On Worship

I wanted to share the devotion I wrote and presented to parents and participants at an Upward Basketball Game this morning.

On Worship-

"Psalm 9:2 says "I will be glad and rejoice in you. I will sing praise to your name."

Since I was a little girl I've felt like my connection to God is through singing. Other's may feel closer to him during prayer or reading their Bible, but I'm closest to Him when I'm praising him through song. I'm privileged to be a member of the Creative Arts Ministry - Contemporary Band here at FUMC. It's possible that you have seen me on stage at the 940 or the 942/1102 services.

When we come to church to worship God - no matter if we're sitting in the congregation, preaching the sermon or singing in the band - we often come with our minds and hearts concentrating on things other than worshipping God. Maybe we argued with the kids or our spouse, are worried about bills or something else is keeping us from really losing ourselves in the worship.

When you're up on stage it's easy to become distracted - you see people that you know - or maybe your little girl is waving at you non-stop like mine does. Sometimes it's hard to stay focused that you're singing for God and not for yourself or someone else.

The Bible tells us in Hebrews 13:15 that "through Jesus, let us continually offer to God a sacrifice of praise - the fruit of lips that confess his name."

We talk about this a lot in the early mornings before we sing - that sometimes we just have to make a sacrifice of praise to God and put aside our own thoughts and submit ourselves wholly to praising his name. Some weeks it's harder than others, but when we do this - individually and as a group - the difference is felt throughout the congregation.

So I encourage you to make a sacrifice of praise as you worship God- every day of your life. Don't let the little things keep you from a total worship experience. When we do make that sacrifice of praise God will bless us beyond our expectations."

Breaking Ground

Something big is happening here in Niceville - and it's going to impact the children of this town and even further with God's blessings.

This morning - Madeleine, Wyatt, myself and about 120 other people watched as the first bit of ground was broken for a new 32,000 square-foot children's building at the First United Methodist Church in Niceville.

Our church has been blessed beyond belief with children - from newborns to teenagers and even college-aged kids - our joy overflows - as do our rooms and meeting areas.

There have been many meetings - in committee and involving the congregation - because to build such a building is to undertake a tremendous responsibility - not just financially, but spiritually. The phrase "if you build it they will come" applies - except they're already here - and more will continue to come with our without the new building.

We're so excited for this building to be completed - and so thankful that it is going to become a reality with the blessings of so many.

So be ready for some changes Niceville - and when you wonder what that huge church is building this time - now you know! Come join us and find out just how on fire for Jesus this congregation at FUMC is... In a time when most churches are experiencing a decline in attendance ours continues to grow - Something must be right - come experience it for yourself!

-----

Maddie and Wyatt brought their own shovel to help break ground this morning. They don't fully understand what is about to take place, but Maddie understands there is going to be a new building for her at church and she's plenty stoked about that! Wyatt was just happy to dig!

You can even see them on the church website! Just click on their names to see the page...


Maddie she's the last picture on that page

Wyatt little man in the stroller!

And a few from our camera...