Crescendo

Sarah responded to my last post with this comment, which reminded me of a scrapbook page I did a few months ago.

I have three or four scrapbooks going at any given time. Most of them I'll readily share and even force people to read, but there's one that is much like a journal. I usually hold that one a little closer and share it with very few. But I'm making an exception here. So...here's the text of the journaling seen on the page above.

"A tremendous musical crescendo never fails to elicit an emotional response from me. Consider the magnificent finale to the 1812 Overture, accented by an equally magnificent fireworks display. My favorite example, though, is Stonebriar's arrangement of 'A Mighty Fortress'. On the third verse, the orchestra slows on the last line, leading into a breathtaking bridge, which swells as it nears the fourth verse. The kettle drums sound and the congregation joins in with 'That word, above all earthly powers...'. And without fail, my eyes fill with tears and a lump forms in my throat."

'A Mighty Fortress' has been my favorite hymn for many years, not only because of the incredible musical possibilities it presents, but also for its profound lyrics, so rich in sound, strong theology. How can I fail to be moved by this - "The Spirit and the gifts are ours, through Him who with us sideth. Doth ask who that may be? Christ Jesus, it is He. Lord Sabaoth His name, from age to age the same. And He must win the battle!" - especially when it is sung to a full orchestra?

I Am

This weekend, I was unexpectedly blessed with the chance to go to Women of Faith. My joy was made full when I found that Nichole Nordeman would be singing at the conference.

I LOVE Nichole Nordeman! A friend introduced me to her through her "Woven and Spun" CD several years ago and that particular CD has topped my list of favorites ever since.

Nichole's music is beautiful, but her lyrics are what set her apart from other artists, in my opinion. They are completely authentic and consequently, thought-provoking.

My favorite of Nichole's songs is "I Am" and I was thrilled when she sang it on Saturday afternoon. If you've never heard the song, please go to ITunes and buy it. I promise you won't regret spending the $0.99. The song speaks about the stages of life for a woman, from childhood to the teen years to marriage and young children. At each stage, it speaks of God's presence at that place and uses several names for Him...from "Elbow-Healer" to "Comforter, Maker, Life-Sustainer".

While I've loved this song for several years, I heard it in a new light this weekend. I went home and in the course of my devotions this week, I've begun reading through the Psalms and underlining the names and attributes of God. It's amazing to me that He is all of these things. When I desperately need a Rock and a Fortress, He says "I Am". When I need a Shepherd or a Father, He says "I Am". He truly is all that I need.

My "no-longer-a-baby" brother

Sometimes it's hard to recognize this kid! Without waxing too nostalgic, I remember the day he was born, forever changing the Deatherage family dynamic. In some way, from that day on, all five us became invested in making sure that Evan James grew up okay.

And he has. He's not a perfect kid, but he's given us good reason to be proud of him.

This Monday, Evan starts fifth grade. The part that excites him the most? He's now old enough to volunteer in children's ministry at church. He puts many adults to shame with his enthusiasm.

He's begun practices for his fifth year of football. Every Saturday from September through November, Evan has his own little cheering section. (Actually it's a pretty big cheering section and usually attracts a little bit of attention!) Evan's a good player and he loves the game, but what's most fulfilling is watching his sportsmanship - the way he congratulates a teammate on a job well done or graciously (albeit not happily) concedes a game.

For our little family of five, our lives changed on December 4, 1996, but they've only been enriched. Our family would not be complete without Evan. In case you can't tell, I really love this kid!

And the madness begins...

Those who know me well will most likely read the title of this blog, pause to reflect on the fact that it's the middle of August, and possibly remember that this is the time of the year when football fills my every conversation.

For those who don't know me well (although they're probably not reading this blog), I'm a die-hard fan of the Carolina Panthers. I have stuck by them through thick and thin, from a 1-15 season to three NFC Championships and one Super Bowl that still brings tears to my eyes on occasion. One night last week, I'll confess that I actually dreamed about football. I think it's a first - even for me! But I dreamt that our star receiver, Steve Smith, was killed in a car accident. I woke the next morning and immediately checked http://www.panthers.com/, just to ensure that it wasn't true. This morning, driving to work, I passed a car with this on the back and tried desperately to think of some way to communicate that I was also a Panthers fan. We're few and far between in Texas - you've gotta stick together!

I'll try not to fill this blog with football talk, but I will warn you that it may pop up every now and then. I need a place to celebrate those glorious victories (like over the Cowboys, please God!) and agonize over the defeats (not too many, please God!). For now, I'm happy! We beat the Giants this weekend. I didn't get to watch the game, but I'm satisfied knowing that they played well and won.

Random Lessons

Since I'm the one that got Sarah hooked on this and she's now putting me to shame with her blogging skills and frequency, I figured it was probably time to post again.

Just a few random things I've learned over the past few days:

• I am NOT ready to have children. At least not a 2-year-old and a 3-month-old. Thank you, Lord, for knowing that and saving me from my own hopes and dreams!


• I've got some pretty great parents. How great is it to have parents that tell you on a regular basis how much they love you and how proud they are of you? I'm so blessed and I love them so much!


• 4 hours on high in the crock-pot does not equal 8 hours on low. Be warned - you will probably wind up with some very burnt grossness if you do not heed this warning.


• Once you pass 21, there really are no more exciting birthdays. Hope that doesn't sound like I'm throwing a pity party or anything - I personally wasn't all that excited about this one.


• Days off from work may not be worth it. There's even more to do once you get back to the office. Still weighing the pros and cons on this one. I'll let you know when I reach a verdict.


• There are too many good movie options right now and not enough time to see them. "No Reservations" gets a thumbs-up for me. On my list for the next few weeks: The Bourne Ultimatum, Hairspray and Becoming Jane.


• Facebook = pretty cool. I've connected with a best friend from junior high, as well as a few kids I used to babysit. (Question: If the kids I used to babysit are now in college, does that make me old?)

Enough of the randomness. I'm going to bed.