Choices

I read a newsletter today from a singer/songwriter I played with once in my early 20s. I have been on her email list since 2003, and I watched her grow over the past decade into one of the better independent artists in the industry. To be a bit raw, I will admit that I have followed her career because I believe if I had stuck to my songwriting career goals, I would likely be in a very similar place. We were alike in many ways.

I always finish her newsletters conflicted: I'm excited for her and all the amazing adventures she gets to be a part of, and a bit gloomy with the "what ifs" had I chosen to follow a path like hers. I still write songs (even if most of them are still in my head or partially written down) and I love grabbing my guitar and hiding in the basement late a night after the girls are asleep for a little music time. Sometimes I wonder if my days of playing for crowds of people are over, and the rest of my life will be spent playing songs for my own enjoyment.

Right now, I can't say.

I can say that I am so thankful that my 20s ended up being taken over by three little girls. They are worth every minute. And maybe I didn't spend the last 10 years touring Europe or headlining sold out shows in NYC, but I did get to snuggle feverish toddlers and create lots of crayola masterpieces. And, somehow, I think I am happier now than I would have been had I chosen differently.

No one says I can't still have some amazing adventures down the road, right? Didn't I hear recently that 40 is the new 20? We shall see.

The Easter Bunny

Today in the checkout line at Costco, one of the cashiers asked our eldest if she was excited for the Easter Bunny to bring her an Easter basket. She replied "The Easter Bunny isn't real, so I don't know how he will bring a basket. Easter is all about Jesus." 

We don't have any huge issues with the Easter Bunny and I have no idea where my daughter learned about his lack of existence.  What I do know is that Easter is about Jesus, and our girls seem to be much more interested in the story of His death and Resurrection than any rabbit that hides eggs. And that is the way it should be; the life and death and new life of Jesus is so exciting and powerful; it should be celebrated!

So, I pray that we have a glorious day this Sunday finding eggs and eating chocolate bunnies, but that the emphasis of the day is put in the Glory of God and the HUGE sacrifice He made in order to save us.

He is Risen. He is Risen Indeed.

"Mom...Jesus carried a log on His back up a tall mountain and when He got to the top, He died. Then, He LIVED AGAIN!" -my littlest (emphasis hers). Amen.

Focus

God often gives us direction in life. The trick is choosing it, as it is often a different path than we would choose for ourselves.

We all have God created gifts and characteristics that shape what we are good at. To truly find what our purpose is in this short lifetime, we need to look at those gifts, look at what we truly value, and sink our time and effort into those things.

Focus. You know what that one thing is that you were designed for. Seriously...you do. God has shown you at some point along the road. It will probably take a lot of courage and persistence to accomplish. It won't be easy; it will be fulfilling. Do it.

Note to self: This means you, Jenna. Read this often. Stop getting sidetracked and focus. Stop whining...it is not impossible. Hard, yes, but not impossible. Focus.

Hello!

This is my Journal.

I have no idea what it will become. I do know that I have many things to share about what I do and the process that allows me to do it. Let's assume that this will be a good place for those thoughts to come out.

I am a horrible speller. I don't always remember to run my work through the glorious tool that is spellcheck. A little grace would be greatly appreciated.

Good times are ahead.
J