A time to weep and a time to laugh

It’s always a weird thing to celebrate the close of an earthly life on the day you’re celebrating a life still living. Today is Chad’s birthday- celebrating his entry into the world on August 9, 1976. Who knew such a talented, smart, funny, giving and kind person would make his debut, and how we’ve watched God orchestrate his steps along the journey on earth. A wonderful husband, friend, servant of Jesus, and father-to-be. (Just making sure you are still reading, just kidding.) Happy birthday, Chad.

And today, we are in the Raleigh area for a funeral at the same time. Our dear friends Jordan and Patience are grieving the loss of their beautiful boy Isaac Jordan Leino, born February 25, 2007. We have been privileged to know them for several years, beginning at Liberty University Patience was my roommate, all of us playing music and traveling. Eventually Jordan came to C3 Church on staff, and is now the Minister of Worship & Communication. Their lives and friendship have meant so much to us.

I can tell you throughout the whole journey, I’ve never known more devoted followers of Christ, some of the most faithful prayer warriors I’ve ever known, and their testimony radiates the power of God. If ever there were poster kids for the song “Blessed Be Your Name,” they are it. Despite every obstacle, they have truly chosen to stand together and serve our great God, no matter what happens. It is incredible the impact they have had and will have on the countless lives, just by serving Christ, by saying, “You give and take away, but my heart will choose to say ‘Lord, blessed be Your Name’ “. In losing their 5-month-old who has spent most of his life at UNC Chapel Hill and has had every complication imaginable with his heart, lungs and body, their example of faith and worship shines through the grief. Patience and Jordan both lead worship at C3 Church and are amazing musically, but I can tell you that they have led worship more off stage than on…they’ve led worship with their lives.

Isaac will be missed as he has left his earthly body. But praise be to God, the Great Physician who has healed him of every ailment and sickness, he is now in heaven worshipping the King. “What a bittersweet joy is found in trusting him into the arms of Jesus.” My prayer is that Jordan, Patience and their whole family would continue to know God’s loving kindness, peace, and comfort. And that we would be challenged to live out real worship off stage in everything that we are.

Go to the beginning and read their entire story HERE.

Small space, big couch, HUGE hearts

First of all, a HUGE “thank you” goes out to all of you that helped “point someone to life” this week. I could NOT have done it without you! I’m so thankful there are so many caring, generous peeps at Lifepoint (and beyond) that are willing team up together to reach out to others in the community!

And all the rest of the crew who came out Saturday to pack, wrap, load, and move everything to Diana Coffey’s new place- thanks for your sweat! Ha ha, there was definitely alot of it, and I appreciate you guys so much. We had about 15 Lifepoint people there (including another family who heard the news and joined to help). Several people and an entire small group chipped in to provide toiletries and some basic necessities. TONS of you gave financially this past Sunday and we were able to hook Diana up with a brand new bed and a couch & loveseat set. YOU are making a difference in a person’s life who had next to nothing left after her apartment was flooded, and now she’s got a great new place out in Castle Hayne. Way to show the love of Jesus!

I believe Diana Coffey was very grateful and touched that some people cared enough to help in her time of need. She was truly blown away. On the phone Tuesday I told her that we had a “few more things” to drop by that people had given. She had no idea until we rolled up in her driveway loaded up in Strick’s truck with a trailer full of stuff. Her face was priceless.

It was quite an interesting time getting a BIG couch in through a small door on a very small porch! Here are a few pics of the delivery day on Tuesday thanks to our awesome delivery peeps Shawn Skipper, Chad King and Kelli Strickland (not pictured):

Thanks again. Love you guys!

Penning an attitude

Sometimes I think writing, journaling, whatever…can be the best thing for you. It can actually have the power to change your mind and heart- as God speaks to you, uncovering a myriad of all sorts of thoughts, feelings, hurts and vulnerability, comfort and joy.

One of the worst things is a lazy artist. I mean, c’mon, if you’re an artist, you should hone your craft in all different ways as much as you can. And you should be excited about it. For me it’s songwriting. I’m terribly undisciplined. My excuse is I think my lyrics are usually lame and I try to fit too much thought into one line, so I just don’t bother. But newsflash, I’d probably get better at it if I practiced more at it. Sure, I jot down little verses or a chorus, or think up a tune to them from time to time…but I never finish it. Sometimes the best part of me comes out when I’m not “trying to write a great song” and I just write me.

My attitude began to take on a much-needed brightened form around 11:45am Sunday, and over past couple days completely rolled over to sunny. Out of uncertainty, restlessness, discouragement, poor attitude, an incredibly rejuvenating and challenging message from Jeff this Sunday- this came out. It might not be the greatest, but it’s me.

Verse
Unveil my eyes
Unravel my heart
‘Cause You’re the only one who sees
The real me anyway
Uncover my pride
The view I see through
So what’s deep inside can be
More and more in tune with You

Pre-Chorus
As You gently show me
That You know me
Better than anyone else

Chorus
And You renew me
And breathe Your life
Back into this hopeless body
You renew me
Replenish my strength
When I’m tired and weary
‘Cause You are God
And You’re faithful to do what You say
And You renew me