I'm off to a retreat in Cameron Highlands

5 great iPhotos
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Going with the drama team from Church of Our Saviour. This bungalow was built in the 1920's, owned and operated by OMF.

I LOVE Tyler & Cameron

I LOVE Tyler & Cameron.JPG
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

In 1998 we took their picture at this LOVE statue in downtown Singapore. Both of them were so small, they fit inside the "E!" One Sunday morning recently, we ran down there before church to get a new shot of them here.

Dear Friends, Thank you so much for praying for us in October.
We're healthy and happy over here. It was a sweet day(s) of prayer, October 20th.
Thank you to those who let us in on your hearts' desires before God...

Here's how we're praying in November
October 31 - Keeping with tradition, Tyler's invited his old pals from the Singapore school to a Non-Spooky Halloween Party. Thank you for your prayers last month to find ways to keep in touch. Lord, we pray that these kids will open their hearts to following you, and that we can continue to influence these sweet Singaporean boys from our old neighborhood.

31-November 5th - Kimberly went to Cameron Highlands, Malaysia with 15 Drama Ministry folks from a local church. She was invited along for spiritual refreshment. Lord as we drew away from the roar of the city lifestyle to have some peaceful quiet time with you, thank you for sweet rest from you, and the worship and good laughs with these folks. I'm so tickled they invited me. The sweetest compliment I got all week was from the manager of the Missionary Guest House when she mentioned how well I fit in as the only non-Chinese in the group. "Not every westerner can blend in so easily, but they obviously love you very much."

4 Network Facilitator/Coaching meeting with facilitators Jim's trained to lead networks. Lord, our plans for mentoring in 2006 are in your hands. Thank you for this group of facilitators. The growth of CRM Singapore and the coaching/mentoring of more and more Christian leaders is for the glory of your name.

7, 8, 9 Jim leads monthly Network Meetings for 3 groups - These will be a celebration and commissioning as members share what God has taught them during the year and we pray for each other.

10 CRM Singapore Board half-day planning retreat to talk about the vision and strategic steps for us to grow. Here's a description of the organization:

CRM’s Focusing Leaders is a powerful leadership development tool designed to help leaders bring strategic focus to their lives and ministries. Oriented for pastors and ministry leaders, the process begins with a focus on personal spiritual renewal and character formation. Through study, reflection, personal coaching and small group discussion we become more intentional about our growth and development. The second phase of the process focuses on corporate renewal, how to become a more developmental leader through using the tools we have practiced in the first phase, and leading staff and congregational leaders through the process.

12th - Asian Children's Festival, Gala Opening. Thank you Lord for this opportunity to sing as a "special guest," help me to be a gracious and winsome witness for you both on and off stage. www.itheatre.org

14th - Christian Artists in Singapore gather for worship at our place. Lord, we want to encourage artist who call themselves your followers. We'll be celebrating what you've been doing through a few of the groups of Christian artists here. I pray the testimonies and prayers on this night will encourage those on the fringes without real and regular fellowship to get plugged into a caring and supportive Christian community.

20-24 Jim travels to Hong Kong to lead a mentoring network for leaders of a large ministry in China. Two days of group meetings on character formation and clarifying personal calling, followed by personal coaching appointments with the individuals in the group.

23rd -Since it's a school holiday, Kimberly takes the Drama Workout (club) on an outing to see RAINBOW FISH II and then meet back at the house. Lord help me to be responsible with the large group of kids "out on the town," and keep the children safe while in my care.

12-17 Jim travels to Thailand to host a conference for workers in China. He has been chairing this meeting for five years, and has seen a lot of fruit through relationships being built for growth and collaboration. People have found resources and developed partnerships that have resulted in breakthroughs in several settings. Please pray for an environment of learning and collaboration among these 80 ministry leaders this week.

28th - Dec 2nd - Tech week for the IBC Primary School Christmas program (Dec 2nd PM). And final rehearsals for a Tapestry Playback Performance on the theme: COUNT YOUR BLESSINGS (Dec 3rd PM). http://tapestryplayback.blogspot.com

My Banana Milk Cow on the Back of a Bus

$031.jpg
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Captured this with my cell phone. (and yes mom, it was not while I was DRIVING, but while sitting at a red light!)

Settling in Singapore: Not as Easy as You’d Expect

Sometimes figuring out how to set up life here feels like you're making your way through haze. This is a picture of the haze of Indonesia "slash and burn fires." had settled over downtown.

My family is new to the International Community School this year, but we’re not new to Singapore. When we first visited Singapore in 1996, it was love at first sight; however settling here and feeling at home in 2000 was so much more difficult than we’d ever expected. Five years later we are permanent residents and Singapore is truly home for us. However, I have a soft spot in my heart when I meet someone who has recently moved here.

It is easy to assume that adjusting to life here will be a snap. After all, there’s a Starbucks on every corner. The public transportation is extremely clean and fairly easy to use. Cabs are cheap. The national language is ENGLISH for goodness sake! If you are feeling unusually frustrated by your life these days, give yourself some extra grace.

I want to let you in on something: Did you know that culture shock is the HARDEST in countries which look the most like your own? It’s true. When you move to a place in Africa, or China, your expectation is that things are going to be very different. When you can’t understand, or when something strikes you as strange, or rude, you think to yourself, “Well, this is ___ after all. They do things different here.” But when you are ordering a Whopper at Burger King in Singapore you kind of expect to understand what the kid behind the register is saying to you. You kind of expect that you’re going to be able to “have it your way!” You don’t expect for things to be different in a place that looks on the surface to be very much like your home country. When you come across something that is odd or different, it catches you off guard. Sometimes it can make you downright mad! Then you start feeling guilty for those feelings. “This is Singapore!” you scold yourself. “It is supposed to be EASIER to live here than in a developing country! What is my problem?”

As you get to know your new city, trying to make it home, you will ride the inevitable roller coaster of culture shock. You will almost certainly have moments (or days) when you’ll see a side of your sin nature you may have never seen! Keep a sense of humor and give yourself lots of grace and forgiveness. Jesus does. He’s gone through it too. Surely he had many experiences, while he lived on earth, that made him wag his head and think, “These people are so (fill in the blank).”

If you stay long enough, you’ll make friends, you’ll come to love eating things called Bee Hoon and Laksa, you’ll remember that most shops don’t open until 11AM and that nobody RSVPs for parties. But best of all, you’ll feel at home here.

"Feels Like Home to Me" The soundman gave me a copy of my audition for this Singtel ad. (3/04) I wanted to have a copy 'cause I could finally sing the lyrics from my heart. Just click on the little arrow below to hear it. -K!


While you’re adjusting, check out some of these websites to help you navigate your settling in and making Singapore home.

A few years ago I became a member of American Association of Singapore. They are constantly holding workshops and events. I feel a little more “in the loop” by getting their monthly news by email. Check out their book LIVING IN SINGAPORE ($18 for members).
http://www.aasingapore.com

http://www.expatsingapore.com/
Expat Singapore felt that for the thousands of expatriates settling in Singapore each year, the lack of adequate information and hence preparation can result in an unpleasant move, culture shock and even psychological and physical discomfort.

A great site index to The Singapore American Community Action Council (SACAC)
http://www.sacac.com/site_index.htm
This organization, established in 1973 is a non-profit organization dedicated to serving the local and expatriate community. SACAC includes Counseling and Community Programs and SACAC Sports offices.

A quick Google search of “settling in Singapore” and “Living in Singapore” will give you a host of helpful websites.

originally written 8/31/95

FEELS LIKE HOME TO ME,
Randy Newman
(lyrics to v2 of the song)
A window breaks, down a long, dark street
And a siren wails in the night
But I’m alright, ’cause I have you here with me
And I can almost see, through the dark there is light

Well, if you knew how much this moment means to me
And how long I’ve waited for your touch
And if you knew how happy you are making me
I never thought that I’d love anyone so much

It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I’m all the way the back where I come from
It feels like home to me, it feels like home to me
It feels like I’m all the way back where I belong
It feels like I’m all the way back where I belong

I Want More

I wrote new lyrics to this disney classic during my recent visit to Orange County. You can sing along if you press the little arrow on the left of the audioblog bar.



Look at this stuff. Isn't it neat?
Wouldn't you think that my world is complete?
I am the O.C. mom who has everything.

Look at this stuff, treasures untold.
how many credit cards can one wallet hold?
Just one payment away from bankruptcy.

I've got Brighton & cell phone jewelry.
Colored hair, I'll admit is a chore.
Collagen and Botox?
I've shot plenty.
But who cares. No big deal. I want more!

Walkin' around you don't get too far.
Though my SUV is a huge gas guzzler.
Got me an ipod to store all my favourite songs.

I wanna live like there's no tomorrow.
Sure I'm a Christian and can't take it with me.
I'm upwardly mobile
and really like super nice stuff.

........

Got tanned without sun.
Worked off my bum.
Every week I must get my nails done.
Here in O.C
Wish I could be
A missionary...

ALWAYS

I like to think of the lyrics of this commercial as what I sing with the LORD. From a 2004 commercial I sang for Standard Chartered bank on Mother's Day.

BANANA MILK??!! YUCK!

Here's your chance to hear me sing this 14 second crazy ad.

Growing up cross culturally

We are happily settled in. The transition to the new school was a
breeze. Kids have INSTANTLY made friends there. I think it's because
most of the students are from the same "TRIBE" as Tyler and Cameron:
ministry kids that have been raised in a country (or countries) that
aren't the country they hold a passport for. They have a lot of things
in common that wasn't true in the local schools where many of their
classmates had never been outside of the city... It's cute to hear them
talking to the new friends they are making. Sharing their travel adventures.
Comparing notes about their adventures and what kind of ministry their
parents do.
Cameron showed me a worksheet he'd done in class.
They were told to use the entire alphabet to name things that you eat.
His list included:
R = rambutans (a south east asian fruit),
S = squid,
F = frog legs,
D= dumplings,
Y = yakult (a Japanese yogurt drink)

All these things are normal to him!

Hall from 2nd storey

Hall from 2nd storey
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

I have to pinch myself walking around our new home. God has indeed poured out blessing underserved on us here. If you've seen the "before" pictures, I'm posting a couple of "after" my Minor Missionary Makeover.

Lessons from being a Traveler

T.S. Elliot said, “We shall not cease from exploration and the end of all
our exploring will be to arrive where we started and know the place
for the first time.”

Chesterton stated, “The whole object of travel is not to set foot
on foreign land; it is at last to set foot on one’s own country as a
foreign land.”

Snagged these off of Joe Handley's last letter from Turkey.
Want to read his great report about what they've learned in a year of living there? Hmm. I'll have to get that link another time...

it's time for a party!
we've recently moved to
a new place with a spectacular view
and we want to celebrate
God's goodness and
the birthday of our
adopted homeland
with our growing
garden of friends.

can you join us for a housewarming on national day?
august 9th, open house

3pm to midnight

teresaville 1007 lower delta road #23-04

bring some food to munch on, or some drinks
+ a potted plant

what?? why?
because we want to build a little garden to represent the dear friends
we've been making these past 5 years in singapore!

we've a few balconies
from which we'll be able to see the fireworks!
There's also a swimming pool in case you want to take a dip.



sms your rsvp 98396965 (K!M) if you can come.

4th of July

Having a great time with my parents.

HI DAD!

Happy Father's Day from Tyler & Cameron
Our plane takes off to see you in 8 hours, and it will still be Fathers Day when we see you! Looking forward to a good holiday with you and mom!

Talkative Shoppers

The Chinese couple sat on the "Picket & Rail" sofas with their 4 year old precocious boy. I needed to rest my legs and sat down on the love seat beside.

"Do you think it's comfortable?" the man said in an American accent.

"Uh...yeah. It's comfortable. Why?" Acting a bit Singaporean I was a bit shocked that a stranger spoke to me first. I think my face showed it.

"It reminds us of home. We like the stuff here." he chirped with a hint of homesickness in his eyes.

I sized them up and immediately empathized. They are new to Singapore and trying to make a life here.

"Where's home?" I asked.

Turns out they're from Orange County too (small, small world). The 4 year old doesn't like it here after 4 months (it's too hot). He's even expereinced teasing from the little Chinese Singaporean kids in a Sunday School class; because of his American accent.

They were raised in Singapore but have been in USA since college (15 years). They've recently moved back ("temporarily!") to be with dad after the death of mom late last year. They're having to learn the country as if they are foreigners and feel out of place. We could have just stayed for dinner and ordered pizza. Nice to be able to encourage them. Tell them I understand what they are going through and that if they stick it out, they'll be feeling at home here (just like us) within 3 years or so.

My Guys

Highpoint Movers on May 30th

Highpoint Movers
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

They are such hard workers. Great Guys. Great Price. Great Ministry to ex-cons. You need some help moving in Singapore? Get them! (+65) 6745 3637

That's it! Teresa Ville
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Caught a good shot of the two moving trucks on the highway with the new apartment in the background.

"The Mines" Jim's office gets a wall
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Thanks to my sweet and generous friend Charlotte - we have airconditioning for this office area, and the guest room.

Taking a Break to look at Flickr
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Still settling in one week later, but getting there! Came up out of the sea of cardboard for some blog time as proof!

An Email gets Misunderstood

The theme for the playback performace coming up on June 4th is "TOO BUSY FOR YOU! Life in Singapore"

I told that to our guest, Peter Schrock yesterday. He laughed.
"Now I get it!"

"Get what?"

He'd misunderstood my email responding to when he should come for a visit.

He read,

"JUNE 4 Playback performance: TOO BUSY FOR YOU!"

And thought to himself, "Too Busy for you? Hmm. Well, I guess I won't be going to Singapore in June!"

We've enjoyed his short visit in May, in the middle of crazy renovation, moving, Jim coming back from meetings in Malaysia.
Peter also serves with CRM and one of the things he does is take GREAT photos. So maybe soon, I'll have some good ones to post...He and his wife Jen are our first overnight guests in the new place. And there was a full moon to welcome them.

Thanks Mary Engelbreight HOME magazine

Thanks Mary Engelbreight HOME magazine
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

I love the section in the magazine that interviews an artist. What inspires them. How they got started. Advice. Great stuff.

Labor Day in Singapore

Today is a holiday in Singapore.

But last night, Loonni's Thai church had joined 3 other congregations for a special pre-LABOR DAY worship celebration. The Tamils, the Filipinos, and the Indonesians had all joined together for worship and a giant pot luck. She came home from church late last night and was like a teenager, she was so excited. She had participated in the worship service by performing a multi-cultural dance with 3 ladies from the other congregations. She'd gone early to have her hair done up, with fresh flowers, and someone helped her put on make-up. Someone from her church had also had a new dress made for her. A traditional THAI skirt and blouse; in pink with gold threads, her favourite colour.

When she showed us this special new outfit the night before she told us that this was the first THAI dress she'd ever owned. Bless her. She's 31.

"Now when I am asked to do something special for worship, like read scripture or take the offering, I can wear this!" she said. "I don't know how to explain it. To wear something like this dress for worship makes my heart feel like I'm showing God how much I love him."

We are so blessed to have her in our family.

1997 Green Lake Park.

1997 Green Lake Park.Small size
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

I think this is my favourite family picture ever. Goodness, how fast they grow (all 4 of us!)

THE ROOSTER missing his master

THE COCK missing his master
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Jim, born in the Year of the Rooster, is in Shanghai this week and I miss him. He can't log on to blogs...it is "FORBIDDEN" in China still. But I post this 'cause I miss him. So does our faux friend THE COCK. He's pining away looking at a framed picture of Jim... (who'd complained after Chinese New Year that no one bought him a rooster! For the first time since our love affair with China started, this is HIS YEAR, so I went out and got him this big fella)

I'm in AWE of Homeschooling Parents

After hosting a Science Fair for homeschoolers in Singapore today, I'm reminded what an amazing thing it is to teach your children from home.

"You can teach a student a lesson for a day; but if you can teach him to learn by creating curiosity, he will continue the learning process as long as he lives.” – Clay P. Bedford

"If my child wanted to be a teacher, I would bid him Godspeed as if her were going off to war. The war against predjudice, greed and ignorance is eternal, and those who dedticate themselves to it give their lives no less, because they may live to see some fraction of the battle won.” – James Hilton

If you are a Teacher: you are affecting eternity. The influence you have on children…no one can tell where it stops!

Teachers, thank you
We are so happy
That you chose this job.
Thank you.
We know it’s not easy.
In fact sometimes,
We make it quite tough.
But our future is in your hands.
To shape.
To guide
To motivate
To inspire
Thank you teachers.
You are our heros!

TAX DAY...bless my friends.

From the whirlwind of life here in Singapore, I realize this morning it's April 15th and remember that in USA, this is a red letter day. I think about the funny ritual Jim and I had on April 15th every year. We'd find out which local post office was open the very latest in the evening and make our reluctant pilgrimmage in the 11th hour, not wanting to give anything to Uncle Sam and his Government Racket until it was absolutely demanded of us!

Living overseas, we don't get that fun anymore, but this morning I'm still thinking about my friends and family over there, and wonder how you're doing. I'm asking God that he would prosper you so much in the coming year that the sting of taxes will be more like a mosquito bite than an amputation!

Those of you who know this head-in-the-clouds artist, probably would imagine that I've not invested much in thinking, scheming, or worrying about money. I come from a frugal upbringing where my parents modeled saving more than spending, and giving more than buying, I don't really like shopping, and have been married nearly 20 years to a man who I've been happy to let "take care of all that money business."

Not to mention my Evangelical upbringing. Whatever room in my right brain there has been for financial thoughts has been fed with meditations on Scriptural investment advice of passages like this gem from Proverbs 30:7-9:

Two things I ask of you, O LORD;
do not refuse me before I die:
Keep falsehood and lies far from me;
give me neither poverty nor riches,
but give me only my daily bread.
Otherwise, I may have too much and disown you
and say, 'Who is the LORD?'
Or I may become poor and steal,
and so dishonour the name of my God.

My all time favourite sink-into-the-core-of-my-world-view passage on money has been Matthew 6:19-24.

Do not store up for yourself treasures on earth where moth and rust destroy and theives break in and steal, but store up for yourself treasures in heaven...For where your treasure is, there your heart will be also. No one can serve two masters. Either he will hate the one and love the other, or he will be devoted to the one and despise the other. You cannot serve both God and Money.

Of course, as a Christian, I wanted to be devoted to Christ, so I've always thought it was godly to despise money. At best, having learned to despise it, it was a necessary evil. Something we utilize for life on this fallen planet. Something we pray we use wisely hoping God is glorified in our spending. Something we give away to advance the good news that through Jesus, we can have a place in heaven where moth and rust do not destroy and there's no need to lock our heavenly mansions from theives, because there won't be any. My beliefs about money were informed and conformed by teachings of aescetic persuasion than King Soloman. The LORD I follow was homeless afterall!

In the past couple of years, there has been some tremors in the core of my worldview. Perhaps the real shaking started when we purchased a car here 3 years ago. After roughing it with public transport for 4 years, we took the plunge. Ouch. The cost of cars in Singapore is OUTRAGEOUS. To buy a used minivan cost us the same as a new luxury sports car in USA! But we'd prayed about it and knew that having a car would eliminate a lot of stresses, siginificantly change the quality of our lives, and make us more productive in our ministry. I thank God every day for our car, and have never questioned that step of faith we took in putting such a chunk of our resources toward this blue Honda Odyssey. God HAS provided for more than our daily bread. We're not in any danger of having too much and getting to a point of disowning God, but we're also not anywhere being tempted to steal!

As I've gone through the rough waters of cross culturall adjustment these past 7 years, I've enjoyed Richard Carlson's books DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF, and DON'T SWEAT THE SMALL STUFF FOR FAMILIES. Recently at a book sale, I came across another title by the same author: DON'T WORRY, MAKE MONEY Spiritual and Practical Ways to Create Abundance and More Fun in Your Life. It almost sounds sacreligious! If I hadn't read the down-to-earth good advice of his earlier books, I'd not have picked it up or begun reading. And have begun learning! Now, I know, for those who are financial wizards, a book title like this sounds like a pre-school board book, but I imagine you are spending your time on more productive and lucrative activities and are not taking the time to read my ramblings here, so I'll write on.

In all of this; the purchase of our car, finding this book, the search for our next apartment, God has been slowly introducing me to a richer way of viewing resources. He's showing me that in the same way he has given some a gift of Voluntary Poverty, He has also gifted others with Administration, which results in a knack for making money. He's put a few people in my life who have this knack and are both comfortable and godly with a life of relative luxury. These people who, to me, are quite rich, are not hoarding it but generously exercising a gift of Giving; giving to which the Creasmans have been a recipient. He has begun stretching my faith not just in his ability to provide for our needs through those who are financial partners in our ministry, but in seeking His heart for learning how to invest well, or make money and make it work for us and the work we are doing for the advancement of His Kingdom.

So, on April 15th, I pray for you about this too. I pray that you get good investment advice. I pray that if you're in transition with work that God provide you with a satisfying and well paying new position. I pray that God would RICHLY prosper all of you as you yeild your life and your money to His Lordship. It's true that you cannot serve both God and money, but I've started to believe that God's plan for many of you is to serve him by making money! And that because ot the way he's gifted you, you are able to make even money serve Him!

From Isaiah 55:10-13
As the rain and the snow
come down from heaven,
and do not return to it
without watering the earth
and making it bud and flourish,
so that it yields seed for the sower
and bread for the eater,
so is my word that goes out from my mouth:
It will not return to me empty,
but will accomplish what I desire
and achieve the purpose for which I sent it.

You will go out in joy
and be led forth in peace;
the mountains and the hills
(Your bankers and financial advisors)

will burst forth in song before you,
(will use your portfolio as an example of investment savvy)

and all the trees of the field
will clap their hands.
Instead of the thornbush will grow
(Instead of credit debt, you'll grow)

the pine tree,
(the dividends)

and instead of briers the myrtle
(Instead of unexpected expenses,)

will grow
(your stuff will all function without breaking down.)

This will be for the LORD's renown,
for an everlasting sign,
which will not be destroyed.

(This will be for our great God's glory
because your heart will remain
steadfastly devoted to serving Him, not money,
because your real treasure is eternal
and cannot be destroyed!)

Praying today for your ble$$ing and great JOY.

J&K!

Lovers in Perth
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

Two ipods pop in on a downtown park on a sunny afternoon in Perth before our flight back home to Singapore.

The weekend in Perth was for Joni and Trevors wedding. And early celebration of our TWENTY YEARS, AND it was Jim's BIRTHDAY to boot.

Successful Easter Egg Hunters

Successful Hunters
Originally uploaded by K!Mberly.

HE IS ALIVE!!!
Just think, Christians are the only religious followers who serve a LIVING, personal and loving God.

All I needed to celebrate in a big yet spontaneous way was a little encouragement. Melissa asking "Are you going to have another Easter Party?" on Thursday night got me motivated. What fun!

Tyler off to Thailand. He had a GREAT weekend with his old pal Reuel Tan.

We've Found Our Next Home

It's a real gift from God.
The short version of a long story: The same day I posted the article below (where I was struggling with the lack of a paycheck to "validate" the work I do), we learned that the owners of the apartment we've been praying about were willing to drop the price on the rent. That day we went to see another apartment in the same complex to compare. After seeing this smaller one, we knew that the bigger place a few floors up would suit our family and growing ministry so much better. So we prayed some more about it and instead of having jitters or reservations, we felt at peace about signing the tenancy agreement. The rental price is still a financial stretch for us, but a faith stretching stretch and not a foolhardy stretch. We signed papers and handed over the first months rent yesterday. We'll get the keys the first of April, do some painting and a little fixing up to make it home and office, and will move in after the boys finish their school term May 27th. We can start using it as the CRM office and guest apartment before we move. Want to make a donation? (will send you CRM online donations site). Ha! Ha! See below for a couple pictures. Want more? See photos of the place by double clicking here.

Once when I visited to tell the owners how much I loved this apartment, I let the boys go swimming in the pool. Here's Tyler in his boat!

Weeding the Root of Bitterness

I was asked weeks ago to sing an old hymn for church this coming weekend.

When I survey the wondrous cross

On which the prince of glory died,

My richest gain I count but loss,

And pour contempt on all my pride.

Oh boy. It’s no coincidence that at the same time I was asked by someone else to write an article, give my sage advice, on this subject: “Should Christian Artists Work in Church for Free?” I thought I had settled this for myself long ago; but in the last few days, I’ve discovered a deep root of bitterness and hurt in my heart. Why did God make me this weird “Artistic Type?” And why in God’s earth, even if we reach a certain level of excellence, why is an artists’ work rarely validated by a paycheck? I realize now I’m still working through my issues with the Lord about my worth. He made me to be what I am, and he REALLY LOVES what he made. Yet, I still find these deep beliefs or fears that I’m just this funky little minister’s wife with an unusual hobby that can keep me busy while he does the IMPORTANT stuff. I want to be important too.

Forbid it Lord, that I should boast,

Save in the death of Christ my God.

All the vain things that charm me most,

I sacrifice them to your throne.

I know I should be able to do what God’s made me to do even if people were throwing rocks at me, and here I am whining because others’ callings can also give them a decent salary. What am I whining about? God has faithfully and generously provided for me. My life is about as glorious as any could be this side of paradise. SO WHAT if I’m not getting “validated” by a check with my name on it! Jesus didn’t have a good career either. I think I’ll go back to the lyrics of the song I’m singing this weekend and ask our Savior to continue his work in my heart on this.

Were the whole realm of nature mine

[Were that I had a bigger paycheck than even Bill Gates],

That were an offering far too small.

Love so amazing, so divine, demands my soul…

Demands my soul,

Love demands my soul,

My life, my all.

Though not up on the Createlevoyage website yet, you can see my unedited article.