For it is by grace you have been saved, through faith – and this is not from yourselves, it is the gift of God...

– not by works, so that no one can boast. Eph. 2:8-9

Grace. What a beautiful word. It conveys so much in such a simple manner. When I stop and think about how it is by grave that we are saved, and I mean really stop and think about it, it literally brings me to my knees. Where else can it take us? When I think about how unworthy, unable and unqualified I am for a life beyond this earth, it can become almost overwhelming. Those little darts of doubt that Satan uses to try and pick us apart, driving a wedge into our thinking, can start to take root if I’m not careful.

But then, the larger, more powerful voice is heard. The one that reminds me that I am not here to become worthy, able or qualified. I am here to bring glory to the one who made me. To make His name famous. That’s the voice I want to hear every day, listen to every time there is even an inkling of doubt and cry to every time I need the strength to get through that “one more thing.”

This verse is one that I know I’ve read more than once, it’s underlined in my Bible. But, a couple of days ago, my daughter and I were graced with the opportunity to attend an event for a Christian radio station in Tampa, FL. That appearance featured a lovely singer named Francesca Battistelli and was put on by The Joy FM. Abby and I got up on the first morning of our vacation, trucked an hour in rush hour traffic to find the little restaurant that was hosting the event. What a great morning. Abby was thrilled and treated like a little princess. The fact that we had come from so far away and came to the remote really seemed to move the radio team. Funny because we were so moved by their hospitality, welcoming attitudes and friendship! We received t-shirts and each of the team signed it and wrote their favorite Bible verse on it. This verse from Ephesians was the one noted by Carmen Brown, one of the morning cruise team members. I thumbed through my Bible today to re-read it – and realized I had focused on it before when I saw the highlighting. But today, I am seeing it with a fresh perspective.

The way that God takes events, interactions and opportunities and weaves them into the tapestry that only He can create is marvelous and awe-inspiring. That one seemingly little event, a breakfast and performance on the radio, was probably thought of as a routine, everyday occurrence by many involved. However, we took it as a gift from above. And a reminder that our salvation is also His gift – His gift of grace and mercy that I am so thankful to have accepted.

Sing joyfully to the Lord, you righteous; it is fitting for the upright to praise him. Psalm 33:1

My son, Trevor, me and Chris Tomlin

Music has always been a huge part of life for me and my family. It seems like we always have music playing and we’re singing. I’ve been a music nut for as long as I can remember. But the past six months or so have been truly transformational in the music department! For the past few years, the music at our church has been slowly filtering into our everyday listening. First, we added KLOVE to our presets, and then The Message became a staple on my satellite radio top 5. And, the music of artists such as Chris Tomlin, Third Day, Tree63, the Newsboys and Mercy Me found its way into my cd collection and onto my iPod.

I’ve written about how this past January, I was blessed to win two tickets to see a Chris Tomlin concert in Denver. We were also lucky enough to meet him and other band members, along with Israel Houghton, who was touring with him. They were all so amazingly gracious and humble. I’ve been able to meet many “famous” people over the years in one capacity or another. Gracious and humble are not usually the words that come to mind when describing those encounters. But Chris, Israel and others were different. As great as it was to meet them and see that they were truly special, it was the amazing worship of that night that really opened up my eyes. I’ve never felt that way before. Sure, numerous times during church services, I am moved to tears – almost every week, actually. But that night took it to a much higher level. I didn’t want that feeling to end ever! That had to be a taste of what it will be like in Heaven one day when we’re all praising Him around the throne!

So, from then on, the joyful noise in my life has almost exclusively become worship and praise music. I can’t think of better ways to start and end my days – I have noticed my temperament has softened and I am less stressed. Even with things in life that are pretty trying, the music and praise that has become a staple of every day keeps my focus in check. And the best part is the impact it is having on my children. They both love to sing and we’re always singing when we’re together, especially in the car. To hear my son sing like Chris Tomlin or my daughter tackle a Francesca Battistelli song brings the biggest smile to my lips. I am joyful, thankful and humbled by how God uses such gifted people to spread His message. And I am so thankful that He opened up our hearts to receive that message.

I just put the kids to bed before writing this. Each one has their own special cd of their favorite Christian music. And, for months now, they each ask for it to play as they’re falling asleep. A I left Trevor’s room, he was listening to this: “Sing, sing, sing. And make music with the heavens, we will sing, sing, sing. Grateful that you hear us, when we shout your praise, lift high the name of Jesus.” What a wonderful way to head into slumber and what a great way to wrap up the gift of another day.