Song

Reach The World
It all starts with just one voice

That takes a stand, that makes a choice

To live for God and not hesitate

To tell the world about amazing grace
One day that seed somehow breaks through

Where there was one, there now stands two

And soon another takes his hand

A ray of hope that spreads across the land.
Across the mountains.

Across the sea.

Soon other's join in harmony.

They've found the cross still standing strong.

And soon a mighty chorus sings along.
Go reach the world, touch one more soul

Bring one more lamb back to the fold.

Each soul another flag unfurled.

Each voice another chance to reach the world.
Don't let me pray, Lord, for wealth or fame.

A spark that sets the world aflame.

But help me reach the lost and alone

Tell of joy and hope where hope was gone.

-Mark Bishop

I REACHED IT!!!!

Yeah! I got 21 votes on that first poll! More than I was aiming for..... that's soooo cool!

Your Skill

I play the piano Wednesday nights at my church for the worship service. Until about 3 months ago I wasn't that great at improvising hymns, and so it was basically a banging of every note to the ear! I listened to the piano player on Sunday mornings and Sunday evenings, and it discouraged me because she was so GREAT and I was so NOT GREAT!!! Of course, my Mom would encourage me, "Honey, she's been playing piano since she was little, through college, and you've only been playing for three years." I well understood, not to mention that Karen is the most amazing piano player I've ever seen in my life (she's better than Bach or Liszt - TRULY!) And, I'll say it, I am not a practical person! Impractical people don't often think practically. I was thinking impatiently and hastily. So, even though I was getting the best training, and slowly improving, I still didn't look forward to banging every Wednesday night. While Karen was teaching me how to improvise, and I was being self-pityish ("I'll never get it!"), I read a verse out of Psalm 33.

"Rejoice in the LORD, O ye righteous: for praise is comely for the upright...Sing unto him a new song; play skilfully with a loud noise." Ps. 33:1 & 3

Doesn't say anything about piano in there, but it spoke to my heart, telling me to keep on going. Keep trying and have fun doing it! Why? Because it says to play skilfully, with a loud noise!!! Well, I had the loud part down, but skilfully? Oh yeah, aren't we supposed to give our best to God? I hadn't reached my full potential at that time, and I'm still improving on some things, but while sitting there, sulking about my sorry state, I could have been challenging myself to move up! When I read that verse, I thought, "Shame on you! get up there and practice!" So I did. And now, I won't lie (haha), I'm not that bad on the piano!

So I want to encourage y'all to give of your very best to the Master, and to put forth all your skill for His glory. Our potential is never complete - we'll never arrive, so keep giving and aim high! Don't wallow in self-pity, because it's a sorry state, and believe me - you'll regret it!
It doesn't matter whether it's piano, singing, archery, drawing, or another talent you may possess... even learning to talk to people. Give the Lord your best, and He'll bless you. What was my blessing? Enjoying every second! Now I'm working on the guitar...