
2)You wanted a Chick-fil-A sandwich & a large sweet tea on the way to the airport! That's my boy! And you limited it to only 1 meal. Self-control.
1)You didn't look back once you got to the security point at the airport. You can be sure that your dad & I stood there until those nice people at security asked us to leave! That's security. Structuring your life around that which is eternal and cannot be destroyed or taken away. Security.

I want to be like you, David. And if I can, I will in turn, become more like Christ. Thank you for pointing the way, all along the way.

You are loved! You are sealed!

John 6:27
"Do not work for the food which perishes, but for the food which endures to eternal life, which the Son of Man will give to you, for on Him the Father, God, has set His seal."

Honk if ya love Jesus

2011-03-07T17:53:00.004-06:00

Confession, yes, that was me, sitting on Woodland Hills Dr, honking at a car whose driver stopped right there in front of the middle school to pick up her child & her child wasn't anywhere in sight. That's a lane, woman. Not a parking lot. Please don't smile and wave me on around. I can't see when I'm honking :)

(For the record, I don't know where I learned to honk. It certainly wasn't Barry. I don't remember my folks ever honking. I guess I've ridden in the car with my kids just once too many) :)

And Jonathan was with me. He starts drivers' ed classes tomorrow night. This should be fun. I can see him now, honking at cars instead of graciously making a detour, like his mom taught him :)

Favorites...

2011-02-14T08:51:00.000-06:00

After I lovingly HURRIED the husband & kids out the door, I sat down & read LOVE in the Bible. Here's some of my favorites:

Notice the first mention of "love" is when God required Abram to give his only son!

Genesis 22:2
He said, "Take now your son, your only son, whom you love, Isaac, and go to the land of Moriah, and offer him there as a burnt offering on one of the mountains of which I will tell you."

Deuteronomy 7:9
"Know therefore that the LORD your God, He is God, the faithful God, who keeps His covenant and His lovingkindness to a thousandth generation with those who love Him and keep His commandments."

Psalm 146:8
The LORD opens the eyes of the blind; The LORD raises up those who are bowed down; The LORD loves the righteous."

Proverbs 15:17
"Better is a dish of vegetables where love is than a fattened ox served with hatred."

Mark 12:29-31
Jesus answered, "The foremost is, 'HEAR, O ISRAEL! THE LORD OUR GOD IS ONE LORD;

AND YOU SHALL LOVE THE LORD YOUR GOD WITH ALL YOUR HEART, AND WITH ALL YOUR SOUL, AND WITH ALL YOUR MIND, AND WITH ALL YOUR STRENGTH.'

"The second is this, 'YOU SHALL LOVE YOUR NEIGHBOR AS YOURSELF.' There is no other commandment greater than these."

John 3:16
"For God so loved the world, that He gave His only begotten Son, that whoever believes in Him shall not perish, but have eternal life."

John 15:8-10 "My Father is glorified by this, that you bear much fruit, and so prove to be My disciples. Just as the Father has loved Me, I have also loved you; abide in My love. If you keep My commandments, you will abide in My love; just as I have kept My Father's commandments and abide in His love."

Romans 5:8 "But God demonstrates His own love toward us, in that while we were yet sinners, Christ died for us."

Romans 13:8 "Owe nothing to anyone except to love one another; for he who loves his neighbor has fulfilled the law."

Galatians 2:20
"I have been crucified with Christ; and it is no longer I who live, but Christ lives in me; and the life which I now live in the flesh I live by faith in the Son of God, who loved me and gave Himself up for me."

Ephesians 4:15
"But speaking the truth in love, we are to grow up in all aspects into Him who is the head, even Christ."

1 Timothy 4:12
"Let no one look down on your youthfulness, but rather in speech, conduct, love, faith and purity, show yourself an example of those who believe."

Hebrews 13:5
Make sure that your character is free from the love of money, being content with what you have; for He Himself has said, "I WILL NEVER DESERT YOU, NOR WILL I EVER FORSAKE YOU."

1 Peter 4:8
Above all, keep fervent in your love for one another, because love covers a multitude of sins.

1 John 3:16
We know love by this, that He laid down His life for us; and we ought to lay down our lives for the brethren.

Jude 1:21
"Keep yourselves in the love of God, waiting anxiously for the mercy of our Lord Jesus Christ to eternal life."

Revelation 12:11
"And they overcame him because of the blood of the Lamb and because of the word of their testimony, and they did not love their life even when faced with death."

2010.

2011-01-24T09:31:00.000-06:00

I love numbers (ya know!!) and I thought it was funny that some of 2010 came in groups of 2.

2 of our kids accepted Christ, and were baptized…Hannah & Stephen (and we’re thankful that all the other kids were able to attend)

2 graduates…David graduated from Kingwood Park High School. Liz graduated from SFASU.

2 kidney sonograms (but all’s well…it was just really weird)

2 kids DIDN'T change rooms. All the rest did! What a mess...

2 ER visits (glad that’s behind us!)

2 “Getaways” – Barry & I celebrated our 25 anniversary in Gatlinburg, TN, and also spent a few days in Richmond, VA

2 Songwriting trips – "Write About Jesus" in St. Louis, MO & "You Can Write a Song" in Nashville, TN

2 girls working overseas!!!

2 girls taken off our auto insurance (ok, so, yes, I HAD to mention this!!!)

And last, but not least, 2 grandbabies! Not born, but HUGGED!!! We welcomed Jacob’s little brother, Levi, into our lives…what a precious gift LIFE is! Thank You, Lord!!! The boys are such a joy!!! Barry and I love being grandparents!

Then there’s the number 1. The number of cars added to the fleet. The number of vans we retired (I understand Old Blue is in Oldsmobile Heaven). The number of fender-benders in 2010. The number of teen drivers added to our insurance...oh, I should’ve quit while I was ahead…

From where I stand...

2010-10-18T10:16:00.001-05:00

From where I stand, I can't see very far. I want to, but I can't. I want to see what God sees. I want to see how He sees. Not to be "like God." Only to gain mercy & compassion for souls.

I want the heart for God that I see in my girls. That relentlessness. The ground-breaking faith. Mountain-moving. The trust in God that only comes by waiting. And obeying.

As I was praying this morning, I recalled these words I wrote last year for a friend. Today I need it. Maybe you do, too.

Only a Seed

v1
Rising out of the hardened ground

With no parade, without a sound

Only a seed, but it will grow

Waiting for the end of the night

Longing for the morning light

A tender seedling, but, oh so strong

chorus
It already moves a mountain
Can already change the world
In the corner of the garden
Planted by the Lord
Only a seed today
Only a seed that's all it takes
Only a seed
Of faith

v2

Pushing doubt and all fear away

Where once the smallest seed was placed

Now stands a tree, the tallest tree

Offering shelter from the sun

Safe in the shade are all who come

Come if you're weary, oh, bring your seed

chorus
It already moves a mountain
Can already change the world
In the corner of the garden
Planted by the Lord
Only a seed today
Only a seed that's all it takes
Only a seed
Of faith

From where I stand, it's pretty dark sometimes. But only because I'm in His shadow. And in the shadow of others who have lived a life of abandon.

I pray you can find rest in Him today. Come if you're weary, oh, bring your seed.

Brave Heart (for Liz)

2010-10-04T12:27:00.005-05:00

Brave Heart

The gift God gave me years ago is walking away

A strong arrow of my quiver is flying today

Spreading your wings ~ feeling the breeze beneath you

Knowing the Almighty One will carry you through

chorus

Brave heart, following God’s call

Whole heart, offering your all

Kind heart, eyes of mercy, go and share your smile

Brave heart, brave heart, I’ll see you in a while

A tiny seed God planted is deep in my heart

A faith in Him to watch over you, wherever you are

Getting on my knees ~ down there I’m never alone

Knowing the Almighty One will help me to become

Chorus 2

A Brave heart, following God’s call

A Whole heart, offering my all

Your kind heart, eyes of mercy, I can almost see your smile

Brave heart, brave heart, I’ll see you in a while

Brave Heart

So this is how it feels...

2010-10-04T10:15:00.000-05:00

So this is what it feels like when your daughter marries &
moves away. You have to love the son-in-law in new ways. Those
"no-matter-what's" become such a clear reality. Not that I'm God's
mother-in-law, but, um, yeah, I'm nagging Him like I am!!!

I love God in a new way. Fresh encounters. Aware & alert.

My old, stale, tired, used faith is renewed in God's great faithfulness. Mercy!!!

a day in the life

2010-09-29T08:04:00.004-05:00

It was on a Tuesday.

6am Wake up 3 teens.
6:01 Wake up 3 teens.
6:02 Wake up 3 teens.

Each time I walk into their rooms, I pass 3 trunks, 3 suitcases, and a very special backpack. As if I need a reminder that Liz is leaving Monday, to work in Southeast Asia for 2 years. I wish we had more time together. Then there's Ruth. In 3 months, she will trek out on the World Race. Serving in 11 countries in 11 months. She jokes that someday she'll adopt 11 children. Or maybe she's not joking.

Soon I hear in one ear: "Mom, can you pick me up early?"

And in the other: "Mom, can you pick me up late?"

At 7am, I received a text from a 12 yr old that started out, "I have a friend who needs a place to stay, and you came to mind..." Lord, I haven't even had coffee yet! It ended up being a text about inviting Jesus into our lives. :) Who needs coffee, when you have friends. And family!!!

I got all the kids delivered, then I started on my bookkeeping job (work from home, hired twice this year...don't ask me for a job, y'all :) But as I started printing out the bank statements, I discovered that the new printer was malfunctioning. Our last printer went out, under warranty, and it sounded like a jack hammer was trapped inside of it, trying to get out. Maybe I'll get to talk to the nice gentleman who helped me before. Chances. Are. Not. Not. A. Chance.

I worked on the cash receipts, hoping the printer would repair itself. Then Barry called & asked if I had time for lunch. We went to Fuddruckers. I think I ate. I think it was really delicious. I hardly remember. But I remember the phone calls.

I saw a call coming in on my cell, and answered, only because it was a 641 number. That normally means the nurse is calling. Or one of the kids left their lunch or athletic uniform at home. But this time, it was one of the kids, telling me they got caught texting in class. And he had to put the teacher on the phone. Joy. Joy. At least she has a teen, and knows how I feel. Not that my feelings are all that important. It's not like that. Child will pay the fee to get the phone released. I'm fining Child, too, for the hassle of going to the principal's office. I have my standards!!

Next, a friend called, screaming "There's a bird in my house!" She obviously just wanted to share the moment with me. She didn't appreciate my advice that if she left the doors & windows open, something that likes to eat birds would soon find its way into her house, and the problem would be solved. I thought that's what my Moma would tell her. I even offered to give her Moma's phone number. Oh, well. I tried!

When I got home from lunch, it was back to the books. Still, the printer didn't work. I troubleshooted online. Then the internet went out. So I worked on the cash receipts. Ha. Soon it was time to pick up the kids.

I then received a call from my friend who also has 9 kids. It's been too long since we've seen each other, or even talked! We played phone tag until one of the kids came in, throwing up.

In one ear, I heard "Mom, I'm going to throw up."

In the other, I heard "Mom, why is the internet running so slow?"

I left, to pick up kids from the 3 schools.

I heard the sick child singing in the shower, and knew he was ok :)

Dinner. Um, can we just fend for ourselves tonight?

A little while later, it was "Mom, how do you spell sopapilla?" (that's the nickname for one of our cars!!)

"Mom, I need to go to the store. I have my list from my teacher."

And the list goes on.

I frequently get phone calls asking "Mom, where are you?"

I'm not sure where I am. But I'm smiling.

free parental advice...more to come

2010-07-28T08:44:00.003-05:00

I don't like being the grown-up. It's not in my personality. But at some point in parenting, I had to become the grown-up. It's nothing new. My parents grew up. And their parents. And theirs. And the list goes on. Now it's our turn, right?

As much as you hate to hear it, the challenges of parenting have changed since you became a parent. And chances are, your child is more technologically savvy than you. This is when you have to rely on your gut feelings. And listen to those who are walking a step or two ahead of you. I'm trying to learn & grow from others, and in turn, I'd like to pass on some counsel I've heard from other parents, and a few things I had to learn the hard way. Still learning!

Here's a list (an incomplete list) of things you may or may not have thought of:

1. Begin your parenting early in your child's life :)
2. Remember you are not alone. There's nothing you face that surprises God, and He is by your side, to wipe that stupefied look at your face. Time and again!
3. Children may cry out for boundaries.
4. Children may ignore boundaries.
5. Children may cry out for mercy.
6. Children may ignore mercy.
7. Boundaries change, depending on the age of the child. A preschooler can not go near the road. An elementary-aged child might be allowed in the road. Then you're back to square one with your teens as you confiscate the keys to the car. Do not go near the road. :)
8. Parenting requires courage. That's not something you can buy at the store. It's available in two places. Only two places. In the Word of God, and on your knees before the Lord.
9. You need wisdom. Not "as seen on TV" wisdom. Available only where courage is found. See #8 for locations near you.
10. If your child has a cell phone, ck the call & text records. You might find out why your child sleeps all day.
11. With your child, establish a cut-off time for social networking, gaming, TV, movies, etc. And unplug. That means the internet modem, TV cable boxes, cordless house phones, anything that a child can connect to instead of sleeping. (Reserve the right to take away all of the above if you have to leave during the day. It's your responsibility to protect your child on the internet and phone, the best you can.)
12. Hide all those things you just unplugged. Take a key and lock it up if you have to, so you can sleep!
13. If a laptop is accessible in your home, remember that your kid might be capable of finding a neighbor's internet network. So, taking the modem might not be enough.
14. Your child is capable of lying. That means he/she may say something that's not true. Or might leave out details that are actually important.
15. You are capable of believing lies. That means you accept that sweet, innocent look on a face...while it's trying to cover a guilty heart.
16. If you think you hear something, you probably do.
17. If you think you know something, you probably do.
18. If you think you smell something, you probably do.
19. If you think you saw something, you probably did.
20. If you think you felt something, guess what, you probably did. It was your child, growing up.

Are you going to grow up with him or her? It's your choice.

i've been....

2010-04-23T08:07:00.002-05:00

"I've been lied on, cheated
Talked about, mistreated
I've been used, scorned
Talked about sore as bone
I've been up, down
Almost to the ground"

And that was before I even got all the kids in the car for school!!!!

"But long as I got king Jesus
Long as got King Jesus
Long long long as i got King Jesus
I don't need nobody else"*

and now, off to the rest of my day....

*Lyric from a Vicki Winans' song "Long As I've Got King Jesus"

lyrically speaking....

2010-04-21T22:18:00.002-05:00

we all agree that the music is extremely critical in a song, but let's talk about the importance of words...the lyric...sometimes when I'm writing, it just won't fly...I have to read down the lyric, as if it was a story...then if I'm singing, and start to say something that doesn't connect, like YOU really don't know the significance of, I try change it...like modernizing a hymn..apply it...make it more personal

ps - my oh-so-wise friend, Sue C Smith recently said you shouldn't use a word in a song that you haven't used in the last 2 years...that very same day, my mom said bosom, and my son said hoodlum...so, I'd like to add to Sue's counsel:

just because you've used a word in the last 2 years doesn't give you permission to use it in a song!

hey, I wonder if I'm the only one who noticed that bosom and hoodlum are a near rhyme?

it's been a day, well, almost!

2010-04-20T21:28:00.003-05:00

I've almost blogged for 7 months straight.

Sometimes I sat down to blog, and got too deep, too fast. Felt like a sermon instead of just talking. Soapboxing. Other times, I tried, and just couldn't get my thoughts together. But I'm going to try to get back into it, slowly, but surely.

It's been a day. I couldn't think straight when I first woke up. Couldn't remember what day it was, or even what city I lived in. Ever have that feeling? I'd been up in the night with Stephen (I'll spare you the details of our latest stomach virus), and just couldn't get my thoughts together.

*I almost forgot to wake up David. Or re-wake him up. Exactly how many times should you have to go back in a teen's room, to be sure he's up? Well, he & Michael made it out the door on time. Well, almost...not as late as we normally consider late.

*Then at breakfast, I almost made paprika toast instead of cinnamon toast! Why do they both have red lids, anyway? Makes no sense to me!

*I also almost lost it when an unnamed Wilson said "Make my breakfast, Stupid!" ~ to me. The person said it to ME! Three or four lectures later, as I was dropping off kids at school, I almost turned the wrong way, not knowing which rat race I was supposed to be in. The kids laughed at me. I guess I laughed, too.

*Later, I almost forgot to call the school to let them know Stephen was sick. Oops, I never got through to the voicemail. Guess I'll send a note tomorrow. That'll have to do!

*And today was our ladies' Bible study brunch, a share time for the Revelation study. I almost made myself go, although I was dragging. It's the right thing to do, right? Keep commitments, I told myself. And I'd planned to take Chicken Picante. But then I realized there was fever with my sinus headache (it's better tonight, Mom), and made the call to my leader...I was also going to sing a song I wrote, but obviously God had other plans. So Stephen and I took it easy.

*This afternoon, a Write About Jesus friend, Cory Edwards, met me on Skype to write a song...we almost finished it...not bad for our first co-write! And it's a great song! We started another one, too.

*It was almost 3pm when I realized I never had my coffee.

Tonight was laundry & dishes...and of course, I almost finished them.

As I started looking at the day, at all the things I almost did, projects unfinished, etc, I felt a bit defeated. That's when that gentle, quiet voice whispered GOOD into my ear. I did spent time in God's Word. And in prayer. I did share my faith in Christ with someone. I did have a long conversation with a friend about loss. And I did feed my family, something. Can't remember what it was! And I was able to do some bookkeeping and housework, answer some emails, and no telling what else!

And the Voice brought two Scriptures to mind:

Exodus 17:4
Then Moses cried out to the LORD, "What am I to do with these people? They are almost ready to stone me."

I know the feeling, Moses...I know the feeling!!!

Luke 24:28-30
As they approached the village to which they were going, Jesus acted as if he were going farther. But they urged him strongly, "Stay with us, for it is nearly evening; the day is almost over." So he went in to stay with them.

When he was at the table with them, he took bread, gave thanks, broke it and began to give it to them.

That's how I feel about this day, Lord...stay with us...it's almost over...

I Kid You Not

2009-09-02T15:44:00.004-05:00

Today I had lunch with a good friend. Afterwards, I was on the way to drop off at her house, when my cell phone rang. It was a # I didn't recognize, but I always answer because I never know whose phone my kids might use.

It wasn't one of my kids.

I kid u not, this guy says this is _____ with Fuddrucker's, then asked for me by name.

He then explained that he was drawing business cards for the free meals of the month at Fuddruckers. I didn't hang up, because I did drop a business card there, last time I ate at Fudd's.

He said he noticed I'm a songwriter, and asked if I ever need anyone to sing my songs!

His story goes on like this: they're cutting my hours, and I'm looking for ways to make some money on the side!!

He said he used to sing, and his voice is coming back. And as a matter of fact, that he was in the mood to sing!!!

though it cost all you have...

2009-09-01T18:57:00.005-05:00

It recently dawned on me that this year is the only time we'll have 2 kids in elementary, 2 in middle school, 2 in high school, and 2 in college.

David graduates from high school this May, just after Liz graduates from college with her teaching certificate.

Wisdom is supreme; therefore get wisdom. Though it cost all you have, get understanding. Proverbs 4:7

...and He will lift you up

2009-08-26T09:29:00.005-05:00

We've been studying James in Sunday School. Last week's lesson was on humility, and I ran across this list in my Bible today:

Characteristics of a proud, unbroken spirit as compared to a humble, broken spirit:

1. Proud people focus on the failures of others.

Broken people are overwhelmed with the sense of their own spiritual need.

2. Proud people are seIf-righteous- have a critical, fault-finding spirit looking at everyone else’s faults with a microscope but their own with a telescope. They look down on others.

Broken people are compassionate. They can forgive much because they know how much they have been forgiven. They think the best of others and esteem all others better themselves.

3. Proud people have an independent, self-sufficient spirit.

Broken people have a dependent spirit and recognize their need for others.

4. Proud people have to prove that they are right.

Broken people are willing to yield the right to be right.

5. Proud people claim rights and have demanding spirit.

Broken people yield their rights and have a meek spirit.

6. Proud people are self-protective of their time and their rights and their reputation.

Broken people are self-denying.

7. Proud people desire to be served.

Broken people are motivated to serve others.

8. Proud people desire to be a success.

Broken people are motivated to be faithful and make others successful.

9. Proud people desire for self-advancement.

Broken people desire to promote others.

10. Proud people have a drive to be recognized and appreciated and are wounded when others are promoted and they are overlooked.

Broken people have a sense of their own unworthiness and are thrilled that God would use them at all in any ministry, they are eager to give others the credit and they rejoice when others are lifted up.

11. Proud people have a sub conscious feeling this ministry is privileged to have me and my gifts and they think of what they can do for God.

Broken people have a heart attitude that says I don’t deserve to have any part in this ministry and they have nothing to offer to God, but the life of Jesus flowing through their broken lives.

12. Proud people feel confident in how much they know.

Broken people are humbled by how very much they have to learn.

13. Proud people are self conscious.

Broken people are not concerned with self at all.

14. Proud people keep others at arm’s length.

Broken people are willing to risk getting close to others and loving intimately.

15. Proud people are quick to blame others.

Broken people accept personal responsibility and can see where they were wrong in a situation.

16. Proud people are unapproachable.

Broken people are easy to be entreated.

17. Proud people are defensive when criticized.

Broken people receive criticism with an open, humble Spirit.

18. Proud people are concerned with being respectable and what others think and working to protect their own image and reputation.

Broken people are concerned with being real what they care about is what God knows and are willing to die to their own reputation.

19. Proud people find it difficult to share their spiritual needs with others.

Broken people are willing to be open and transparent with others as God directs.

20. Proud people want to be sure that no one knows they have sinned to cover up.

Broken people are willing to be exposed because they have nothing to lose.

21. Proud people have a hard time In saying, “I was wrong, will you forgive me.”

Broken people are quick to admit their failures and seek forgiveness when necessary.

22. Proud people in confessing their sins, tend to deal in generalities.

Broken people are able to deal with the specific conviction of God’s spirit.

23. Proud people fear consequences of their sin.

Broken people are grieved over the cause the root of their sin.

24. Proud people are remorseful they got found out.

Broken people are repentant over their sin which is evidenced by the fact they forsake them

25. Proud people when misunderstood in relationships, wait for the other one to come and ask for forgiveness.

Broken people take the initiative to see if they can get to the Cross first no matter how wrong the other may have been.

26. Proud people compare themselves with others and feel worthy of honor.

Broken people compare themselves with the holiness of God and feel a desperate need for mercy.

27. Proud people are blind to their real heart condition.

Broken people walk in the light.

28. Proud people think they have nothing to be repentant of.

Broken people realize that they have a need of a continual heart attitude of repentance.

29. Proud people are unbroken and don’t think they need revival, but they are sure everyone else does.

Broken people continually sense their need for a fresh encounter with God for a fresh filling of His Holy Spirit.

Food for Thought:

Luke 18:13-14 And the tax collector, standing afar off, would not so much as raise his eyes to heaven, but beat his breast, saying, ‘God, be merciful to me a sinner!’ I tell you, this man went down to his house justified rather than the other; for everyone who exalts himself will be humbled, and he who humbles himself will be exalted.”

Romans 12:16
Be of the same mind toward one another. Do not set your mind on high things, but associate with the humble. Do not be wise in your own opinion.

James 4:6
But He gives more grace. Therefore He says: “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

James 4:10
Humble yourselves in the sight of the Lord, and He will lift you up.

1 Peter 5:5 Yes, all of you be submissive to one another, and be clothed with humility, for “God resists the proud, But gives grace to the humble.”

Q&A's re: being a songwriting mama

2009-07-22T23:26:00.002-05:00

I've recently had some questions trickling in, and a friend told me I should just blog about some of it. My walk with God has had some unexpected bends in the road, as He has led me into a songwriting ministry. I will try to address a few things in this note...hope this helps!!! :)

Q: Why don't you make a CD?
A: God hasn't put that on my heart. My desire is to honor God with the words of my heart and the meditation of my heart. Sometimes I work on the music, too, but I'm really not a vocalist. Fine in the choir, maybe. Ha.

Q: How do you write online?
A: Pray! Pray! Pray! We need the Lord to meet with us, in each and every co-writing session! Then we use Email, Instant Messaging, Facebook, GoogleDocs, Myspace, and even texting! Sometimes it's all of the above along with long phone calls! Or leaving messages on each other's phones, when we can't get to the computer to record an idea ;)

Q: How do you find time to write?
A: How do you find time to breathe? OK, so that's not a fair question, but it's similar. There's such an awareness of the songwriting "part" of me that it's almost a reflex. I rarely say "oh, I think I'll write a song today" just as we don't say "oh, I think I'll inhale today." It's a response to life, and at the same time, a release. It comes and goes like a breath of fresh air. But when I have a co-writing appointment, I get antsy and nervous and lack confidence. Our confidence must be in the Lord, that we are following His call. It's like He whispers in my ear: Child, in all humility, stand tall.

Q: Have you written a song for each of your nine kids?
A: That's in the process. December Rain was inspired by Stephen's birth on 9/11/01. Then when Liz left for a semester in Niger, I wrote Brave Heart. Ruth's graduation from high school launched Eyes of Blue. I do some others in the works, but it's better to wait til they're ready to share. Some are more of a comic relief than anything. Someday I'll share! I did write a lyric for my grandson, Jacob, called I Choose You, but the music isn't finished. Oh, and there's a Mama song, called Holiday from Being Mama that Mitch Townley & I wrote...we should finish that!

Q: Did your parents write songs? How about your kids?
A: My parents always had a song in their hearts. I miss my Dad...He went to be with the Lord in '07. Moma still sings to my kids on the phone. I have such a precious heritage, and I'm thankful for that! Hmmmm...the kids...the older ones seem to have a deep appreciation for my attempts to write. The younger ones? I think they're confused. The other day we were in a store and they heard an old classic song and one said to the other, "Don't sing so loud." To that, the little singer said, "We can sing it as loud as we want to...cuz Mom wrote that!" I do hope they will write, whether it's songs, books, poetry, journals, blogs, facebook statuses...the list goes on!

Q: Where can I buy your songs?
A: While I do offer a few free songs if you sign up as a fan @
http://www.evawilsonmusic.com

And there are some others that are available for purchase:

In the Second Baptist North Campus Bookstore:

*Andrea C Parker's cd,
including Carpenter's Clue, Let Us Pray, & December Rain
*James Eric Myers' demo cd,
including I Will Sing, No Regrets, Holding Me, I Hunger

Own Me ~ Splendorleaf (co-written w/Ian Ferrin)

Calling On You ~ Splendorleaf (co-written w/Brandon Hixson)

Let Us Pray ~ Andrea C Parker (co-written w/Yvonne Utz)

Carpenter's Clue ~ Andrea C Parker (co-written w/Andrea & Edwin Parker)

December Rain ~ Andrea C Parker (co-written w/ Mitch Townley & Stephen Miller)

I Will Sing, No Regrets, Holding Me, & I Hunger (co-written w/ James Eric Myers)

Stephanie Raymond picked up Own Me (co-written w/Ian Ferrin) & Me and Faith Hill

April 2009 Trip to Nashville

2009-06-20T06:10:00.012-05:00

I can't believe it has taken me 2 months to write about this trip, but, as they say, better late than never!

Back in April, I had the opportunity to go to Nashville for some co-writing sessions and to attend the Dove Awards. Every detail fell into place as Barry and I considered the trip. I'm so thankful that he sees that songwriting is a ministry, and not just a little hobby on the side. Oh, and Barry didn't argue when my friend Jeannie offered to take me to the airport at 5:30am!!!! God has surrounded me with great people.

It was an uneventful flight, then, after renting my car, I headed to my first writing session. I had good directions. I had the map. Gotta love google maps! Perfect directions, usually. Easy to follow, usually. But I blinked. Missed a turn.

I should have known I'd gone too far when I got to Henpeck Lane. Right before my eyes: Henpeck Market. I kid you not! I don't even wanna go there!!! Not even!!! (Henpecking is one of my pet peeves...I guess I'll blog about that someday!!)

I found myself looking at the bright side: Getting lost with a cell phone is better than getting lost without a cell phone. Made the call. Turned around. Easily found the studio.

Writing with Benton Stokes & Dennis Dearing was a huge blessing. We sat and visited for a few minutes, then talked about how the Lord has been at work. The song quickly unfolded, and within a few hours, the guys were recording the worktape. I love love love the song. It's for Benton's next project. I can't wait to hear the new cd....someday! Such a joy to work with them. Sweet times...the Stokes/Dearing/Wilson writing session was brilliant hahaha...seriously, God met with us...it was awesome to see Him at work. By the way, we met briefly last October at an awesome workshop called Write About Jesus.

You're in for a treat as you listen to songs from Benton's last cd
http://www.shoutlife.com/bentonstokes Great stuff! With more to come!

At http://www.menacemusic.net you can see the studio where we wrote...I was sitting near the computer :) Small world: Dennis' nephew was in the Sunday School class I taught in the late 80's!!!!

We went to lunch at Pancho's place in Franklin, then called it a day. Still needed a bridge for the song, but we'd have to write the rest on the phone or online!

I left there to go check into my room. Ended up calling my friend Andrea because I couldn't find the hotel. She's my remote GPS :) And, as always, she helped me find my way. It would help if businesses were required to post their street number, like in the good ol' days. ha. Sometimes you can go many blocks without any indication of what block number you're in! And huge neon signs would help, instead of those that comply to city specifications, no? I was driving around in circles, but it was the wrong circle. Haha

Then I headed to Green Hills Mall, to meet a JP & Irene Williams. But I got lost again. And my printout of Google maps didn't help. They'd left out one tiny detail, which sent me into downtown Nashville. I knew I needed help when I saw Music Row.

About that time, a new artist friend called me from Hope, Arkansas, asking for the lyrics to "Watch Over Me" and just thinking about Psalm 121 helped calm my nerves. I gave her my username & password so she could download anything her group needed for the studio. If my account is ever hacked, I'll know where to find her!

So, then I called JP and got directions to the mall. Drove around in circles, then found it! They were waiting patiently at Panera Bread, and we had a great visit. We aren't sure how we found each other online, but I'm thankful they are my friends. Everyone should read their story. They are both musicians, and excellent writers, but best of all, they are best of friends! I loved seeing their heart for God. So special!

www.jpwilliams.net & www.theblondeleadingtheblind.wordpress.com

BTW, Green Hills Mall is THE place to meet people. I will have to remember that for next time. Just a few doors down, I met with Dean Newkirk, just to hear what the Lord's been doing in his life. I enjoyed getting to know Dean's ministry. Seems like most of our sentences kept ending with "only God could do that!" Don't ya just love God? Check out Dean's group @ http://www.myspace.com/encountermusic

Then I tagged along as he went to check out something new at the Apple store. I picked out my MacBookPro. It will certainly be a dinosaur by the time I decide to buy it in 2020, when our last child graduates from high school. :)

On the way back to my hotel, I was very grateful for unlimited miles on the rental car. I didn't see any signs saying "Welcome to Georgia", but I think maybe I crossed a few county lines!!!

I did find my way, no thanks to my GPS friend, Andrea, ahem, cuz she didn't answer the phone. Yes, I'm bitter, but better for it! OK, so a person does have to sleep, sometime, right? I forgive her. Just this once! I pulled over on the side of the highway, prayed, and after looking at the map again, decided to turn around. Thank You, Lord!!!

Next day, bright and early, I went to Alison Stevens' house for a co-writing session.. Alison & I met at IndieHeaven's CIA Summit a few yrs ago. What a precious heart!!! Not only did we have a special day, writing, reflecting on God's goodness and awesomeness and all, but we also loved on her little baby girl, Jaden. Jaden stole my heart...she's the same age as our grandson, Jacob, and the Lord knew I needed a baby-fix!!! I love love love the song we wrote, too. We'll share when the time is right (and we fill in the blank on that one phrase!)...worth the wait!!!

http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/alisonstevens

That afternoon, I met Benton for a quick bite to eat at the OpryLand Mall. We talked about our love for God, our families, ministry, music, and, yes, Tennessee! Then we walked across the street to the Dove Awards. There was no way to prepare myself for the evening. The music was excellent, and the evening was filled with surprises. There was a tribute to Dottie Rambo, and various artists filled the stage, singing songs she had written. I was glad to see Larnelle Harris, and called Barry so he could hear Larnelle singing "Oh Happy Day" :)

And, oh, yes...Natalie Grant was awesome...here's a shot from the balcony:

But, wow, the awards ceremony was more worshipful for me than I'd expected. The music was excellent, as always. But during a commercial break, there was a prayer request made for Aaron & Amanda Crabb's 2 yr old daughter. Aaron & Amanda had received a call saying little Eva had fallen out of the 2nd floor. She was in the hospital, in critical condition. We prayed until the moment we were back on live tv. You can read Eva's story at http://www.aaronandamandacrabb.com/evaupdate.phpWhat a miracle that she survived!

Later, Stephen Curtis Chapman helped bring the evening into perspective, that everything we write & sing about is true. He and Mary Beth had tragically lost their daughter, Maria, last year ~ he was speaking from experience. Through the eyes of a parent, a child of God, and a writer. He encouraged us to continue to write, to sing, to let the Lord love the world through us. Here's info about the ministry the Chapman's have established in Maria's memory http://chapmanchannel.typepad.com/marybeth/2009/06/show-hope-press-release.html

As far as the awards go, it was so fun to be there to cheer for those nominated, and I even recognized a few winners :D It was great to see Sue Smith & her mom...we even got a picture.

Later, I saw Joel Lindsay carrying his 3 Doves. I offered to help carry them, and he posed for a picture.

I love their work. All the Write About Jesus workshop clinicians are awesome writers. http://www.writeaboutjesus.com

The next day, I had bfast with Brett Florence. He's an Indie Heaven artist that set a lyric of mine to music about a yr ago, so it was great to finally meet him. We mostly talked theology :) God, help me! hahaha But I was actually saying "Lord, help Brett" cuz I am NOT a theologian!!! http://www.indieheaven.com/artists/brettflorence showcases Brett's music.

Then I went by Regi Stone's studio for coffee. He & his wife, Kim, are so precious. You'd never know their talent. They are both so humble. That's one thing that I've really been encouraged by as I've gotten to know people in the Christian music industry. I hold Kim & Regi close to my heart, and look forward to what the Lord does in their ministries.

http://www.kimberleestone.com/kimberlee.php

http://registone.com

http://experienceworship.com

Lisa Gordon & Ericka Harvey met me for a quick lunch. It was nice to catch up with them...I think I met both of them thru Write About Jesus as well (another shameless plug?) ~ Lisa doesn't have her music online, but here's Ericka's www.myspace.com/erickaharvey

That evening I had dinner with a friend and his daughter. I've known Keith Melius since Jr Hi. That was a loooong time ago! He serves in a church there. Great to catch up on the last 25 yrs! ha! Keith & Bella showed me downtown Nashville & we ate at the Spaghetti Warehouse. Here's the new AT&T building. I think we should be part owners of AT&T, don't you?

Good friends...good times!

Well, I guess that's just about it. Maybe now I can start thinking about what happened in May, June & July!

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted.

2009-06-03T23:07:00.003-05:00

Blessed are those who mourn, for they will be comforted. Matt 5:4

We are all surrounded by hurting people.

Where the pain is so great, so unbearable,
that there are times it is better to just be there.
Maybe to clean the house. Or maybe not.
Maybe to talk, or more likely, to not say a word.
Those times that a casserole or pie seems inappropriate.
All that's needed is the presence of someone who cares.
It may be from a distance,
but there is still comfort in knowing that there's a shoulder to cry on.

We are there right now.

***Several family & friends have suffered miscarriages recently. There are no words. Only prayers.

***We received word that my friend's husband passed away. John will be greatly missed by all who knew him. And Lynda is walking in the Shadow of the Almighty.

***Tuesday I learned that my childhood friend, Lisa's husband, Greg, had stopped breathing, and was in the hospital. He survived, and is back home now.

All of this makes me want to make my life count. Today. Not hoping for such and such to work out so that my plans and ambitions could amount to something. It really shook me up. We really, really don't know what tomorrow holds.

God made us to love deeply.
To care deeply.
And to hurt deeply.
May we never grow calloused to the needs around us.

Easter treat!

2009-04-13T10:55:00.005-05:00

There's a new man in my life. His name is Quinn. One of those ppl that you feel you've known your entire life! We met down by the piano, during church. Oh, ok. So, we were by the piano in the lobby. I'd already heard the message. He wasn't interested in hearing it, so we visited for awhile. He had no desire to hear the choir or praise band. He didn't even want to be in Bible study. You see, Quinn is only 7 months old! He's the most gorgeous non-Wilson baby I've ever seen. His big, bright eyes melted my heart! Quinn hadn't finished his nap, and had a little meltdown in the nursery. Thus our playdate on the lobby floor.

Well, about 10 seconds into the conversation with Quinn's dad, I realized I DID know Quinn. Well, sorta. My songwriting friend, Chad Boswell, had told me about someone he used to work with, Amanda, had moved to Houston recently. When Amanda and I became facebook friends, she told me that her family was planning to visit our church that week. I tried to meet her, but missed the chance each time. Still, we've kept in touch online for about a month.

Well, near the end of the service, along came Amanda, looking for her guys. My friend, Amanda. Oh, and her husband, Ben, is a keeper, too. We all visited for a loooong time after the service.

What a sweet surprise to finally get to meet my new friends :) Long live the meltdown!

See the Cross

2009-04-10T08:10:00.004-05:00

I woke up to a quiet heart this morning. Strangely quiet. Thinking about the day Jesus Christ was crucified, the darkness. The horror. That's how our lives are without the Light of Christ. Only God can go there, to that place in our heart. Until then, we are empty. Dead.

Look to the cross today. See the humanity of Jesus, and His humility. His glory & His authority. His mercy. His charity. He gave it all. What will you offer to Him today? I'm asking myself the same thing. I want to go there, with everything within me.

SEE THE CROSS
(c)2008 Words: Eva Wilson Music: Eddie Cavazos

See the cross touching earth, driven in the ground, (in the ground).
Je - sus Christ, Lamb of God speaks without a sound, (without a sound).
Whoa, oh, oh...humanity, whoa, oh, oh...His humility.
He gave up His life because of you and me.

See the cross pointing up, to the Father above, (the Father above).
Showing His Holiness, His power, and His love, (and His love).
Whoa, oh, oh...His glory, whoa, oh, oh...His authority.
But the darkness fell because of you and me.

I SEE THE CROSS, I SEE THE CROSS
SON OF MAN, SON OF GOD
I STAND IN AWE, WHEN I SEE THE CROSS
I STAND IN AWE, WHEN I SEE THE CROSS

See the cross stretching out, for the nations to know, (nations to know).
Reaching for the heart, where only God can go, (where God can go).
Whoa, oh, oh...His mercy, whoa, oh, oh...His charity.
Offering new life, He thought of you and me.

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6854905

Pizza Dough Recipe

2009-04-10T00:08:00.005-05:00

Best Dough in the World...can be used for pizzas, kolaches, or just a crescent-type roll
2 lg or 4 med pizzas

1 egg
1/2 cup mik, warm (microwave 45 sec)
4 cups flour (bread flour works best)
1/2 cup sugar (can use less)
pinch of salt
1 stick of butter/margarine, sliced
1 Tablespoon yeast

I use a bread machine, on the "first rise" setting, then use the dough as desired..pizza dough doesn't have to rise again, but rolls or kolaches need a 2nd rise, about 20-30 min.

If you don't have a bread machine, try working the dough for about 5 minutes, then let it rest about 15 minutes. Knead again for about 5 minutes, then rest for about an hour.

If using it for pizza, divide in half and use pie pans (be sure to spray with Pam). top with spaghetti sauce, mozarella, and your favorite toppings. Be sure to NOT overload it...you want it to cook thoroughly:) Oh...bake in 425F oven for 10 min.

For rolls or kolaches, divide dough in half. Pat out the dough into a circle, then slicing it like a pizza, into 12 parts. Then you can sprinkle cheddar, mozz, provolone, or american and a little turkey, ham, sausage or beef...and roll it up, starting with the big end (outer edge).

Place rolls on Pam-sprayed cookie sheet. Let rise for about 20-30 min.

Bake in preheated 350F oven for 7-8 min, until golden brown.

Enjoy!!!

Q&A's re: being a songwriting mama

2009-03-29T01:20:00.028-05:00

When Hail Freezes Over

2009-03-27T23:51:00.000-05:00

We had a bad storm here today...here's proof!!

an anniversary of anniversaries

2009-03-15T22:07:00.002-05:00

Marriage of Maude Nixon and Jim Ragsdale was March 15, 1924.

Today is a special day...my grandparents' anniversary. I miss them...they've both been gone for many years.

It would be interesting to try to add up how many descendants they have. My mom has about 40 desendants. Her siblings don't have quite that many, but there were 7 of them...I guess that goes on my list of things to do in 2009.

May we never forget the sacrifice and dedication of our ancestors. Never. What a heritage...a good name is more desired than great riches! Agreed!

fam vacay, part 1

2009-03-15T17:37:00.003-05:00

this day held adventure and excitement...there's no way to organize my thoughts, so I won't even try...enter my mind at your own risk!!!!

I'll start with the worst...skip the first line if you'd rather not know who/what/when/where/why someone got sick.

woke up at 5:40am to "Stephen threw up" ~ and we were at my mom's house ~ couldn't go back to sleep after cleaning it up, so I

wrote a song (actually re-wrote verses)..it'll be good someday...well-worth the yrs of misery I'm dragging it thru then I

resisted a breakfast of bacon, eggs, and grands biscuits, but loved how David pulled up a chair while watching the bacon. my banana was delicious. we packed up and stood talking in the driveway a while then I

got in line behind my kids and nieces so I could tell uncle Jeff "It's my birthday, too"...he must have gone by the atm before coming by this morning, the way he was passing out the $'s!!! (it's not my birthday) Next we argued about who was riding with whom and

as we were pulling out of the driveway, I saw my mom's reaction to Ruth's hand motion which indicated she was gagging (you know what I mean) My sentiments, exactly, Ruth...the screamers need to ride in their daddy's van tomorrow!!! then we

listened to countless cd's, trying to find something that would put the little ones to sleep:) Stopped because we had to, but then

feared that we'd lose a kid or two at the huge travel center we stopped at and then learned that

the men's room was closed for cleaning. poor guys. no where else in sight.

Liz did jumping jacks in the ladies' room, for exercise. She is not my child. but

Jonathan, Michael, & his friend Josh are. they did a cool dance in front of the travel center...wonder if that made the manager want to get the bathroom opened sooner? next we

drove thru McD's and Liz said "I don't like burgers, but I want a double cheeseburger." To that, Hannah said, "You're just like me, girl!!!" She's 8. It just caught us off guard...I could barely order, from laughing.

almost every day, someone says we should have a tv reality show...once again, it happened as we checked in at the hotel. maybe we could call it "Big People, Little World" as it's feeling pretty tight but then again, we felt like little ppl in a big world as

we ran across a 5 lane highway to get to the jason's deli across from our hotel...some kids on piggybacks and

someone in jason's asked if I'd ever thought about being om a reality tv show.

no. absolutely not.

as we divided into elevators, to go back up to our rooms, I had to step over to the desk...I was looking for the nearest rock to crawl under as Jonathan, in his best Australian accent, cried out to me, "We're holding the elevator for you, dear mother, dear! Mother! Mother! Why won't you acknowledge me, Mother?!" as the elevator doors

closed. Yes, I suddenly forgot why I'd stopped at the desk. And I'm now in my hotel room, almost alone...multi-tasking...watching Disney and blogging in my sleep.

my friend's book is available at Target, Amazon, & Barnes&Noble

2009-02-26T23:52:00.006-06:00

My dear friend, Clive Berkman, is an award-winning chef who has written a wonderful story that you will find entertaining and inspirational, too!

It's not exactly a cookbook, but it is a must-read for anyone who, um, well, for anyone who has ever eaten, or will eat, or is eating right now!!!

After reading Empty Bottle Moments, take time to email Clive with your comments at clive@cookingwithclive.com Oh, and be sure to tell him I told you about his book!

If you click on one of these merchant links, it will take you straight to the book, where you can order online:

Amazon.com

Barnes and Noble

Target

Here's a short video clip, taken from www.cookingwithclive.com

Empty Bottle Moments Intro from Clive Berkman on Vimeo.

The Week's End

2009-02-14T16:25:00.005-06:00

It was a busy weekend...I'll try to sum it up!

Friday night Barry & I went to see a condensed version of Shakespeare's The Twelfth Night at our community college. Our friend's daughter had the main role. She was amazing! I should have at least read the cliff notes of the play beforehand;) Next time, yes!

Saturday was a great day! Most of the families from Stephen's Upwards team were able to come over after the game. Barry grilled burgers & hotdogs, and we enjoyed visiting with the dads and moms as we all pitched in to corral the kids.

We learned that Stephen's coach served many years in the Navy. We all cracked up when he said "Commanding a battleship was easy compared to coaching 1st & 2nd grade basketball!" He had many interesting stories, including how he was involved in the search in Lake Nacogdoches after the shuttle was lost. He was based in Florida at the time. I hope he can get acquainted with Nacogdoches under better circumstances someday. Great little college town!

Ruth was home for the weekend. We had some good talks. I can't get inside her head. She is interested in being a social worker (maybe in NYC???)...my little girls are grown! Liz was in Memphis for an international missions conference. I can't wait to hear all about that! Next weekend I get to spend 2 nights with them! Counting down the days!!!

Well, the weekend is extended...Monday is President's Sale Day. Or something like that! No school til Tuesday!

Country Songs

2009-02-12T13:14:00.007-06:00

I should write songs about how David's car has broken down 5 times in the last month, but I just draw a blank, as it happened again today. Or maybe about the way it feels to see a 7 month old want to say Grammie when he sees me. Indescribable! Or about how oh-so-dear my family and friends are. And about answered prayers. But no. The light-hearted stuff has come more easily these days.

A few country lyrics were birthed one day last week, and my friend Tony Hartung is setting them to music! We'd appreciate your prayers, as he does some recording in the next few weeks. He doesn't have any music posted, but you can see him here http://www.shoutlife.com/tonyhartung

And here are the words to the new songs...critiques welcomed!!! It Ain't Always Easy, Me and Jesus, My Own Band...and then there's Run, Honey, Run...I think I'll wait and share that one once we have the music!

It Ain't Always Easy
(c)2009 Eva Wilson/Tony Hartung

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein’ right
Can hardly hold up my head all day, the sun is so bright
~ Shines right in my eyes
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right
Me winnin’ every argument, you losing every fight
~A wimper and a whine
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right
I gotta listen as you cry yourself to sleep each night
~While I hug my pillow tight
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right
Seein’ ya beg me for forgiveness, Lord knows I’ll try
~Shug, you’re such a sight
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right

It ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right
Nuff said, I told you so, let me say it all polite
~You’re wrong all the time
No, it ain’t always easy ~ always bein' right

My Own Band
(c)2009 Eva Wilson/Tony Hartung

You ~ keep looking at me like I don’t even know how to play
You ~ keep singin’ some notes that go ev’ry which a way
You ~ keep keepin’ on grinnin’ an’ laughin’ cuz you’re so vain
You keep callin’ me bro, cuz you don’t even know my name

I’m gonna start my OWN band
Play all over this WHOLE land
Goin’ where I wanna go
Singin’ where EV’ryone knows
MY name
MY game
MY fame
I’m gonna start my OWN band

(then)
I’ll ~ keep looking at you like you don’t even know how to play
I’ll ~ keep singin’ some notes that go ev’ry which a way
I’ll ~ keep keepin’ on grinnin’ an’ laughin’ maybe be so vain
I’ll keep callin’ ya bro, cuz I won’t even know your name

I’m gonna start my OWN band
Play all over this WHOLE land
Goin’ where I wanna go
Singin’ where EV’ryone knows
MY name
MY game
MY fame
I’m gonna start my OWN band

Bridge
Giggin’ gigs
Diggin’ digs
Riggin’ rigs
Getting’ big

I’m gonna start my OWN band
Play all over this WHOLE land
Goin’ where I wanna go
Singin’ where EV’ryone knows
MY name
MY game
MY fame
I’m gonna start my OWN band

Well, that's it for now! Thanks for joining me for a few minutes!!!

Stop & Take a Breather

2009-02-09T06:11:00.004-06:00

This journal should be called a Blur instead of a Blog. Sometimes I have tried to sit down and reflect on my day or week, and it's such a blur, I can't remember anything worthy of writing. But that's more of a reason for me to make myself do this, right? I could whine about how I've been held captive by the monstrous pile of laundry & dishes, but I guess I need to stop and take a breather.

Looks like I have a little catching up to do, since it's been almost 3 months! This blog is taken from my drafts...I had good intentions, but never finished anything...so it's a compilation blog:)

Thanksgiving: We have so much to be grateful for. At Barry's parents' we went around the room, telling what we were thankful for...the little ones pretty much said FOOD. The teens were all so happy that gas prices had finally dropped. Someone always says "I'm thankful for Jesus." Daniel grinned from ear to ear as Barry shared that he's thankful for our new additions of Candas and Jacob. Our hearts do swell up with gratefulness as we look back and clearly trace God's hand in our lives. Nothing we ever do in life is easy, right? But the journey is rewarding, if we are faithful.

Christmas was a whole different story! We squeezed Ruth & Liz back into the house, and I could almost hear the walls of our house gasping for air as we invited friends for sleepovers. Sweet times! But I have to admit something. There were times I wished we'd lose power for a few days, just to get to stop and talk and play games and burn candles (and batteries). I do long for time to stand still, but I want to choose the moment to freeze! Don't put me in the hospital, or worse, the laundry room, Lord!!! I wanna be sitting on the floor with my family when You give me another hour or two.

The holidays went too quickly, in many ways. But, well, there's always a but, isn't there? When I only had small children, people said things like, "Oh, you love kids? Just wait til they're teens. Then you'll think again." Well, I happen to love teens. So I wasn't totally shocked when we started having a few teens. But no one prepared me for the day when the adult children came home for the holidays. No one told me that I would grow insecure and inept as I listened to their debates and, well, er, arguments. I'm sure that every discussion they had was of utmost importance to them, but I was ready to forgive and forget before the first cross words was uttered. I do not like confrontation. I do not like it at all. I do not like it once and for all!

Next year, I will be away for the holidays. Possibly alone. Possibly in a far away place. But more likely in a corner of my house, wishing I had power over the tongue (and tongues!!!) Ha! Oh, by the way, if you'd tried to warn me that there would be challenges with grown kids, I would have said in my heart, "I just so happen to love adults!" I guess this love walks softly and carries a big stick. Haha.

We had a grand time with Barry's family on Christmas, then headed out to the Wallace gathering the next day. Barry & I usually plan the meal and buy the food for the crowd (don't worry...they pay us back). Never a dull moment, shopping for about 60 people. Oh, and the in-laws seem to get along the best, so we let them cook while us siblings sit around and play cards (or shop for last minute gifts, or stuff a pinata!!!). Nothing like traditions, right?

Then Michael's bday came. He's easy to please...just had some guys over for airsoft wars. He was my biggest baby (12lbs 12 oz) but has never been a very big kid...now he tells me he wants to be in wrestling this fall. Hmmm. What goes around, comes around!

Then Ruth's bday. Ruth brings me such joy. She's 19 now. Where does the time go? People tried to warn me about how fast the kids would grow, but I didn't appreciate that advice. Seems the days dragged by at the time. Sometimes it really stood still.

Ruth was a beautiful china doll baby, weighing in at a healthy 8 lbs 15 oz. She was born on a Sunday morning between Sunday School and the Worship Service (yes, we were at the hospital, but remember calling the pastor so he could announce her safe arrival). Anyways, she went to NYC after her birthday. Had a great time. But the day she was supposed to come home, the weather in Chicago bumped her flight. It turned out to be the same time that the Hudson River Miracle happened. I was just glad she wasn't in the air that day. Good for a mother's heart, to know that she was sitting in her hotel room with her friends, not at the airport, fearful, waiting to hear about the cause of the emergency landing.

I wrote a song about Ruth last year, as she graduated from high school. Not sure whether I shared it... here's the link... http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6878487

Now it's February, which has been filled with YUCK around here. So tired of illnesses. But everyone is in school today, so I guess we're making some headway!

There's so much more to say...maybe tomorrow (more likely, next month???)

Oh, I have to add that I'm in a health program at church. The Bible study this week is centered around Hebrews 12. I'm stuck on v1, which says to "run with perseverance" and "throw off the things that hinder us." That is so hard for me. I'm finding that I like my baggage. Yes, I know I shouldn't. God is dealing with me about that. Last time I ran was in high school, and that was only because my brother, Randy, was in track. He "made" me run with him. And it wasn't a pretty sight. It didn't take long for me to get resourceful: if I tied my shoestrings really, really loose, I could stop and take a breather!

There's something wrong with me!!! But wait, isn't resourcefulness a character quality?

Remind Me!!!

2008-11-17T22:01:00.004-06:00

Remind me!!! I forget to blog! But I forget a LOT of things lately! If it weren't for my cell phone alarms, the world would see a lot more Wilson's sitting on more curbs:)

I have an alarm set on my phone for 5:50 am, to get Jonathan up so he can make it to basetball practice. I pray immediately, asking the Lord to "help" Stephen sleep another hour. Nothing like a 1st grader crying for me to make his lunch at 5:50 a.m....2 hrs before he leaves for school!!! :)

No need to go back to sleep, since David & Michael need up soon. I try to squeeze in some quiet time. Sometimes it's quieter than others!!!

Next comes the challenge: simultaneously awaken the 3 elementary kids. It has to appear to each child that they are the first one up. It's a game. Whispering to each "would you go wake up the others?" Each stays in bed, saying "You always ask me to get them up!" So we're safe.

Yes, sibling rivalry dominates in our home. You should see me make their sandwiches at the same time, so they can all three say "Mom made mine first!!!!" Oh, and filling the water bottles is even more fun!!!

Usually, Barry does the morning carpool run. That is such a huge blessing for me!! And for the kids & their friends. But when he has a meeting, well, let's just say GONE IS THE BLESSING!!! Mornings were voted least likely to succeed, in a poll that included BOTH of my eyelids!!! Oh, that's funny. Remind me to be funny. Real, but funny.

Afternoons are similar, with alarms set, to remind me to be home when some of the kids are to arrive, and to help me remember to go pick up those junior high boys. Lord help me!!!

OK, this is a little sidenote, but I thought it was interesting...this is Psalm 90:12-17 in The Message....
Oh! Teach us to live well!
Teach us to live wisely and well!
Come back, God—how long do we have to wait?—
and treat your servants with kindness for a change.
Surprise us with love at daybreak;
then we'll skip and dance all the day long.
Make up for the bad times with some good times;
we've seen enough evil to last a lifetime.
Let your servants see what you're best at—
the ways you rule and bless your children.
And let the loveliness of our Lord, our God, rest on us,
confirming the work that we do.
Oh, yes. Affirm the work that we do!

"Come back, God" ummmm Did He leave? And notice line for "treat your servants with kindness for a change." I can almost hear the ppl lamenting!!! That is so ME!!! Remind me NOT to ask God to do something "for a change" ~ never!!!! I'm not sure about the skipping and dancing part, either.

Remind me, Lord, to see your love at daybreak...to look to You as you rule and bless Your children...remind me, Lord...

Favorites

2008-11-06T18:50:00.006-06:00

2 of my favorite people: My Mom, Mother of Many & My Brother, Brother of Many

We have a running joke in our family: You're my favorite niece. Or you're my favorite brother. Just fill in the blank. Guess it's our way of reminding each other that we treasure the other person!

I was thinking of how much I love my family when I called "home" today to talk to Moma and my sister who is there. I was NOT feeling like Mom's favorite as Patricia handed her the phone.

It started out with the usual, "Hi, Mom, this is Eva!" To that, she said "Hmph. I'm surprised you have time to call me!"

I was speechless! Absolutely speechless! Then she started naming random activities, like, "With all the scuba diving, reptiles, horses, sculpting, how could you remember to call your mother?"

Whaaaaat?

Well, it just so happens that our family has a family website & and someone doctored up my profile, without my knowledge...Mom found it today...(I suspect it's my brother pictured, thanky very much, BURT!!!)

Hobbies and Interests
Aquarium , Astronomy , Auto Mechanics , Ballet , Bicycling , Card/Board Games , Carpentry/Woodworking , Computer Games , Cooking , Crafts , Dancing , Debate , Drawing/Painting , Electronics , Fishing , Gardening , Genealogy/Family History , Hiking/Camping , Horseback Riding , Hunting , Music (listening) , Music (playing/writing) , Opera , Poetry/Writing , Reading , Running , Sailing , Scrapbooking , Scuba/Snorkeling , Sculpting , Sewing , Shooting , Stamp Collecting , Theater , Waterskiing , Writing , checking all that apply is one of my favorite things!!!
Type of Person I Am
Adventurous , Analytical , Animal Lover , Athlete , Computer Addict , Couch Potato , Creative , Do-it-yourselfer , Domestic , Feminine , Has Everything , Health Nut , History buff , Humorous , Jock , Movie Buff , Romantic , Sports Fan , Tool guy , checking all that apply is one of my favorite things!!!
Pets I Own
Bird , Cats , Dogs , Fish , Horse/Pony , Reptile/Amphibian , checking all that apply is one of my favorite things!!!
Sports I Participate In
Baseball , Basketball , Bowling , Boxing , Cycling , Football , Golf , Gymnastics , Hockey , Ice Skating , LaCrosse , Rugby , Skiing/Snowboarding , Soccer , Swimming/Diving , Tennis , Track and Field , Volleyball , Wrestling , checking all that apply is one of my favorite things!!!
My Favorite Colors
Black , Blue , Brown , Gold , Green , Orange , Pink , Purple , Red , White , Yellow , checking all that apply is one of my favorite things!!!
Types of Food I Like
American , Chinese , East Europe , French , German , Indian , Italian , Japanese , Mexican , Middle Eastern , Polynesian , Russian , Scandinavian , Thai
Types of Music I Like
Gospel
Types of Movies I Like
Classical Literature , Historical Fiction , Mystery

Chances are, I have something in common with YOU, right???!!! The biggest laugh is the sports...I haven't even played those sports on Wii. The food section is pretty much on the dollar, since I'll eat anything that doesn't eat me first, right?

Seriously, now. This list made me think about the things I truly do enjoy. Many of my true interests are different now than those I held dearly even 5 years ago. I was 30 when I learned to sew. Almost 40 when songwriting arrived at my heart's door. No telling what might be lurking on my front porch right now.

How about yours?

Hope you have a great day as you re-discover YOUR favorites, and possibly find a new interest! I'm ready, willing & hopefully able!!!

How about you?

Praying on Election Day

2008-11-03T14:15:00.004-06:00

Almost everyone I know has expressed concern about the "place" the USA is in. Fear of the future can paralyze us. Let's once again (and again again) place our faith in Christ. We can only find freedom through fear, through faith.

It's true that our country stands at a crossroads. But let me remind you, the future holds NO surprises for the Lord.

Yes, we need to continue to pray, even on Election Day. To pray in truth, not out of fear.

We need to go boldly to the throne. God is in control, and, either way the election goes, we as the body of Christ needs to be strengthened. We need to shine brighter, truer, clearer.

Let's remember Prov 21:1

The LORD controls rulers, just as he determines the course of rivers. CEV

aka:
Good leadership is a channel of water controlled by God; he directs it to whatever ends he chooses. The Message

and even:
The king's heart is in the hand of the LORD, as the rivers of water: he turneth it whithersoever he will. KJV

and let's never forget to cling to the God of this Scripture:

Some trust in chariots, some in horses, but we will trust in the name of the Lord our God. Ps 20:7 NIV

(whithersoever...put THAT in a song!!!)

Oh, speaking of songs, if you think about it, pray for Stephanie Raymond. Stephanie's love for God is infectious, and it's truly been a joy to get to know her! An added perk is that she has a beautiful voice! I was surprised to find out that she is including 3 songs I wrote/co-wrote on her new CD. On Nov 4, she plans to record You Say (Wilson/Zody), Own Me (Wilson/Ferrin), and Me & Faith Hill (Wilson).

Just another reason to pray ON Election Day!!!

Gentle Arms of Jesus

2008-11-02T19:53:00.005-06:00

When we received word that our friend's little grandson passed away last night, God stopped me in my tracks. I had been grumbling, complaining, griping, and more. About nothing. Truly nothing. Nothing matters now.

Praying the Lord will comfort, as only His spirit can. There are no words. But we try.

I wish I had this song finished, but my co-writer, Carrie, will be singing it. As a photographer, she was looking for a song to use, to give in a keepsake slideshow to couples who have lost a young child. Since I didn't have anything like that, I offered to write one, with her help.

Please pray that the Father will use Gentle Arms of Jesus to touch lives. We all suffer, we all fear the unknown...but losing a child leaves an emptiness that only the Lord can fill.

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6704080

Gentle Arms of Jesus
(c)2008 Carrie LaFollette/Eva Wilson

VI
You were growing, I was growing, too
Knowing I would share my hopes and dreams with you
Treasuring your sweetness, my little child within
Someday we’ll never have to say goodbye again

CHORUS
I believe you were the answer to my prayers
Although I couldn't hold you very long
He will always keep you in His tender care
For the gentle arms of Jesus are strong
Oh, the gentle arms of Jesus are strong

VII
I have questions I don’t understand
But I know you’re safe now in His loving Hands
Resting in His presence, surrounded by His light
His peace washes over me His arms hold me tight

bridge:
I wanted one more lullaby ~ one more goodnight
One more way to say I love you, my child
The Lord is watching over you,
He'll take good care of you
He’s singing over you

CHORUS
I believe you were the answer to my prayers
Although I couldn't hold you very long
He will always keep you in His tender care
For the gentle arms of Jesus are strong
Oh, the gentle arms of Jesus are strong

Thinking About Heaven

2008-10-31T20:43:00.005-05:00

Another hard day. It was so much easier to ask for prayer for these families the other day, but prayers are very much appreciated still, because both men did pass away. I actually thought about deleting the previous post, questioning why I even try to blog. Yet as I sorted through emails tonight, I saw the comment (prayer) my dear friend, Lisette left on my previous blog. It reminded me about the journey we have with the Lord.

It's so important that we share the journey with each other. Some days I hope something I say will help you hold on to hope. Other days, I can almost hear you laughing with me. Still other times, I realize that the transparency in others has helped me take the next step. How I want that in my life. To be real. Transparent. True. Nothing to hide.

Speaking of nothing to hide, gotta share this picture from the 80's...it's my Grandma Ragsdale, as she hid in the pantry so she could hear. Let it be a reminder to stop what you're doing, and steal a few minutes away, so you can listen. Someone Special has something to say to ya!!!

And, before I forget, it's no coincidence that I started a song about Heaven this week. Been thinking a lot about things to come. Once again, God crossed my path with a great writer, and he joined me in this one. Here's the start:

Great Day
(c)2008 Eva Wilson/LeWain Dysart

V1
I see a light shining over there
I know it’s drawing me to come near
Out yonder no darkness no fear
It’s the light of Jesus shining fair

Pre
There’s no more night ~ Jesus shining bright
ch
Gonna be a great day in Heaven
When all the saints get home
Gonna be a great day in Heaven
We'll meet around the throne
Shouting hallelujah, amen
We'll sing redemption's song
Gonna be a great day in Heaven
With Jesus on His throne

Prayers Appreciated

2008-10-30T16:58:00.004-05:00

Time stands still on days like this. Received sad news.

My cousin, Mike, is in a coma. He's been in poor health, but I didn't expect this. I'm holding onto a thread of hope that he could recover, but right now it's not looking good. I haven't seen Mike in many years, but I'm close to his sister, Mary.

My niece's husband's father also fell ill. Not expected to pull through.

So hard on the family. Prayers appreciated.

The Lord brought this Scripture to mind today, and it brought comfort. "Hope deferred makes the heart sick, But desire fulfilled is a tree of life." Prov 13:12 Reminds me that here on earth, our hearts are sick with grief as hope is deferred. But the tree of life awaits in Heaven, for all who believe in Christ...and our desires will be fulfilled there.

you ARE the weakest link

2008-10-28T14:52:00.003-05:00

Ok, so I would have never made it far on Weakest Link. Nor Are You Smarter than A Fifth Grader?

I gave up on trying to keep the house just so. And I gave up on getting the dishes & laundry "done" ~ I surrender. I'm raising my white flag!!! I hereby resolve to SAY SO when I don't understand the homework, instead of helping a child limp along.

Ta-Da!!! Feels better!!!

Just got an email from Ms. _____ saying:

The answer should be x is less than or equal to -10.

When you divided by -2....you have to "flip" the inequality sign.

If you multiply or divide by a "negative" number...you
have to flip the inequality sign.

why I don't blog more often

2008-10-27T20:23:00.003-05:00

Ms. _____,

I have a question about the answers
on the homework that was checked in
3rd period on Oct 27. _________ made a 40.
I was surprised at that.

Can you explain why
"37 is lesser than or equal to 17-2x"
was marked wrong,
when his answer was
"-10 is less than or equal to x".

He took -17 from both sides,
which left "20 is less than or equal to -2x".

Then divided both sides by -2,
which gave the answer of
"-10 is less than or equal to x"

That's one example of how he solved it
by the same rules used in #1 & #2,
which were done in class.

He had planned to go to tutoring,
but I checked his homework and thought I helped him!

Can you give me the answers to that worksheet,
or let me come to tutoring?

:)

Thanks,
Eva Wilson
note to self:
don't spend hrs trying to figure out homework!!!

Write About Jesus ~ Lessons Learned

2008-10-21T12:48:00.009-05:00

Here's the re-cap of my weekend at the Write About Jesus workshop. I feel like I'm writing a movie review, and I want to say just enough to make you want to BE there, but not reveal the plot and conclusion. It has taken me a week to reduce this blog draft to bare bones. I really can't say enough about the Clinicians, but don't want to say too much their classes...I want you to COME if ya can!!!! If you are a songwriter, you just have to put the workshop on your calendar for '09. Third weekend in Oct, I believe.

OK, here goes:

Co-writing Demonstration w/ Joel Lindsey & Twila Labar ~ Thursday pm Would the deer-in-the-headlights look ever leave my face? I was truly astounded by the way Joel and Twila hammered out lyric, genre, mood (major/minor stuff), melody, beat, and even to bridge or not to bridge (Twila sure is a rhythm-girl ~ wish I had that!!!)...all as if there was no one else in the room! Truly a fly-on-the-wall experience, and it was an excellent challenge. As of that night, I had only co-written "live" with one person, Glenn Green. I'm happy to say that it was a great write. Our song will be on his cd, released sometime next yr. Watching Joel & Twila gave me tools for future opportunities. (update: The next day at WAJ I was able to sit down and work on a song Mike Mitcham & I had started online. The next week, God opened the door for me to work on songs with a friend in our church. Great stuff happening! Yay, God!!!)

Recognizing Genres w/ Joel Lindsey & Holly Zabka ~ It was a joy to be in Joel's class again...and Holly also knows what she's talking about! Main points were to do your research so you'll know your target, your audience, and your artist. They discussed the difference between Southern Gospel, Inspirational, Praise & Worship, Adult Contemporary/Christian Hit Radio, Pop, Rock, and Choral Anthems. They encouraged us to write each song toward a specific genre, instead of being "genre-less." Makes sense to me! IMHO, the words themselves tell the genre. Sometimes you can write backwards. Sometimes it's more poetic. Others, you want to say something without saying it. Hanging with Holly & Joel made me wanna WRITE! Mission accomplished!!!

Crafting Great Lyrics w/ Dave Clark ~ Dave Clark. I was told I HAD to go to a Dave Clark class, and I'm so very thankful I listened to that counsel!!! Did Dave address lyrics? Did he even mention songwriting? All I can remember is the Spirit of the Lord was in that place, and He was carving "love Me more" on my heart. I did take notes. Lots of notes. I wouldn't have remembered the teaching if it weren't for my trusty notebook! Some lines from Dave's talk: *Songs are SEEDS falling on different kinds of soil. Some Hard ground. Emotional ground. Healthy ground, etc. *Be transparent, but don't flaunt it. *Always write as simple as possible, but never simpler. *To be a better writer, you need to be a better listener (to God) AMEN!!! Gets ya to thinking, no?

Knowing Your Gifts and Limitations w/ Mark Roach ~ I have followed Mark's music ministry on myspace for a year or so. He is an amazing writer, and has so much to offer. Mark meets you right where you are. He pointed out his own weaknesses in writing, and how he had to learn to not focus on improving on those weaknesses. Instead, he works on strengthening his strengths. This was great for me to hear, as I find myself drawn into the desire to sing and dance. Just kidding. The desire is to sing and play the piano. But if I can zoom in on writing lyrics, the Body of Christ stretches and grows, drawing in other writers and artists to complete the song. Maybe we'll shine clearer and brighter if we're walking in humility before the Lord, saying "I need help with this." I appreciate Mark's transparency (and I'm disappointed that he didn't share a song with us in that class...oh well, maybe next yr!!)

Writing for the Country Market w/ Don Poythress (and Chad Cates, yeah!) ~ OK, of all the classes, this is the one where I walked away speechless. Don & Chad taught as they passed the guitar back and forth. I felt like I was in my parents' front porch. Things they said pierced my innermost parts. I didn't expect to be challenged spiritually in that class, but I was. Tremendously. But it's not because of the things they said. It was their meekness. Here are 2 successful writers, just sitting around like brothers, spontaneously giving examples of country songs that could prove their points. And they weren't "their" songs. That was cool, to see how they admire other ppl's work. Oh, and one thing Don said that I hope I keep tucked away in my heart forever: Write from the heart, from a real place. Oh, and another: Country music doesn't TELL you how to feel; it MAKES you feel. It was all great. Don & Chad's class made me wanna write with depth. Dig deeper with words. I'm loving that!

Out of the Box and Off the Wall: Writing for Kids w/ Johnathan Crumpton, Gina Boe & Sue Smith ~ I NEEDED this class. You'd think I'd know all about writing for kids, since I've been surrounded by little ones since I was a little one myself! But it was awesome to pull away and learn the nitty gritty, such as the structure of kids' musicals. They say that kids' music is an area where songwriters need to write within the box. Keep it real. Keep it simple. Hm. Some of my grown-up music might work better as kids' songs. Hmmmm.

Writing on Assignment for Your Church w/ Gina Boe, Sue Christensen & Lisa Qualsett ~ Curiosity kills the cat, right? I attended this just to see how the process works. I love Gina, Sue & Lisa, and wanted to find out how they do what they do. I don't know that I'll ever have the opportunity to write toward specific church goals, but I'm willing! For my church or yours. hahaha. That reminds me of a Kelly Willard song from the '80's. I remember singing it at a youth camp talent show. Little did I know that it would come back to haunt me for many years. Little did I know it would be my crutch, helping me realize I needed to ask the Lord to give me a willing heart, in many areas of my life.

Willing Heart, by Kelly Willard
If you don't have a willing heart,
ask Him to give you one
If you can't seem to make a start,
trust in His power
For the Lord of love is watching you
He sees what you're going thru
And He will make a way if you want Him to
Oh, do you want Him to?
Then tell Him so. He wants to know.
Go on and tell Him so.

Whehehehew. that's good stuff!!!

Being Your Own Publisher w/ Twila Labar ~ To publish or not to publish. I've been asking myself for 3 yrs. My greatest hesitation is that I find it hard to promote my own material. When Twila started teaching, I wondered, "Why am I even in here? I don't want think I could be my own publisher. I don't want to be perceived as pushy." But I knew I wanted to learn how, so I could make an educated decision.

Was I ever surprised and delighted to hear Twila's story! The Father revealed some of His plan for me that afternoon. As she talked about building bridges, I realized I never set out to build bridges, but the Lord established that in my life. It's not because of anything I've done. It's His work. And the acceptance of other writers and artists. I can't explain why God shows favor in those ways, but I'm fovever grateful. As people have cared for me, taking me under their wings, I also want to continue to draw in the writers who are just beginning. I find that so refreshing. I'm not equipped to train, but I love walking hand-in-hand with those who are just beginning to explore writing about Jesus. I love that about God!!!

Twila gave helpful tips for Independent writers, and where to find more online. Her personal walk really ministered to me, except when she talked about goals from early on in her songwriting career. I've been writing almost 4 years now, and have never set goals. Don't get me wrong, I have little goals, like, writing every day. I do that. But bigger...that's the hard part. I tried it that evening. Goals like that don't feel right to me. They seem lofty, unattainable. I gave them to God...might re-visit them someday!!!

To top off the weekend,
a group of artists performed at
The Crooked Tree Coffeehouse.
Great people, great music.
SWEET TIMES!!!!

l-r Allie & Nick LaPointe, Benton Stokes, Sean Smith, Chris Filer

Write About Jesus Workshop 2008

2008-10-20T09:10:00.008-05:00

Thank You, Lord for taking me to the Write About Jesus workshop!!!
I know it was YOU!!!!

Thank you, John & Sue Smith,
for capturing the vision and, with God's help,
making it soar!!!
Although this was only my first time to attend,
you welcomed me in as family!!!
Thanks for being REAL!!!
For being all God wants you to be!!!
You DO make a difference!!!

And the drumroll, please ././././././././././.
introducing my "new" lil bro, Eric, and his wife (and me)

A huge highlight of the workshop was getting to meet Michelle & Eric Myers of Troy, MO. Eric and I have written together for over a year, but hadn't met until Thursday. Woot-woot! Yay, God!!! I just posted some of our songs HERE Holding Me, No Regrets, & I Will Sing. You'll LOVE them...ck 'em out!!! Eric is an outstanding writer, and it is a privilege to call him my brother!

You, Amazing Me, is also posted, which came from a quiet time with the Lord. By the next day, Eddie Cavazos, of San Antonio, had sent me a beautiful production!!! I couldn't believe it!!! I entered You, Amazing Me into the song competition. It didn't place, but I know it's the one the Lord wanted me to submit. Having songs critiqued was a great experience.

In my open critique session, I was comforted to see the familiar face of Mike Mitcham, an awesome online co-writing friend...Mike & I started several songs earlier this year, and committed to finish at least one (this year? did we sign on the dotted line?) She Whispered to God is probably my favorite of those we've written together. I'll post when it's done. But there's also a southern gospel song, a contemporary Christian one, and I believe I sent him a lyric that answered Oprah's question about "What About Jesus"...can't wait to finish that! The open crit went well, btw, as Phil Mehrens listened and gave suggestions on how to improve Shadow of El Shaddai. I appreciated his feedback for minor tweaks. Great man. Great musician! I admire Phil's calming affect on a room...he doesn't create tension:)

That group was filled with excellent songwriters. I know this tiny speck of iron within me was sharpened by the chunk of iron seen in their lives!!!

That was Friday. On Saturday we had our competition song critiqued. That was quite interesting. Twila Labar & Johnathan Crumpton were the judges. They were EXCELLENT!!! I learned from their feedback for my own song, but also for the other songs that morning. Such depth and experience...but they walk in all humility and meekness. I think that's what I was most impressed with, that none of the clinicians saw themselves as superior to others. And they spoke the truth with love!

There were classes other than critiques...here's the list of the ones I attended...I'll tell what I learned in tomorrow's blog:

Co-writing Demonstration w/ Joel Lindsey & Twila Labar
Recognizing Genres w/ Joel Lindsey & Holly Zabka
Crafting Great Lyrics w/ Dave Clark
Knowing Your Gifts and Limitations w/ Mark Roach
Writing for the Country Market w/ Don Poythress (and Chad Cates, yeah!)
Out of the Box and Off the Wall: Writing for Kids w/ Johnathan Crumpton, Gina Boe & Sue Smith
Writing on Assignment for Your Church w/ Gina Boe, Sue Christensen & Lisa Qualsett
Being Your Own Publisher w/ Twila Labar

It may take more than one day for me to write about those, no?

All in all, I felt like I was at a family reunion. You know the kind, where, you ask someone "who's that? I know her face, but can't remember her name!" I've known several people from simply interacting on the WAJ discussion board, but it was such a joy to meet face to face.

As at any reunion, there were missing faces. I was missing Andrea & Edwin Parker (it was Andrea who introduced me to WAJ and she listed ME in her cd's credits, as her mentor...exactly who mentors whom?). Other WAJ regulars had to miss...even some clinicians took the year off. I heard names again and again, as ppl were looking for friends. Maybe the 10th anniversary, in 2009, will draw us together before the Lord, for some special time together!!!

What a blessing to meet those who promised to pray for Liz as she faced the challenges in Africa! Nothing compares to the sweetness of gathering with those you've been pulling for, asking God to bring healing, provision, direction, protection...oh, the list goes on, how a prayer request draws hearts together.

Before I forget, I do want to admit that I stuck out a sore thumb with my TEXAS ACCENT!!! Plus, I had a few "oops" moments, like, one time when I said, "Bless his heart" about someone whose music is very popular because it's GREAT, I was told, "Where I'm from, that means he's already 6 feet under!" Well, I guess I'll drop THAT from my vocab!

I was about to POP when Kerry Cox got up to sing "The Best View Ain't Always from the Top" because he's a great family guy AND it's a great song that reflects just that. I was singing along, cuz we'd crossed paths and we exchanged ideas about our songs...I felt like a proud mama in the crowd because I was the only one singing along. I tried to be discreet. Really!!!

Tricia Zody NAILED her song (oops I forgot the name of it...but I love all her stuff)

Dean Pyle. New to me. Great stuff. Oh, Dean was the WAJ tshirt guy!!! Yay!!!

Kara Smith of Cheyenne, WA. Felt like I'd known her forever. Diamond Horizon is a beautiful song, Kara!!! Keep singing!!!

Melisa Joy Wood you better keep in touch!!!

A fly on the wall at my house? Enter at your own risk!!!

2008-10-09T20:07:00.003-05:00

I had a worktape playing tonight after dinner, and accidentally left it (repeating) while I ran an errand.

It's the song with Tim Juillet. Tim has a very deep, piercing voice that obviously draws the listener.

At one point he sings "Only One, Oh, Holy One, You are the Only Holy One."

When I got home, what a joy to hear my daughter-in-law singing it, from upstairs (with depth, no less!!!)

Less accurately, I heard my 12 yr old, Jonathan belting out "Obe One, O Obe One, Obe One Kenobi"

Whehehehew!!!! Gotta love my life!!!

Joys of Co-Writing

2008-10-07T00:22:00.007-05:00

Tonight I couldn't go to sleep. Well, not yet, anyway. I just couldn't settle in without reflecting on an awesome blessing God has graciously given me recently.

I've lived most of my life within the framework of serving on a team. Can't recall Dad or Moma ever calling our family a team, but that's how we lived. Working together, at home & Dad's business, we learned quickly to give and take (mostly to give!!!!). I can now see that the Lord was equipping me, not only for having a family of my own, and for ministry, but also to learn to give-and-take in this so-called songwriting.

The Father amazes me again and again...for instance, here's an email I sent Tim Juillet August 10th, 2008:

I'd love to see what the Lord does, Tim. I'm definitely stronger on lyrics than music. Have you co-written before? Tell me about yourself, and what your hopes and dreams are, before the Lord.

Let's commit to honor the Lord in all we do and say...that's wayyy more important than any song we could ever craft!

There are some guidelines I have for co-writing...here are a few:

1) Write what you know, from personal experience or at least what you've learned from others;)
2) If it doesn't soar, let's put it on the back burner. Maybe re-visit later.
3) Be tender-hearted, but thick-skinned. Brutally honest.
4) When we decide a song is finished, neither the lyric nor music can be used with another song.
5) Keep each other updated. Ex: we don't want to both enter the same song into a contest. Waste of time and money. (and one of us waste a song that could have been heard)
6) I hate deadlines. The few songs I've tried to get demo-ed for a deadline (contest) were rushed.
7) Pray, pray, pray.
8) If I send you a lyric idea, I will tell you if it's complete, as is, or if it's a seedthought....there are some pieces I work on for months, and I believe there's not much room for tweaking (too dear to my heart.) Others, I'll say tweak or toss. Sometimes there may be one phrase, or even one word that is "worthy" of building a song on. I'm ok with that. Totally!!!
9) The rights to the song are 50/50 if there are 2 writers. If we bring in another writer, it would be 33.34/33.33/33.33 ;) and so on. (I have one song that had 4 of us writing!!! arrrrgh very hard, but worth every bit of it!)

There are other courtesies I haven't covered, I'm sure:) but that's it, off the top of my head.

About me:
I've been married to the love of my life for 23 yrs. Barry is pastor of adult ed at Houston's Second Baptist Church, North campus. We have 9 kids, ages 6-22. Although I've only been writing for 3 yrs, I believe the Lord is requiring me to write! It's for my spiritual livelihood, to be able to express the greatness of God in the universal language of music. I want to encourage and strengthen the body of Christ, and subtly teach His character through words and music. It's my desire to reach out to those who need to know that there is hope for today. And I believe the Father wants to reclaim some of His sheep who have wondered away from Him. If a song He puts in my heart can be an instrument, I want to be obedient in writing every day.

I'm affiliated with BMI and CCLI. And I'm a grandma:) 5 wk old Jacob is my tiniest heartthrob!!!

Now it's your turn!

God bless you, and I mean that!!!
:),
eva
ps If you have a lyric idea, give me a shout! I'll get started on it. If not, I can send you a few ideas.

Well, we didn't really talk much until toward the end of September. But God then met with us, and we're building a song that lifts up the Lord Jesus...what could be better? My part (lyric) is pretty much done, as I've hesitantly sent bits and pieces to Tim. It's been an excellent experience, and I can hardly wait to hear the finished product!!! I'll share the link once it's ready! Yay, God!!!

btw, here's some of Tim's work...beautiful music, for our beautiful Lord!!! I pray you can meet with the Lord as you listen/watch:

www.youtube.com/timjuillet

PS: Toward the end of writing our song, we were down to a very special part of it, and Tim wrote this:

Like you might go into a very spirit filled church, & the music minister might pray a prayer that uses direct reference to s scripture. It might be cool to find a scripture that specifically will work here...? hmmmm...

Well, that wasn't hard!!! I go into a very spirit filled church every week. And our pastors & other leaders have no problem proclaiming the Truth as they pray. (And God led me to the right passages to use there...thank You, Lord!!!)

Can't believe my ears!!!

2008-09-23T23:09:00.004-05:00

Andrea C Parker just released her 11-song cd, and she recorded 3 songs I co-wrote!!!

December Rain (Townley/Wilson/Miller)
Let Us Pray (Utz/Wilson)
Carpenter's Clue (Parker/Wilson/Parker)

You can hear samples at

http://www.indieheaven.com/artist_main.php?id=4005

If you'd like to buy one, leave me a message here and I'll email you her email address:

ackparker@gmail.com

$10 plus $2 shipping:)

or you can use paypal to order, through

http://andreacparker.blogspot.com/2008/09/my-cd-is-here.html

Symptomatic

2008-09-07T06:29:00.003-05:00

I'd like to ask for prayer for Liz's close friend, Sonnie.
During the past 3 weeks,
she experienced symptoms ranging from headaches, dizziness,
left leg occasionally losing feeling,
blurred vision in one right eye, and the list went on.

The doctor suspected brain tumors or
Multiple Schlerosis as he reviewed her MRI.
Her spinal tap results were positive for MS.

I believe Sonnie is in her last year of college.
She is an amazing young lady.
Strong in the Lord.

Please pray the Father gives Sonnie
wisdom concerning treatment.

We are trusting Him for financial provision,
as she has no insurance.

Most of all, she is asking the Lord
to draw others to Christ,
through her suffering.

Sarah, Palin and Tall

2008-09-05T21:07:00.002-05:00

I was impressed when I saw this today. I believe we are a divided nation, and that we will be. Let's pray for the future leaders of America (and for we/ussens followers).

http://link.brightcove.com/services/player/bcpid1766638341

For surely, O LORD, you bless the righteous;
you surround them with your favor as with a shield. Ps 5:12

Women in Black

2008-09-04T17:59:00.006-05:00

Well, we survived the trip to the dentist. But I left the "just-in-case" bottle at home. So Hannah & I came back home instead of going straight to lunch.

At that point, I should have stayed home. Really. I should have just stayed home. But no, I had a gift card and coupon for Chick-fil-A, so I kept my promise to my little one. It was just "our" time, since Dan was home with Jacob.

Everything was fine at Chick-fil-A, except that I sat at the wrong place. The lady next to me was dressed in heels and a black dress. I should have known better. She soon approached me, asking me if I would take a few minutes with her to talk about Avon.

I could have gone into the big long story about how my 8 yr old and I never have time together, as she always has to share me (or that I have to share her)

I could have gone into a big long story about how I don't remember the last hot meal I ate. HA.

I could have gone into a big long story about how bad the waffle fries are if you don't get 'em while they're hot.

But I chose to toss my friend Paula's name out there, and how wonderful she is with Avon and if I ever wanted to be a rep, I'd sign up with Paula.

I thought that was enough but Mrs. Avon wouldn't back off until I finally just smiled, and said, "Look. I have nine kids and their STUFF. I don't want any more stuff to keep up with." She and her co-conspirator (other woman in black) laughed and backed down. They made phone calls until the third gal came along for their meeting.

I overheard them talking about other places they would be going, to pass out business cards. Chili's, etc.

Funny thing. Hannah was on the playground for a little while and came out saying, "Watch my hair when I come down the slide!" It was really funny, because of the static.

But every time I smiled or waved, Mrs. Avon looked at me like "oh, maybe she changed her mind!!!"

You betcha, I changed my mind. We'll be eating at home for a while!!!!!

You betcha. I

Oh, I forgot I had YOU!!!!

2008-09-02T21:45:00.004-05:00

You know something? When I call my mom, I usually identify myself. Being the youngest of nine, and the mother of nine, I know how helpful it is to actually know who I'm talking with. Every once in a while, when I say, "Hi, Moma, this is Eva" she replies "Oh, I forgot I had YOU!!!"

Up until recently, I thought she was kidding.

Today I was nervous about running a few errands, as Grammie. I've been out of the baby routine for just a few years, but it's amazing how quickly I'd forgotten how to do things.

Like how to load a diaper bag. Last week I put everything except diapers in the bag. This week I almost poured bottled water into a 3 lb container of formula. There's a reason YOUNG people have babies.

Like, how to buy groceries for 11 ppl while feeding a two month old his bottle. Baby did fine. I guess I did, too. The true challenge was keeping all the women at the store from slowing me down! Could they not see that I was on a roll? I had 12 more rows to conquer! His happy disposition was not on my side. The more he cooed, the longer the other Grandmas stood in the middle of the aisle. Every aisle. And they had so many questions. And I had all the answers. Yes, he's mine! No, he's not mine! Well, yes, he's mine! I really would have had more kids, if I wasn't so exhausted. And so confused! By the time I was leaving, I was thankful I'd remembered to go thru the check-out.

Oh, and I'd forgotten how to carry a baby in a carrier and grin while swimming upstream in the high school hallway. It seemed simple enough, to drop the forgotten athletics clothes by the office. Actually, it wasn't so difficult to keep a smile on my face, as I was meditating on the fact that I need to drop off the stuff in my right hand, not the stuff in my left hand. Wonder what Michael's coach would have done if he'd brought baby Jacob to gym!!

Tomorrow I'll take Jacob with me to a dental appt for Hannah. If you happen to find a random baby in a waiting room, he's mine.

Labor Day

2008-09-01T22:05:00.004-05:00

As we tried to talk with the children about the meaning of Labor Day, one of my kids suggested that today be Mom's Day, since I'm the only one in the house that really knows what labor is! More on that later.

It was a Labor Day like none other for much of the Gulf Coast. Prayers were going up through the day, for those fleeing from Gustav, and even more so, those who dared to tough it out. If it was me, I'd be first in line to get out of town.

Yes, I'm chicken. And I'll continue to be chicken. I plan my chicken-ness. Don't you?

We were also watchful to see if it was turning any toward Houston. I guess I could have made it to Cleveland on my 1/4 of a tank, only to find that they were fresh out of gas. Oh, the gas gauge is broken on Barry's van. Remind me of that if we ever have to sit in traffic for long!

I'm so thankful that Gustav didn't gain strength as it approached the coast. Praying the Lord would have mercy, I shouldn't have been surprised that it calmed a bit. I don't understand natural disasters. And I don't like them. I guess that's one reason I'm chicken. Bawk bawk.

When I think of labor, I think of hard work. Almost unbearable work. Seems like the hardest work I do these days is to train myself to not worry. The projected path of the storm for Tues is right thru Liz & Ruth's college town, and then on to visit Moma and family there. There's a reason the psalmist says "WHEN I am afraid, I will trust in You" instead of "IF I am afraid..." I'm trusting Him to keep them all safe, as always.

But I look at a storm as a picture of the things that we face that are more real than wind and rain. Our lives are flooded with decisions each day, to choose right instead of wrong. To run or to bear the pain. To care or not care. To love or not to love. The waves of darkness can be overwhelming. That's WHEN I am afraid...that's WHEN I will trust in You, Lord. Spiritual storms. No warning for those...no tracking. Or is there?

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
I managed to celebrate "my" day by slipping away from the house for about an hour. Alone. Several friends have told me about external hard drives, saying I need to back up all my info on my laptop. It's the only place I have all my songs (plus the brilliant lyric ideas that I haven't done anything with YET). So I ventured out to Best Buy, along with half of Houston. It was so busy. I was sure they would be sold out of the one I wanted (on sale). But there was one left. Oh, yes!

Then I went next door, to Office Maxx, to get some Kraft paper, to cover my high schoolers' books. Last year's fine for a damaged book is all it took for me to want to cover them myself! Somebody's gotta be the mama, right? Honey, I reinforce them babies. With duct tape. Every fold, every corner. Duct tape here. Duct tape there. I don't take a chance. And BOYS are soooo rough on their books!

But my true agenda for "my" outing was to buy tape. Lots of tape. And caulk. For Barry. He was painting our bathroom, and was running out of masking tape. You should have seen the look on his face when I told him I didn't like the color! He wanted to say "but YOU picked it!!!" I could tell he was struggling for the right words. He looked around the room. And then looked again. Poor guy. Even after 23 yrs of marriage, he doesn't know what to say. Then he saw the stupid grin on my face, and he knew I loved it afterall.

I then returned to my 17 loads of laundry. Ha. But just when I thought I was tired of washing and folding, I came across a stray. All it took was a navy blue onesie to remind me that it's worth it all. And that was a reminder to pray for my peeps as I do their laundry...it turns my heart toward God, and toward them, as well. I used to pray for my hubby and kids as I ironed their clothes, but I no longer buy clothes that need ironed (or get ironed?!?!).

Yes, I'm loving my life ~ and the fruit of my labor ~ love!

Whoa. I just read this. It was random rambling. I don't dare go back and edit.

Katrina's Anniversary

2008-08-31T11:14:00.013-05:00

shelter

I saw a handmade sign similar to that as I drove
from Houston to Dallas in Sept, 2005.
It's very telling, isn't it?

I can't believe it's been 3 yrs since Katrina hit the Gulf of Mexico.
In some ways, it seems like it was more recent.
But in other ways,
it was so long ago.
May we not forget the darkness of the heart of man,
and the need for the Light of the World!

As we pray for the safety of those of us in the Gulf,
let's remember to pray for their spiritual safety, too.

Psalm 91:1-2
Those who live in the shelter of the Most High
will find rest in the shadow of the Almighty.
This I declare about the Lord
He alone is my refuge, my place of safety;
He is my God, and I trust him

Back in 2005, the week of Katrina,
the Lord poured a song into my heart.
I was in the middle of studying Isaiah 60
in a Joy of Living class,
and Arise and Shine jumped off the page.
I was familiar with the passages,
and had the childhood song etched in my mind
(Rise, Shine, give God the glory, glory).

But this was a more somber look at the passages:

1 Arise, shine; For your light has come!
And the glory of the LORD is risen upon you.
2 For behold, the darkness shall cover the earth,
And deep darkness the people;
But the LORD will arise over you,
And His glory will be seen upon you.
5 Then you shall see and become radiant,
And your heart shall swell with joy
16 You shall know that I, the LORD,
am your Savior and your Redeemer

Darkness did cover New Orleans, with no electricity,
then deep darkness covered the people,
as rioting and looting broke out.
Yet the Lord did indeed arise over His people,
and His glory was seen,
as we served in the shelters in Houston and elsewhere.

Martin Luther King Jr. said
"Darkness cannot drive out darkness;
only light can do that.
Hate cannot drive out hate;
only love can do that."

I pray you can meet with the Lord
as you listen to Arise and Shine.

And I pray you will find shelter in His shadow today!!!

Arise and Shine, at http://www.soundclick.com/evawilson

Congratulatons are in order!!!

2008-08-30T14:55:00.006-05:00

Congratulations are also in order to my dear friend,

Andrea C Parker, for hitting #10 on IndieHeaven's FanFaves!!!

Thank you for voting! It will be on FanFaves until Sept 13 or 14. (So will Closer Than Your Heartbeat, at #14 today)

She posted December Rain in honor or the 7th anniversary of 9/11.

We will never forget the sacrifice given on 9/11/01. I will never be the same.

God bless America. And America, bless God.

Now, on a much lighter note:

The family survived 5 days of school!!! And I didn't have to rush to Wal-Mart for last minute supplies, until Thursday night, when we realized we were short by one binder!

Btw, I love the stock-up-and-save sales, but it's awkward when the cashier looks at me as if I'm hoarding. Sometimes I've explained my family size, but Ms. Cashier never believes me. (Don't worry, Lady, there's not a straightjacket on planet earth that could hold my sags and bags!)

But this year, I went through the self-check! Ha! So weird to feel like I'm inconveniencing someone by buying so much. That's a character quirk in my life: fear of inconveniencing someone.

Anybody else out there feel that way? It's not like I'm a doormat. Nothing like that.

Now that I'm thinking about it, I was never voted "most likely to succeed" or any of those notorious labels we hang on people. As a matter of fact, there was a new honor created the year I graduated. I think some of my teachers liked me, and wanted to do something to recognize me. lol.

Most courteous. Yup. That was me. Seriously.

Don't tell my kids, though. They think I'm rude. Always barking orders. Well, what do they expect from the Enforcer?

Anyway, congratulations are in order to all the principals, teachers, kids, safety patrol-ers! And how about all those home-room moms and those like me, that I call home-RUN moms:

Hurry, run home, mom, before they sign you up to do something ELSE!!!

How Would SHE know?

2008-08-26T09:24:00.001-05:00

This IS the Day that the Lord has made

2008-08-25T06:36:00.002-05:00

I WILL rejoice and be GLAD in it!!! 1st day of school!!!! Yippee!!!

Yes, I will miss my kids! But they thrive in routine (me, too!!!) and they are READY!!!

The kids are odd this year. 1st, 3rd, 5th, etc. Praying for all...especially my 2 college girls:) Praying HARD and LONG for all their teachers!!!! Big day for all!

Hey, we are back to our "original" household size as of today...those of you who know me know exactly what I mean. With a huge Grammy grin;)

Music Note: In only 10 days, December Rain has climbed to #37 and Closer Than Your Heartbeat #39 on http://www.indieheaven.com/fanfaves Thank you ALL for voting! You can vote once a day per computer. ***vote by clicking on star on far right, next to song title.*** An artist can only post one song at a time, but Andrea C Parker recorded December Rain, so it's legal:)

Several of my other co-writers have songs there, too...

Eddie & Laura Cavazos is #14 (Eddie is setting 3 of my lyrics to song!!!)
Tim Juliett #23 (we're just starting something)
Ken Lang #34 (we started a song a yr ago...does that count?)
Joey Nicholson $49 (we wrote Awesome One together)
Give them all a listen!

(and my close friend Cynthia Miller's song Falling Up is AWESOME...#16)

God BLESS you, and I MEAN that!!!

Closer than Your Heartbeat, the song, the story

2008-08-14T15:30:00.004-05:00

In all humility and gratitude, I'd like to share this story:

Over 2 yrs ago, while I was in a Bible study class called MotherWise, something Denise Glenn had penned in the workbook jumped right off the page at me. Pierced my heart with truth. She said that Jesus is closer than our very heartbeat. I began writing notes in my margin, and after class, went straight home so I could sing back to the Lord. I never dreamed I would ever share it with anyone else, as it was so close to my heart.

But God had other plans. and I sent a little worktape to my then-new friend, Deborah Ivris, in Israel. Deborah had translated a few of my songs into Hebrew, and her voice is so clear and resounding, it blessed my socks off! I only sent Closer Than Your Heartbeat as an encouragement to her heart, but soon she sent me an a cappella version back to me, expressing her heart, how the Lord had ministered to her.

Well, for over a year, the file sat in my computer. I don't have the know-how (or talent) to build a songtrack. I hear it in my heart and head, but can't get it from point A to point B.

But while on a forum at http://www.christiansongwriters.org the Father crossed my path with Paul Sumares of CA. He is brilliant & talented, but most of all, desires to honor the Father. We agreed to work together on several songs.

To my surprise, Paul took Deborah's vocals and crafted the song!!! Even with my meager chord ideas and inability to keep time, Paul structured this beautiful arrangement!!!

Thank you, Jesus!!!! (and many thanks to you, Deborah and Paul, for letting hear with my ears what I'd wanted to hear in my heart!!!!)

Here's what Paul said, in response to my note of thanks to him:

I see an arrangement like this as analogous to taking one's already beautiful daughter and adorning her with fine robes, perfumes and jewels … presenting her as a bride for the Son of the King. The tune, lyrics and spirit of the song are the main value of the gift which is offered out of love to God (the daughter). But the arrangement is a pleasure we have to gather some of the more precious and pleasing elements we see around us (which God Himself placed there for us to find), and with those, dress up that gift to show that He is deserving of all the glory and beauty that exists in creation.

What a beautiful display of Kingdom work, as we seek to glory in Him. (and can we give the Lord praise, for allowing us all to use the internet for HIS purposes!!!)

Closer Than Your Heartbeat
(c)2006 Eva Wilson
vocals: Deborah Ivris
production: Paul Sumares

B2 F#/A#
Nothing can keep you from God's love
B2 F#/A#
Nothing in life, not even death
C#m/E F#
Jesus is closer than your heartbeat
C#m/E F#
Nearer than your very breath
B2 F#/A#
He's alive. (He's alive.)
B2 F#/A#
He is here. (He is here)
C#m/E F#
He’s all you need (He's all you need)
B
He's closer than your heartbeat

C#m/E
I am convinced
F#
Neither death nor life,
C#m/E
Neither angels nor demons,
F#
Neither the present nor the future,
E7
Nor any powers. Nothing.
C#m/E
Neither height nor depth,
F#
Nor anything else in all creation,
G#m F#
Can keep you from God's love
G#M F#
Nothing can keep you from God's love
B
In Christ.

B2 F#/A#
Nothing can keep you from God's love
B2 F#/A#
Nothing in life, not even death
C#m/E F#
Jesus is closer than your heartbeat
C#m/E F#
Nearer than your very breath
B2 F#/A#
He's alive. (He's alive.)
B2 F#/A#
He is here. (He is here)
C#m/E F#
He’s all you need (He's all you need)
B
He's closer than your heartbeat

Whehehehehehew!!! We love you, Jesus!!!

Oh, you can hear the Hebrew translations Deborah made at http://www.evawilsonmusic.com

(and for you songwriters, it may be a learning experience to hear my original worktape at http://www.soundclick.com/evawilson so you can hear how God can make something from "almost" nothing) ;)

this is NOT public knowledge!!!!

2008-08-12T14:36:00.003-05:00

I kid you NOT!!! I read this on shoutlife today:

I am looking to relocate to the Nashville, TN possibly soon...and I am looking for a FULL TIME music minister/worship leader position. If you are in need or know of a church please contact me! Thanks!! I can submit a resume and of course you can hear my music on here!! LOL!

God bless!

then, this is added, as the author commented on his own blog:

this is NOT public knowledge...and it is still up in the air....I am looking for work outside of Evansville...cause nothing is happening here....DO NOT say ANYTHING to ANYBODY....it's only a thought we are having i am searching out leads in nashville only right now.

OK, am I missing something? Is the internet NOT open to the public?

(still laughing)

if the shoe fits, share it

2008-08-12T12:03:00.002-05:00

no spellcheck allowed!!!

2008-08-12T11:25:00.004-05:00

Our walls are breathing a sigh of relief!!! A little less stuff packed into the house, a little more wallspace! As we pulled Liz's couch out (for college), the heart of a little brother was revealed:

Hannah is a stupid head

Yes, it must have been a bad day in Stephen's kindergarten head. Was it that Hannah wouldn't play chess with him? Or maybe she hid the remote control!!! Who knows!!!

It will be painted over tonight...that's why I took the picture:) Just had to share!!!

What's in YOUR Wall?

2008-08-08T21:26:00.003-05:00

A convo I recently had with my friend, Paul Sumares reminded me of my parents. Paul is a solid man, strong in his faith in Christ Jesus, and committed to family values. It has been a joy to work with him on some music this summer. What a blessing to have his special touch on songs God planted in my heart!

Well, something he said in a convo this week reminded me of my folks. The best I can remember, neither of my parents ever ran for any kind of office. Not even PTA. Not that PTA is a lowly office. You know what I mean. They never sought public attention. Unless writing letters to the editor counts...I guess I got the bold streak from my mother. Never at a loss for words.

In my mind's eye, Mom and Dad were not even considered pillars of the community. But they were definitely an important part. There was a steadfastness that reminds me of a wall. But not just any wall. This wall stood the test of time. The test of trials. All because of God's grace, and their willingness to receive it.

Now, I look at my own life. My marriage. My parenting. I don't think I can be a wall. I don't think I'm made of the same stuff my mom is made of. But I'd like to think of myself as a stud. A backbone, if you will. Almost useless if standing alone, but with others joining in the framework, we can serve as a support to those walls.

Do I have it in me to stand firm? Not to sway? Only by His mercy!

Some days I think my kids are the nails, holding me in place. Keeping me on my knees.

Some days I think my kids are the hammer, driving those very painful points right where they need to be.

Either way, I'm asking myself, "What's in YOUR wall, Eva?" I'm not pleased with my answer. I want the strength, the dignity, and respect that the generation before me had. But there's no shortcut from point A to point Z.

fell

2008-08-08T00:54:00.002-05:00

I fell in love with Jesus. Again. Kathy Troccoli & Dee Brestin did an excellent job with the book. So creative, tying in song titles for their chapter themes. Hmmm. Wonder if they had copyright issues. Nah.

Vacation was a sweet time with family. Then we returned home for VBS. What an awesome week!!!

More later. Much later. Hard to blog these days. But I'm writing songs every day. Does that count?

A Hammock and a Good Book

2008-07-11T08:20:00.002-05:00

Looking for a good book to read on vacation.

Right next to Pillars and Prophets stood Gorilla on the Midway. I kid you not.

But after a little digging, I found "Falling in Love with Jesus" ~ sounds like a keeper!!!

Let Us Pray

2008-07-10T06:14:00.004-05:00

Well, I haven't blogged in a loooong time. There's MUCH to write about, but where do I begin?

Oh, oh...ok...a few weeks ago, Andrea C Parker went to the studio...and Praise the Lord!!! She chose to record two of my songs!!!

http://www.shoutlife.com/andreacparker

She posted Let Us Pray on Fan Faves, and Only You is there, too...we'd appreciate your votes:)

Still 2 wks left to vote for Let Us Pray #8 & Only You #9
Please vote every day at http://www.indieheaven.com/fanfaves
(Once per day per computer ~ five stars is the best)

2008-05-30T09:44:00.004-05:00

This morning, after making the carpool run, I thought it would take me 5 minutes to water the flowers we planted in the cool of the evening.

But no. Something had been eating my hybiscus. They are 7 ft tall! Why would some measely bug think it could have a midnight snack on my beauties? Well, me and Sevendust will teach them a thing or two!!! OK, I confess. It didn't happen overnight. But it just didn't seem so bad when I first noticed it! Snuck up on me, I reckon!

As I started relieving the beloved plants of those holey leaves, I began to see a pattern. For every huge, bug-bitten leaf, there was already a teensy little sign of life coming in! That new life would have eventually bumped off the old, unhealthy one.

So life is. May we welcome those tiny, yet mighty growth patterns in our lives. Shed the old stuff...old habits...sinfulnesses...weakness...there's more to this life!

"Brethren, I do not regard myself as having laid hold of it yet; but one thing I do: forgetting what lies behind and reaching forward to what lies ahead, I press on toward the goal for the prize of the upward call of God in Christ Jesus."

Philippians 3:13-14

Baby Addison ~ Ain't She Sweet!!!

2008-05-29T20:55:00.000-05:00

Welcome to the world, Little One!!!

passages

2008-05-29T16:55:00.006-05:00

In the last 5 days, there's been a lot of excitement in our family!!!

Liz came home safely Sunday night...what a joy to have her home after 195,840 minutes away!! But who's counting!!!

We had about 100 ppl at our house as family and friends joined us in welcoming her home,
and celebrated Ruth's graduation!
In 172,800 seconds, Ruth will step into the world of high school graduates.
I wrote her a song, called Eyes of Blue...haven't recorded it yet, but she approved it.
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
And then, two nieces born in one week...oh...great nieces!!!

Two of my sisters are enjoying their grandaughters!!!
Congrats to the mommies, Rachel and Jillian!!!

And my cousin, Mary, had her baby today, too!!! Her first! Praise the Lord!!!
A long awaited arrival...Mary is about 40 yrs old!!! Oh, Praise Him!!!!

Can hardly wait to squeeze those babies!!!
~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
But I'll wait a few weeks...Stephen came in from kindergarten today saying that only 9 of his classmates were in school today, out of 23.

Then we received this email:

Your child's elementary "had an unusually high absence rate today.
Seventy-six children were absent and about 10 were sent home ill.
The absences are particularly concentrated in kindergarten, with 28 children out.
Typically, there are about 25 student absences.
Vomiting appears to be a common symptom.
At this point, the cause of the illness is not known.

Our County Public Health and Environmental Services Department has been contacted as a precaution
so that this can be investigated.
The parents of children who are ill may be interviewed in an effort to determine the cause of the illness
and if any additional steps need to be taken for prevention.

And why did I insist that Stephen go to school today, even tho he complained of a sore throat? Because first, he said his foot hurt.
Then his arm.
And his knee.
Then he hid a shoe.
Doesn't he know I've been discerning the truth from "crying wolf" for almost 22 years?

And why did I think I'm right?
Now I'm just holding my breath,
hoping & praying he's not next on the list of sick kids in his class!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

Randomness: I think grandniece would be a nice change of terminology! Then I could be a grandaunt instead of greataunt!

Don't You EVER

2008-05-24T15:17:00.003-05:00

If you spill superglue on your finger, don't lick it off, even if it FEELS like a burn. It is not a burn. You'll be fine.

It does NOT taste like Elmer's. It is NOT harmless.

When we get to Heaven, you'll be able to pick me out of the crowd. I'll be the one STILL looking for something to wipe the smile that's glued on my face!

Well, at least I died laughing.

ps I got the glue off my tongue by scraping it on my teeth. Don't you EVER do that, either!!! hope it wears off before my next dental appt...

SoundClick Widgets

2008-05-23T23:43:00.001-05:00

Gas is CHEAP????

2008-05-22T23:33:00.003-05:00

"A typical latte costs $3.59 for 16 oz. That's 22 cents per ounce or $28.72 a gallon!"

Check out Dave Ramsey's article at:

http://www.daveramsey.com/etc/newsletters/company/052308.cfm?ectid=cnl0805_06#1

It's a New Day for Dottie

2008-05-12T08:22:00.006-05:00

Songwriter Dottie Rambo went to be with Jesus yesterday.

Everything Dottie wrote about,
she's now experience FACE to FACE!

I looked at her song isting on
http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/List_of_songs_by_Dottie_Rambo
and there are many classics on there.
But among the more popular ones,
I found these to be particularly touching:

*I Want To Live So I Can Die Right
*My Visit To Heaven

She did, and she did.

Her life, and death, were no surprise to our Lord...and she's
complete in Him, bowing down before Him.
And think of all the other saints she's rejoicing with!!!

Greatly missed, but greatly appreciated.
She's touched lives in so many ways,
like yours, and in turn, mine.
Her investment here on earth was huge.

The first Dottie song I can remember singing
was in the late 70's
"Holy Spirit, Thou Art Welcome" ~
in my youth ensemble.

Didn't even know she wrote that, until tonight.
It's been forever in my heart.
Once again, I'm welcoming Him in this place.
Omnipotent Father, of mercy and grace.

Grieving ~ And Believing

2008-05-01T17:11:00.004-05:00

I'm grieving with this family in our church....prayers appreciated.

Nancy was in my ladies' small group...she and her husband were in our Sunday School class. A precious couple. I can't believe he's gone. But I'm so thankful to know He loved the Lord Jesus.

http://ourtribune.com/article.php?id=3433

sad,
eva

edited to share a note:

I was crushed to get this news. Barry was able to be with the family, but I had to stay home with a sick kid, along with guys repairing our bathroom tile. I asked the Lord to let me "do" something, in addition to praying.

Later, God rattled my cage, and showed me that I'd turned inward, and that I needed turn outward and touch lives ~ to not let Chuck's death be in vain. The Lord gave me strength and wisdom. I burned 20 songs of mine, plus one in Spanish that my cousin wrote (put it first on the cd's in case it was the only one they heard)...the Father helped me to share my grief with these men...and to offer hope. Yes, there was a language barrier, but they understand life and death.

As they waited for their ride, I briefly shared the gospel. None of them knows the Lord YET. The oldest gentleman hugged the cd and said it is probably the only birthday he will get. I assured him that the Lord Jesus is the best present he could ever receive. And he said he'd listen tonight. They have my cell # and I encouraged them to call me if they want to talk about how Christ can make a difference in their lives. Of course, they nodded and thanked me graciously. Only God knows how hard or fertile the soil of their hearts are. Only He can do a work, and I trust Him.

Over and over again, the Lord reminds me to live each to the fullest. I pray you will, too. Really. We really don't know when it will be our last. Really.

So, if today was your last day, what would you do, to make a difference for Christ? Anything different than what you already did today?

SRO

2008-04-30T11:00:00.004-05:00

What a joy to get to spend time with friends old and new this past weekend! After picking up Andrea Parker at the airport, we drove 2.5 hours, to beautiful East TX. Our friend, Barbara, had invited Andrea to lead a ladies' event called Birthday Bash. Each year, the church celebrates all the women's lives at once! The tables are beautifully decorated by month, filled with ladies born that month.

We spent two nights in Barbara's lovely home, in a gorgeous country setting. God gave Barbara an extra dose of hospitality...made me think about my house, and how rarely we've invited people over in recent years. Oh, I'm so thankful for the time with Barbara. Her sweet face radiates her love for the Lord. And I was able to see her mother, Helen. They both reminded me of the preciousness of Christ.

Barbara's house was full...there were friends who'd come in from all over. Donna, Debbie, & Loretta came from the Dallas area. Darlene drove in from near Houston. Joyce & Liz live near Barbara, but joined the slumber party. I guess you could say it was Sleeping Room Only. (Each gal deserves plenty of blog time....maybe tomorrow?) Others had hoped to come, but circumstances tied them up (you know who you are....and I hope you know you were MISSED!!:)

We had a great time....catching up on our lives, laughing, and praying together. It was a blessing to get to spend time with the girls...some down time. But I have to admit, it took me all weekend to find a place to relax in my mind. Now that I'm looking back, maybe I should have had a sermon at the beginning of the trip instead of at the end.

Barbara's husband, James Kinman is pastor of Central Baptist of Kirbyville, TX. Barry & I call him Bro. Jamie. He's a great man of God...and somehow balances the preaching and pastoring perfectly!!! (OK, almost perfectly!!!)

It had been 22 years since I'd heard this dear pastor friend preach, and I wasn't prepared to be blown away by his sermon this weekend. I tried to take notes carefully, and will now take a few minutes to share some highlights with you.

Opening our Bibles to Mark 2, I settled in, in my mind, that this was a familiar passage. I had been the one in need, at the mercy of my friends and family who knew Jesus and helped me get to Him. I had put myself in the friends' place, bringing others to Christ.

But the pastor explained that he wanted to show us why Peter's house was full. That caught me off guard. I was expecting same-o same-o. Here's a bit of the outline:

1) Jesus was PRESENT. (Peter had welcomed Him)
2) Jesus was PUBLICIZED. (not the house, not the furnishings, not the menu)
3) Jesus was PREACHING. Jesus IS the Word of God. The Word of God must be preached. We are to be ready in season and out of season.
4) Jesus was POWERFUL. The friends broke through the ceiling because they knew the power of Christ. And Jesus proves His power that day. Not only over physical affliction. In V5 He sees their faith and says, "Son, your sins are forgiven you." The forgiveness of SINS is GREATER than physical healing.

Bro. Jamie also said the saddest verse about God's house was in Nehemiah, when it is asked "Why was the house of God forsaken?" And the happiest: "I was glad when they said to me, 'Let us go into the house of the Lord?"

It all got me to thinking about a book I first read in the 80's My Heart, Christ's Home (by Robert Boyd Munger)....Bro. Jamie's sermon began to pierce my heart. I want my heart to have Standing Room Only...packed full of Jesus' presence. I want to make much of Jesus, publicizing Him. I want Jesus to preach to and teach through my heart. Is His power made known in my heart? Truly? In depth? Is the forgiveness of sins greater than physical healing?

And, now that I'm thinking about it, here's a big question? Would anyone feel like they could cut a whole in the roof of my heart, to carry a friend down for God's help???

Lord, have mercy on me, a sinner. Come, make yourself at home in my heart...filling me to SRO.

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
By the way, there were special blessings along the way.
Not only did I get to hear Andrea sing,
but at the birthday bash she sang two songs
that are near and dear to me:
December Rain (Townley/Wilson/Miller)
Let Us Pray (Utz/Wilson)
I praise God for giving these messages....and for the messenger!!!

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~
oh, here's the passage Bro. Jamie preached from:

Mark 2:1When He had come back to Capernaum several days afterward, it was heard that He was at home.

2And many were gathered together, so that there was no longer room, not even near the door; and He was speaking the word to them.

3And they came, bringing to Him a paralytic, carried by four men.

4Being unable to get to Him because of the crowd, they removed the roof above Him; and when they had dug an opening, they let down the pallet on which the paralytic was lying.

5And Jesus seeing their faith said to the paralytic, "Son, your sins are forgiven."

Marked

2008-04-22T14:40:00.005-05:00

There are a lot of things marked in my Bible...in the front, there are special notes, like the dates of my kids' salvation. And notes...lots of notes. Some reveal the depths of my heart, like when I'd lost a loved one and the Lord comforted me with Scripture. Others are verses I was clinging to...sometimes with great joy...other times, I was holding on for dear life!!!

For example:

Precious in the sight of the Lord is the death of His saints. Ps 116:15 (in memory of missionary friend Carolyn Campbell dated 1-14-05)

Michael Joseph Wallace was blameless. Not perfect. Only Christ is perfect. 2 Pet 3:14. In memory of my 21 yr old nephew that SEEMED perfect. A gentle giant.

On parenting:
Affirm
Build bridges
Choose battles carefully

On WORDS:
Is it TRUE?
Is it KIND?
Is it NECESSARY?

Random verses the Spirit prompted me to write:
Revive me, o Lord, for your Name's sake! Ps 143:11
Too deep for words? Rom 8:26-27

And random places where I've written notes to myself:

Eva, are you pleasing God? Rom 8:8
Eva, be a vessel of mercy. Rom 9
Eva, owe love ~ nothing more! Rom 13:8
Eva, you're accountable to God ~ for your SELF! (Rom 14:12)
Eva, your faith is in the power of God! (1 Cor 1:22)
Eva, submit to Barry as you submit to Christ in EVERYTHING (Eph 4:24)

Then, there are other parts of the Bible that I've filled in with notes during sermons...like, from James 3

Roots of Worldly Wisdom:

Bitter jealousy: you have something and afraid you'll lose it. Or that someone will have better than you.

Selfish ambition: do you change your story as you go along?

Lying against the truth: we know the truth but build a case against it. Defending a lie?

Roots of Godly Wisdom:

Purity ~ not by nature, but by the Spirit
Peace ~ doesn't cause strife
Gentleness ~ considerate of others
Willing to yield ~ reasonable, open to discussion
Merciful ~ compassionate about the things God cares about
Good fruits ~ more good than bad
Without partiality ~ unwavering
Without hypocrisy ~ without masks

Ouch! that makes me want to go back to square one. Back to the day I turned my life over to Christ Jesus. Jan 24, 1982. That's a lot of years. Should be a lot more markings in my life...more good fruits than bad. I can't change the past...but there's still today...it's not too late for me to make a difference today!!!

I also found another special reminder my Bible, in my own handwriting:

Many pages of my own Bible are marked. But while I was at my brother's house, i was reading his Bible and noticed that there was only thing written there:

Let integrity and uprightness preserve me,
For I wait for You
Psalm 25:21

This is a reflection on my brother's life, and I pray it will be mine, too. dated June 24, 2006

And, last, but not least:

Many people mark their Bibles, but does the Bible mark YOU?

Closer Than Your Heartbeat..the song

2008-03-31T12:32:00.002-05:00

I was in the middle of a Bible study when the Lord put this in my heart...still need to work it up...but thought I'd share it:)

http://soundclick.com/share?songid=6416862

Closer Than Your Heartbeat
(c)2006 Eva Wilson

B2 F#/A#
Nothing can keep you from God's love
B2 F#/A#
Nothing in life, not even death
C#m/E F#
Jesus is closer than your heartbeat
C#m/E F#
Nearer than your very breath
B2 F#/A#
He's alive. (He's alive.)
B2 F#/A#
He is here. (He is here)
C#m/E F#
He’s all you need (He's all you need)
B
He's closer than your heartbeat

C#m/E
I am convinced
F#
Neither death nor life,
C#m/E
Neither angels nor demons,
F#
Neither the present nor the future,
E7
Nor any powers. Nothing.
C#m/E
Neither height nor depth,
F#
Nor anything else in all creation,
G#m F#
Can keep you from God's love
G#M F#
Nothing can keep you from God's love
B
In Christ.

B2 F#/A#
Nothing can keep you from God's love
B2 F#/A#
Nothing in life, not even death
C#m/E F#
Jesus is closer than your heartbeat
C#m/E F#
Nearer than your very breath
B2 F#/A#
He's alive. (He's alive.)
B2 F#/A#
He is here. (He is here)
C#m/E F#
He’s all you need (He's all you need)
B
He's closer than your heartbeat

Mexican Lasagna

2007-11-18T17:26:00.000-06:00

This awesome dish (accidentally created as an emergency Kidzone dish) is EASY. You can personalize it as you wish!!!

I make it in my crock pot, but I'll do a small version for you here, since most people don't need to feed an army every night!!!

1 lb ground beef, browned and drained
1 can Rotel tomatoes (I use mild)
1 can Ranch style beans
1 can Wolf Brand chili
5 flour tortillas, cut into about 6 or 8 pieces
1 cup cheddar or monterrey or american cheese (velveeta works well)

In a medium bowl, mix ground beef, rotel, beans, and chili.

1.Cover the bottom of a casserole dish with the mix.
2.Spread single layer of tortilla over it.
3.Sprinkle cheese on top.
Repeat 1-3 until all ingredients are used. Bake at 350F for 30 min.

Can add sauted onions & mushrooms, picante sauce, black olives, etc...try different things...you can't go wrong with these basic ingredients!

Oh, and you can substitute chicken instead of ground beef. It will appear to be a totally different dish!!!

Treats and Sweets

2007-11-18T16:32:00.000-06:00

My 2 favorite recipes (today):

Best Dough in the World...can be used for pizzas, kolaches, or just a crescent-type roll
12 rolls, or 2 med pizzas

1 egg
1/2 cup mik, warm (microwave 45 sec)
4 cups flour (bread flour works best)
1/2 cup sugar (can use less)
pinch of salt
1 stick of butter/margarine, sliced
1 Tablespoon yeast

I use a bread machine, on the "first rise" setting, then use the dough as desired..pizza dough doesn't have to rise again, but rolls or kolaches need a 2nd rise, about 20-30 min.

If you don't have a bread machine, try working the dough for about 5 minutes, then let it rest about 15 minutes. Knead again for about 5 minutes, then rest for about an hour.

If using it for pizza, divide in half and use pie pans (be sure to spray with Pam). top with spaghetti sauce, mozarella, and your favorite toppings. Be sure to NOT overload it...you want it to cook thoroughly:) Oh...bake in 425F oven for 10 min.

For rolls or kolaches, pat out the dough. I prefer patting it into a circle, then slicing it like a pizza, into 12 parts. Then you can sprinkle cheddar, mozz, provolone, or american and a little turkey, ham, sausage or beef...and roll it up, starting with the big end (outer edge).

Place rolls on Pam-sprayed cookie sheet. Let rise for about 20-30 min.

Bake in preheated 350F oven for 7-8 min, until golden brown.

Meringue Cookies (small batch...I've made a quadrupled batch before and it didn't affect it)

2 egg whites
1/2 c. sugar
pinch of cream of tartar
3/4 c plain m&m's or choc chips (I use Andes Peppermint Crunch baking chips (red bag) or Andes original baking chips (green bag)...I've only
seen them at Walmart...but any baking chips would be good:)

Beat eggs whites with cream of tartar until foamy. Gradually beat in sugar to make a stiff
meringue. Fold in m&m's. Drop mixture by from a spoon onto greased & floured cookie sheet.
Garnish each with an m&m, if desired. Bake at 250F for 30 minutes, or until cookies are
firm to the touch, but still white. Cool on wire rack. Store tightly covered.

Enjoy!!!

Screeching Halt

2007-10-29T10:09:00.000-05:00

Wrote this Saturday....forgot to post:)

Glad to be alive today. Alarm went off at 6 am. Doesn't my clock know it's Saturday, and I didn't have to get up until 7? Took one kid to work, and another to the Natural Science Museum. Not that I love work. We have a home business. More on that later. Not that I love science. I am certainly not a science buff. But the high school history teacher offered a 100 as a test grade, replacing the lowest test grade, for students who went to see Lucy.

http://www.hmns.org/exhibits/special_exhibits/lucy.asp?r=1

On the way, the Houston traffic came to a screeching halt. For a few min we sat there, among other people who didn't know why they were sitting there, either. Great time to talk with my almost-16 yr old son. We are people watchers. It's amazing to watch the look on people's faces. Most were angry. Others puzzled. But all revealed a sense of being inconvenienced.

That's when the convo was launched. We talked about how our society is rushed. How we even hurry to have fun!

As emergency vehicles arrived, and we tried to merge parked cars in order to clear the way. My son & I looked around, wondering how many people were actually concerned about those involved in the accident. Did any of them even wonder "is that someone I know?" Or were they all on their cell phones, telling the coach they'll be late for the game, or informing the playgroup that they will be dreadfully delayed. Canceling a manicure? Trying to bribe a history teacher? I know there were many legitimate issues that had to be resolved for the hundreds of people. Jobs not getting done. Some going to visit someone in the hospital, etc.

But as we sat there (for a total of 45 min) I couldn't help but to think of how we often overlook the obvious. If I had been on that stretch of the road a few minutes earlier, it could have been me in the horrid wreck. 3 lanes & an exit were closed. Major accident. And if I wasn't IN the wreck, but simply saw it happen, I would have abandoned my complacencies to play EMT for a moment (unskilled, unexperienced, but available).

I soon phoned a friend, and asked about the wreck...indeed, it was a bad one.

Before the road was cleared, I realized that there were no tears in the cars around me. No one was upset that those in the wreck had been inconvenienced. They wouldn't make it to their soccer games, hospital visits, etc. Some may have not made it anywhere.

Let's not get so caught up in our own needs, wants, hopes, dreams, that we forget about those around us. Even strangers.

Let me challenge you to focus on someone else's needs today. Her preferences. His hopes. Their dreams.

And, pray. Lift someone up the Lord...you'll be talking to the One who was inconvenienced for you. He'll understand.

closer than your heartbeat???

2007-10-26T19:53:00.000-05:00

Never really thought about how close someone could get to me until I had kids...

Well, I should have given it more thought during the 88 months of pregnancy I've experienced. But no, that would have been too simple. (and, nope, that's not a typo. I'll explain at a later date. promise.)

Closeness. What does that feel like? I often think of the warm fuzzies I enjoy when someone remembers my birthday. Or when I get together with a friend for lunch. Writing a song. Chatting online. Or cuddling up with a fave book, on a rainy day, no less! Or a slow stroll along the beach (NOT watching for pirate ships on the horizon, you know, quiet. No kids allowed).

Mama didn't tell me there would be days like THIS: close encounters of the wierd kind!!! Woke up one morning and discovered that our 3 preschoolers had wedged into our bed. And they somehow managed to wriggle us into a diagonal configuration, causing my imagination to convince me that I was holding onto the edge of the boat, hoping not to fall overboard! I don't know how my hubby and I slept through that, but if you'll hang around for a minute, you'll find there actually ARE a few things that will awaken even the most seasoned Cap'n!!! (oh, sorry..can't resist...he was a Cap'n Crunched...I know...my bad)

Let me give you a little background history. Hubby and I had been praying about getting a new bed. So we shouldn't have been surprised when our friend called "out of the blue" and offered a queen sized waterbed to us. They didn't need it anymore, since their son had moved off to college.

So that very day, we gave away a bunkbed from our sons' room. Moved our old bed into our girls' room. Moved the girls' old bed into the boys room ~ I don't know why we played musical bedrooms that day ~ probably because I was pregnant and hubby knew to not EVEN mess with me...etc etc etc. Maybe you know the routine.

Well, that fine morning, after our first night with a waterbed, we woke up with the 3 muskateers raiding our space. Fine and good...we'd hoped and prayed for those babies...we can deal with pinched nerves and headaches, from a poor night's sleep ~ because we love them, right?

It's what comes with babies, or out of babies, that is not so pleasant. Not talking about out of the mouths of babes. I thought for sure the Huggies hadn't pampered good enough, or the Pampers hadn't hugged very tight!!! Wasn't feeling much Luvs for my little tykes!!! Yick!!! And we're all in a giant puddle together!!! No compassion for each other...each man for himself! Abandon ship!!!

I have to admit something. I'd thought the worst of my kids. How could they do this to me? I wanted out of our relationship. Just for a split second. Only when I woke up, and saw them sleeping in gigantic puddle. Gargantuan puddle. Stupendous. Well, there are no words for how big that puddle was. Just only a moment, I needed to go to a far away place. Out. Please, give me an out.

You'll be glad to know that there was no need to make a kid walk the plank. As the story unfolds, we found out that the waterbed had been drained and folded and stored on the floor of the garage at our friend's house. In the garage where the puppy lived. Mean puppy. With teeth. Sharp teeth. Following me?

No longer wanted to escape. I suddenly wanted my kids, as I realized that it was not as bad as expected...it wasn't the BAD stuff...it was just WATER...that's when we luv-ed, pampered and and shared huggies with enthusiasm! When we all realized we were all on the same side of the struggle...all in the same boat (which was not even sinking!!!) we came together as a team, scooping water out with pots, pans, and sippee cups, pouring it out the closest bedroom window!!!

That's how we are as friends, too, my friend. Maybe we think we're close when we get to have lunch. Or enjoy a long phone chat. Or send e-cards. Or remember each other's kid's birthdays and favorite foods and favorite colors and authors and artists and and and.

But the true closeness comes when we realize we're all on the same side of the struggle. All in the same boat (and it's NOT sinking)...we can work as a team, scooping out life's troubled waters with pots, pans, and maybe a teacup. Are you looking for the closest window? I am!!!

Aye, Aye, Matey!!!!