I feel change comin’…even though we are still battling the heat and humidity down here in the good ole South, I do feel a change coming. Today was my first day as a full-time university student, my first day as a part-time employee, and my first day as a CAB (Campus Activity Board) volunteer. After classes, work, and buying books, I headed over to Bayou Park and made what seemed like one million snow cones, mostly strawberry, for long lines of students. Wish me luck this semester!
At right about 7 p.m. on a hot July night, I walked over to the Tioga tabernacle with my family. It was Family Night at Louisiana Camp Meeting. Chronicling the life of his father, Pastor Anthony Mangun shared legendary points for us to mirror. Keep the heart fixed on God. Love and read the Word. Love and help others. PRAY, and a few more. The passionate message was a life-changing masterpiece and continues to challenge me to “press toward the mark“. Philippians 3:14 “I press toward the mark for the prize of the high calling of God in Christ Jesus.”
As part of the Louisiana All State Youth Choir, I will be in Lafayette, Louisiana, along with the rest of my wonderful choir buds, to wind down the 2010 season. On Friday, August 20, the choir tour group will get together one last time for an incredible night of worship beginning at 7 p.m. If you are in the area, you do not want to miss this event.
While in Nashville (shall I say while a brisk chill was still in the air), my mom and I had a wonderful dinner and visit with the most amazing mandolin player. Such a great friend and musical genius, Adam Clark is currently touring with his brothers (Sons of Sylvia) and Carrie Underwood. So glad I got to take a break from the studio and spend some time catching up on all his musical success!
At the opening ceremony of the Senior Olympic Games held on August 12, Hayley Masters sang the national anthem, followed by a greeting from Congressman Rodney Alexander. Amid high-flying balloons, banners, and music, the festivity brought many senior residents together for a grand time of socialization and competition. Games like Bingo, frisbee thrown, and even wheel chair races kept the hundreds of folks entertained throughout the day. The event also provided an opportunity for participants to showcase their creativity. The stunning display of paintings, hand sewn quilts, and more were available for viewing.
On Thursday, August 12 at 10 a.m., Hayley will be singing the national anthem at the opening ceremony of the Senior Olympic Games. The event is an opportunity for residents of area nursing homes to come together and compete in games, such as horseshoes, races, and more. It will be held at the Family Life Center on Glenwood Drive in West Monroe, Louisiana.
When I was four years old, my family, along with the Bible quiz team, made a trip to Fresno, California to participate in a tournament. To make the most of the trip, we took advantage of all of the sights. On the way, we spent some extra time in Arizona to see the Grand Canyon.
Even though I was very young, I do remember this stop. And, to help me out, we have some video footage that I occasionally watch. Then there is the picture that was taken of my sister and me sitting on a rock overlooking the canyon. As best I can tell, although the splendor of it is indescribable, the canyon is somewhat of a void. Carved out, a hole if you will, the canyon’s magnificence still holds a beauty that nothing else has. Looking over mountainous rocks, one can get glimpses of the river running through the canyon. I am sure to enjoy the canyon at its fullest, one has to hike down one of the trails (which would take time and much energy). Fear probably lurks in the mind of some, hindering the desire to get closer to the canyon walls. But to get that up-close appreciation of what the canyon brings to the table in the realm of creative design, one would have to make the effort.
Recently, I have been reflective about this whole canyon scene…especially when I see canyons being carved out in people. Holes in the heart, if you will, being dug by betrayal, rejection, and abandonment. People just watch from their perch on some lofty overhang, oohing and aahing. Laughing and gazing, it is as if they are enjoying the void that someone else is experiencing. But for those that take the time to get closer, upon examination, they will discover the beauty that is deep within. The river of life may be flowing through the grand canyon that has been formed through the hurt and pain of the heart. If you have a canyon (a void, an emptiness), or if one is being formed in you right now, just allow Jesus Christ to complete the work! It will be an artful masterpiece. Colossians 2:10 “And ye are complete in him, which is the head of all principality and power:”
