This little girl constantly crawls up in my lap while I work. As you can imagine, she is verrrrry helpful. But a cute distraction is almost always well worth it!
Friday, August 27, 2010
Wednesday, August 25, 2010
The Road Leads...to iTunes
** A guest blog written by my husband
This is a blog I intended to post over a week ago, but due to the hassles of moving, and not having access to internet for a few days, its taken longer than I planned to get it up. I'm writing this because I wanted to talk a bit about my new record and explain a little bit about why I did it, etc.
Ministry naturally demands sacrifice. In my case, God has called our family to start up a new church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Because of the nature of our ministry, we are giving up a piece of our financial stability. Over the last year-and-a-half, this has led to many conversations about how we might earn a living while also reserving the flexibility to serve the community freely.
One idea Randi and I tossed around was for me to make another record and put it up for sale on iTunes. This was an idea that I was not opposed to, but I couldn’t fully embrace it either. The reason for this stemmed from the fact that I have never wanted to turn my worship music into some sort of commercial venture. In other words, I do not write worship songs with the sole intent to make money. However, I also realize that God has gifted me in the area of music and who am I to question God on a matter like this if He chooses to use my gifts to provide for me and my family.
Eventually I decided that I was not going to go out of my way to write new music for a new record. But if God started giving me new music and giving me inspiration for new songs, then I would take it as it came. And if it reached a point where there was enough material, then I would look at the possibility of compiling it into something I might be able to sell.
Honestly, I didn’t think anything would come of it because for about two years I have had one of the worst creative blocks I’ve ever had in my life. But not long after we decided to move, God began working on me in a different way -- He began to show me what worship might look like in our new church.
There’s a pretty good chance that many of the people attending one of our worship services will have spent very little time in a church. I began asking myself what was possible in the creative realm if I was leading worship for people who didn’t have a preexisting idea of what modern worship music might sound like. What was possible when my own creative process was not bound by the rules of current church culture? Questions like this began to open up tons of creative doors to walk through and explore.
And explore I did. God began to throw things at me left and right, not only in terms of creativity, but spiritually as well, as the last year-and-a-half has been a huge growing process for me. I have wrestled with life’s circumstances more recently than I ever have. As my family and I have been tested in so many ways, I have been forced to re-examine what it means to allow Christ to live in and through me. To re-examine my own identity in Christ, to be reminded of God’s provision and his never ceasing grace.
And the result is the EP that I just released. It represents a year-and-a-half of song writing, formed out of the change in my own life and all the things God has reminded me. It also represents my first effort at creatively stretching myself to the limits. It is not mainstream, nor is it what you would expect to hear in most churches on a Sunday morning, and I am OK with that. It is in every way different from anything I’ve ever done. I wanted to write in a way that the words were simple but represented big truths about God’s grace and our identity that are often overlooked in worship music.
So is this a worship record? That’s a great question. It is my worship, I can say that much. And maybe, at least it is my prayer, that it is your worship as well.
I think Randi already stated this in one of her blogs, but I don’t write music so that I can make tons of money or become a rock star. Let’s just face it, I don't think I'm that good, nor am I skinny enough to wear rocker clothes. But I do believe that music is meant to be shared. What kind of a person would I be to keep what God gives me to myself? So if in the process people enjoy it enough to maybe buy some of it, then that’s great. If you like the record, tell everyone about it. If you know someone else who might like it, point them in the right direction. There is a link at the bottom of this post that will take you to the iTunes store if you want to purchase it. Just know that your money is not going to pay for my new pair of skinny jeans or rock star highlights in my hair. It’s going to support me and my family as we live and minister in Colorado, doing what God has called us to do.
And for anyone who is interested, I will post an additional blog with the liner notes from the album as well as a few pictures from the studio since iTunes does not include the liner notes when you buy the record.
CLICK HERE TO BUY MY RECORD ON ITUNES
Ministry naturally demands sacrifice. In my case, God has called our family to start up a new church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Because of the nature of our ministry, we are giving up a piece of our financial stability. Over the last year-and-a-half, this has led to many conversations about how we might earn a living while also reserving the flexibility to serve the community freely.
One idea Randi and I tossed around was for me to make another record and put it up for sale on iTunes. This was an idea that I was not opposed to, but I couldn’t fully embrace it either. The reason for this stemmed from the fact that I have never wanted to turn my worship music into some sort of commercial venture. In other words, I do not write worship songs with the sole intent to make money. However, I also realize that God has gifted me in the area of music and who am I to question God on a matter like this if He chooses to use my gifts to provide for me and my family.
Eventually I decided that I was not going to go out of my way to write new music for a new record. But if God started giving me new music and giving me inspiration for new songs, then I would take it as it came. And if it reached a point where there was enough material, then I would look at the possibility of compiling it into something I might be able to sell.
Honestly, I didn’t think anything would come of it because for about two years I have had one of the worst creative blocks I’ve ever had in my life. But not long after we decided to move, God began working on me in a different way -- He began to show me what worship might look like in our new church.
There’s a pretty good chance that many of the people attending one of our worship services will have spent very little time in a church. I began asking myself what was possible in the creative realm if I was leading worship for people who didn’t have a preexisting idea of what modern worship music might sound like. What was possible when my own creative process was not bound by the rules of current church culture? Questions like this began to open up tons of creative doors to walk through and explore.
And explore I did. God began to throw things at me left and right, not only in terms of creativity, but spiritually as well, as the last year-and-a-half has been a huge growing process for me. I have wrestled with life’s circumstances more recently than I ever have. As my family and I have been tested in so many ways, I have been forced to re-examine what it means to allow Christ to live in and through me. To re-examine my own identity in Christ, to be reminded of God’s provision and his never ceasing grace.
And the result is the EP that I just released. It represents a year-and-a-half of song writing, formed out of the change in my own life and all the things God has reminded me. It also represents my first effort at creatively stretching myself to the limits. It is not mainstream, nor is it what you would expect to hear in most churches on a Sunday morning, and I am OK with that. It is in every way different from anything I’ve ever done. I wanted to write in a way that the words were simple but represented big truths about God’s grace and our identity that are often overlooked in worship music.
So is this a worship record? That’s a great question. It is my worship, I can say that much. And maybe, at least it is my prayer, that it is your worship as well.
I think Randi already stated this in one of her blogs, but I don’t write music so that I can make tons of money or become a rock star. Let’s just face it, I don't think I'm that good, nor am I skinny enough to wear rocker clothes. But I do believe that music is meant to be shared. What kind of a person would I be to keep what God gives me to myself? So if in the process people enjoy it enough to maybe buy some of it, then that’s great. If you like the record, tell everyone about it. If you know someone else who might like it, point them in the right direction. There is a link at the bottom of this post that will take you to the iTunes store if you want to purchase it. Just know that your money is not going to pay for my new pair of skinny jeans or rock star highlights in my hair. It’s going to support me and my family as we live and minister in Colorado, doing what God has called us to do.
And for anyone who is interested, I will post an additional blog with the liner notes from the album as well as a few pictures from the studio since iTunes does not include the liner notes when you buy the record.
CLICK HERE TO BUY MY RECORD ON ITUNES
Sunday, August 15, 2010
Our New Bikes
My Memaw and Pawpaw have old cruiser bikes they're letting us have to fix up! We're REALLY excited!
Saturday, August 14, 2010
We're Finished Packing
Everything is boxed up and ready to move into the U-Haul in the morning.
We'll relax on Monday.
We leave at 4 a.m. on Tuesday.
We're officially vagabonds until we make it to Fort Collins Wednesday!
And here's a little something to look forward to in Fort Collins on Thursday. Check out these temperatures!
Tuesday, August 10, 2010
From Our Living Room To Yours...
A few times a week, my favorite musician comes to my house, sits in my living room and puts on a personal concert for me and Hannah. With nothing more than a guitar in hand, the sound of my husband singing fills our home. It’s one of the best sounds in the world to me.
Chris is always writing and singing something new and giving me and Hannah a first listen. Now I’m excited to announce that he’s ready to give others a preview of some of his new songs.
Go to NoiseTrade.com/ChrisFreemanMusic to download two free songs from his upcoming album, The Road So Far. The album is very personal, but it’s one that I feel everyone can identify with on some level while also enjoying the brilliant musicianship.
Later this week, the entire album will be available to buy from iTunes. I have to brag that all the songs were written, produced and recorded by him.
Chris’ goal in making music isn’t to make big bucks or achieve rock star fame. Music is just a natural outpouring of who he is. We believe that music is meant to be shared, which is why he’s made this album available. From our living room to yours -- we hope you enjoy it!
Friday, August 6, 2010
My New Job
Hannah was playing on the floor around my feet while I was finishing up my makeup in a hurry, and she looked up at me and said, "Mama, hold?" I can never resist, so I picked her up and we just snuggled for a moment. Then it hit me. Perspective. I just quit my job at the hospital so I could start working the job of my dreams! As it is right now, I get to stay at home to care for Hannah as I freelance as a writer, all while in the mission field in the gorgeous state of Colorado. Really? REALLY? God certainly does exceed expectations.
I'm going to miss my coworkers like crazy. I'm going to miss working in "Crazy Town" as we have nicknamed our office in jest. I mean it when I say my life has been blessed by such great people! If only there was a way to get these people to move with me. I'd have it all!
Wednesday, August 4, 2010
The Countdown Is On
Our days are numbered here in Tyler.
Tonight was our last night of Oasis -- after 8 years, might I add.
Tomorrow is Hannah's last day of daycare.
Friday is my last day of work.
Sunday is our last day at Colonial Hills.
Wednesday is Chris' last day of work.
And then it's pack, pack, pack until we move the following Tuesday morning, August 17th.
We're looking forward to what's to come while remembering what's behind us!
Tuesday, August 3, 2010
Three Generations
One of the things my Mom has always wanted to do with Hannah is have studio portraits made with the two of them. So for her birthday this weekend, we went and had pictures taken. Of course I wanted in on the deal, so I jumped in a picture or two. I'm pretty sure we have more pictures of Hannah running AWAY from or pointing AT the camera than of her just standing and smiling, but what do you expect from a toddler?!
Monday, August 2, 2010
Not To Brag...
I had 838 hits on my blog last month!
I had 569 unique visitors!
What on EARTH?
That may not be very many hits compared to most blogs, but to me, that's kind of a big deal. I don't think I even know that many people! I love that someone out there is interested enough in our little family that you're even checking out my page. You should let me know if YOU have a blog. Leave me a comment with your blog address. :)
Sunday, August 1, 2010
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