Sometimes My Own Dreams (Like This New Blog) Scare Me

Posted on April 12, 2013 Leave a Comment

Awhile back, I talked God-sized dreams–those ideas you have stewing in your head that are too big for you to accomplish on your own. The ones that require you to step outside of your comfort zone, put yourself out there and walk in your purpose. I have a few of those that I’ve been sitting on for a while. For instance, around the middle of last year, I started thinking about launching a new blog for mamas.

The only thing is the closer I got to launching said dream, the more it began to scare me. What if it’s a flop? Or, what if it’s not and they do come? Will I be able to fulfill the expectations of people visiting the site? 

Then, there’s the fact that I’d be writing more about motherhood. What if someone sees my kids (or me, for that matter) out in public having a meltdown, will they think everything I’ve written is a fraud? Will I alienate those loyal readers who aren’t moms?

And when those thoughts weren’t hanging around, the perfectionism thing made its way in. The font color is all wrong. Maybe the site need more tweaking. I should start with more content…or less. Or maybe this is all just a bad idea. Who do you think you are, after all?

Fortunately for me, that line I picked up from Jon Acuff at the recent Blissdom Conference is also running around my head–Punch Fear in the Face.

punch-fear

As I dragged myself out of the house yesterday for a 30-minute run (which, that in and of itself is an accomplishment considering I was supposed to start training for a marathon two months ago), I decided no more. I was going to hit publish even realizing the site isn’t perfect. The design isn’t just how I want it to be. I could’ve added more.

I’m launching anyway because in the end, I may be the only one who cares about these things. My dream for the new site is to help raise up an army of moms who are so intentional and purposeful in their role as mamas that serious change will start to happen in their lives and their family’s lives. That’s what really matters, and the sooner I can get going on that, the better.

So, here’s to punching fear in the face, pursuing God-sized dreams and just doing it. You can click the image below to check out my new digs.

Next Level Mama blog - nextlevelmama.com

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By the way, I’ve so enjoyed spending my first year and a half of blogging with you all! I can’t tell you how much your comments, visits and emails have meant to me. Y’all are the best! Hope to keep seeing you around.

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Music Monday: Jesus at the Center by Israel & New Breed

Posted on March 25, 2013 2 Comments

I’m back with another Music Monday(ish) post. (Have you figured out I’m a night owl by now?). Today’s music selection is a bit different because it’s not just one song, it’s an entire CD (or rather double-CD). Actually, that’s not quite true either. It’s not even just a CD, it’s a DVD as well. Jesus at the Center is one of the latest songs from Israel and New Breed and also the title of their entire new CD and worship DVD. To say, Israel Houghton (worship leader at Lakewood Church in Houston and mastermind behind some of contemporary worship’s most popular songs) and musical group New Breed have strung together a collection of songs that my entire family enjoys, is an understatement. The boys usually request one of two songs from the CD as soon as we get in the car (Te Amo or Rez Power).

Jesus at the center of it all
From beginning to the end
It will always be, it’s always been You, Jesus

Nothing else matters, nothing in this world will do
Jesus You’re the center, and everything revolves around You

Let’s be real. When you have kids, a job, side hobbies, a husband, workout commitments, sports games and practices, play dates, friends, church, and everything else that competes for your time, it’s easy to lose sight of what’s really important. I know it was for me. That’s why I fell hard for this CD because it redirected my focus and reminded me that without Jesus at the center of it all, everything else is meaningless.

If you listen to this CD, you will no doubt be blessed; but let me challenge you to take it a step further by watching the worship DVD. It’s a-ma-zing. If you want to see what “radical worship” looks and feels like, watch this. If lifeless, stale worship is more your style, do NOT watch this DVD and certainly do not search YouTube for clips like this.

It’s likely this DVD will be like nothing you’ve ever seen in a church setting–flashing lights, a huge band, people dancing and raising their hands in the air, etc.–but when you see the passion and excitement in the singers and really take in the lyrics, you can’t help but understand the pure abandonment to worship.

Seriously, after watching this DVD, the way I worship has changed. It’s a little less refined and restrictive. More heartfelt and reflective on what it means to be a child of God. Jesus at the Center has become my mantra for the year, and I imagine it will for you.

Music Monday: You Are For Me by Kari Jobe

Posted on March 11, 2013 Leave a Comment

I came across today’s song from the most unlikeliest of places—Zumba class. Our teacher played it a couple of times during cool down. The first time I heard it, I must have been concentrating too hard on not passing out because I didn’t realize it was a Christian song. The second time I heard it, I was floored that such an undeniably Christian song was being played right in the middle of this huge gym. (Yeah for Lifetime Fitness!)

I know that You are for me
I know that You will never
Forsake me in my weaknesses
-      Kari Jobe

As I listened to the song, I kept repeating the chorus over and over in my head so I could google the lyrics once class was over. By the time I pulled out the gym parking lot, I’d already downloaded it on my phone. That’s how good it is (and why I love smart phones).

This song should definitely be on playlist when you’re having quiet time with God. It’s so calm and mellow, and the words are simple but amazing. Don’t be surprised if you end up with tears in your eyes by the time it’s over.

Note: This video starts off with a short intro by Kari Jobe. If you want to skip to the music, it starts about 49 seconds in.

If you’re not on Kari Jobe, you need to check her out. Aside from her, what are some of your other favorite Christian singers?

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