Now I Know WHY?!

For a long time, I wanted to attend Hillsong Music College after I graduated High School. In fact, I couldn't wait! So the summer after I graduated from Lafayette Christian Academy, July 2004, I went with Pastor Tessy and Micah to Sydney, Australia to check it out. While I was there, I heard God speak so strongly in my life. He said, "Go back home." Now, I don't normally hear the audible voice of God. However, this time I did! I knew it wasn't where I was supposed to be. It was a bitter sweet moment for me though. For as long as I can remember I had dreamed of this incredible opportunity and now God is telling me NO. However, I was at peace because I heard His voice. I remember riding down the elevator with Pastor Tessy and I told her what God had told me. I knew I had heard from God, but for the first time I now know WHY?!
While we were praying for Katie Muguira in church on Sunday, I felt God's sweet presence cover me. You see, Katie is moving to Colorado to attend New Life School of Worship. I am beyond excited for her and what God is going to do in her life.....(Back to my story) While we were praying for her, God audibly told me that "Rachel I have called you to train and teach those around you and send them out- NOT YOU!
It was pretty profound to me. The Family Church is a training ground for musicians all over the world.
Looking back, I am beyond grateful for listening to God's voice 7 years ago. Because now I know WHY.

Listen for His voice this week!

You have the Power to Move Mountains

Right now at The Family Church we are in a Wednesday Night Series called "Fresh Air."
Pastor Jay is talking about Prayer. He breaks down the scripture "Our father who art in heaven"... Matt 6:9. Since Wednesday Night I have been trying to look at prayer with a different perspective. I am so quick to ask God for things, and sometimes I just need to THANK HIM for all He has done for me. While others times, just LISTEN. So yesterday was my test....When I started praying, I immediately started to ask God for things, and then I realized what I was doing. So I stopped and started thanking Him for all He has done, then instead of asking God for things I started thanking Him for the things/needs that I really didn't have.
Then God told me, "Rachel, I  have given you the power to move mountains!"....WOW! INCREDIBLE!!! actually I told God...."Sweeeeeeeeettttt."  lol!

In just two days, I have seen God drastically change some situations! At first I was in shock, then I remembered the power of my words and thoughts and what God said...."YOU have the power to Move Mountains."

P.S. IF YOU ARE AVAILABLE, PLEASE COME NEXT WEDNESDAY AT 6:30PM! IT'S AN INCREDIBLE LIFE CHANGING SERIES!!!

Are you in love with God or just His stuff?

Last night I closed worship in church service, and I had mentioned this statement, "Are you in love with God or just His stuff?" Well, this morning it is still heavy in my spirit. God is REALLY challenging me in this area. Rachel, you love me for me or what I bring? The more I think about it, the more I realize that He loves me just for being me and nothing else. He died for those that will reject Him their entire life! Now, that's love right there! God even loves people who Hate him--just for being them. Pretty Powerful. I know I can't say the same :)

The irony is that while God doesn't NEED us but still WANTS us, we desperately NEED God but don't really want Him most of the time. (This quote comes from the book- "Crazy Love")

Lord, today I choose to love you for just being YOU. If you never do another thing for me, you have done enough already. I love you God just the way you are....because you do the same for me.

Have a blessed day!

What a Coincidence?

Last week I blogged about David being broken before the Lord (Psalms 51). Well, yesterday morning when I saw what scriptures I had to read for the day (YouVersion app) Psalms 51 was there again! So, I figured there was a reason why God was bringing me back to that scripture.....yeah, for me to learn!

Here are the key things that I learned from Psalms 51.

1. God will make a fresh start in you. (Psalms 51:10)...Coincidence again? NO- It's our series at TFC!
Doesn't matter what you have done today...A fresh start is ALWAYS available for anyone who wants it.

2. God is after truth from the inside out. (Psalms 51:6)
I think of "Motives"...what is your motive? It's what's on the inside that matters.

3. Going through the motions doesn't please God. (Psalms 51:16)
I think of "Christians" believe it or not! Myself included!  It's so easy to get stuck in a rut of going through the motions of even "church" that we forget how blessed we are to freely worship Him.  Continually, do a heart check on a regular basis.

4. A flawless performance is NOTHING to Him. (Psalms 51:16)
You might be shocked on this one, but I think of Musicians! It's so easy to get caught up in the music side of things and forget the Main Thing- JESUS. You can play all the right chords and sing all the right notes and God is not even present. However, you can mess up on every note and the anointing of God fall like you've never seen before. A flawless performance is NOTHING to Him..... Lord, I pray that I would choose YOU every time.

What did David learn?...or should I say What did Rachel learn?

-What is real worship?- When your pride is shattered.
-Lives that have been shattered don't escape God's notice.
-God is generous in love and gives grace to the humble.

*It's pretty amazing how much we can learn from just ONE chapter!

Was it a coincidence? I think not..... It was God speaking!

So Be It....

Yesterday my Pastor preached one of his best sermons ever! (in my opinion ;) ....can you just imagine God saying at the end of everything you say, "so be it"

I will never get out of debt! ....so be it

I am always sick....so be it

I am healed....so be it

Its amazing how powerful your words and thoughts are!

Choose today to speak and believe in the impossible, because that's when God likes to work- in impossible situations!

I'm Awesome!.....so be it

It's NOT mine to begin with...

This past Thursday Night I honored my musicians in band practice. We had a great time of food, fellowship, worship, teaching and our media made a video just to say Thank You. I truly believe that you can never say "thank you" enough. I am beyond grateful for what each of them bring to the table. I couldn't do it without each and every one of them...

When I think of honor, I think of respect. It's so easy to sometimes take the credit and not honor those around you. And the more I think about "taking the credit"...the more I think about GOD. He is the one who has given us the talents and abilities in the first place. So any time the enemy creeps up, I think of what Christ did for me. I wouldn't even be ABLE to take the credit if he didn't die on the cross for me. So everything that I "think" is mine, is really HIS. The credit is not mine to begin with- it's His..He deserves ALL THE PRAISE AND ALL THE GLORY! He is a pretty jealous God :)

P.S. Before you pray for your needs in the morning...give Him thanks first- He deserves the credit!

Can't wait to worship MY King today!

CrAzY LOVE

In our staff meeting on Tuesday, Pastor Jay recommended a great book for us to read if we were looking for a good book- "Crazy Love"
So, I downloaded it on my iPad and started reading.
Whether you're a worship leader, musician, volunteer, or just attend a church..I firmly believe that when something is on your pastor's heart (such as: sermon topic, book, idea, prayer/fasting) it should gravitate to your heart too. There is nothing like being on "the same page." It's amazing when churches start the new year with prayer and fasting. There is just nothing like it! You have the heartbeat of the church (God's people)...
So all you TFC'ers if youre looking for a great book- read "crazy love."

There's nothing like being a part of the vision of the House!
Have a great weekend!

Girl Up!

Every Thursday morning at 6am I attend a girl small group at Starbucks, Coffee Depot, or Shoneys. Well, this thursday morning I had the priviledge of leading the group and I wanted to share with you what we talked about...

Psalms 51:16-17 (NIV)
You do not delight in sacrifice, or I would bring it; you do not take pleasure in burnt offerings.
The sacrifices of God are a broken spirit; a broken and contrite heart, Oh God, you will not despise.

-First thing I think of is a Gift (Present) that you give to or get from someone. I NEVER want to give something broken to somebody...or ugly...or worthless...or something that they just don't like.
So this scripture really messes with my head!!!  Because what God wants is totally opposite of what humans want---HE WANTS BROKENNESS!

WHY DOES HE WANT BROKENNESS???
 Because we wouldn't need Him if we weren't broken..The cross would be pointless...A Savior would be pointless...And leaning on Him would be pointless..

So, I think God's FAVORITE thing to do is USE BROKEN PEOPLE! Because that's what He is good at- Fixing us and molding us into His image...Plus He can just Show Off His handiwork!

Imperfect People need a Perfect God. (Which applies to ALL of us believe it or not :)

-Second Thing I realized is that in the Amp Bible it says..."my sacrifice to God is a broken spirit."

WOW!! What is my SACRIFICE to Him? A Broken Spirit?!?!  Are you kidding me? Not a love for people...a great family...going to an amazing church...a relationship with Him .....Nope none of these things is your sacrifice to Him. They are great things but you're sacrifice to Him (you're offering) is a Broken Spirit (repentant/humble heart), because then He can mold you in any way shape or form in your relationship with Him.

-You see, A relationship with Him is what we are created for.
-A broken Spirit is our offering (sacrifice) to Him...It's what I can bring to Him....Myself.

So, I have to come before the Lord broken for God to do a work in my relationship with Him.

In Psalms 51:10-12, it says....
"Create in me a pure heart, Oh God, and renew a steadfast spirit within me. Do not cast me from your presence or take your Holy Spirit From me. Restore to me the joy of your salvation and grant me a willing spirit to sustain me.

David was broken before the Lord after he had sinned with Bathsheba..and his brokenness lead him to repentance.

-The cool thing about Brokenness is that it softens your heart and leads you to repentance.
-Repentance heals a broken heart.

Get Broken-He Loves It!!

p.s. If you're a girl, Join me at Coffee Depot this week in Scott at 6am for Girl Up! It's a great way to start your day.

HAPPY PILLS :)

Yesterday I stopped by Smoothie Factory and bought a box of Protein Shake Powder. While I was checking out, I saw these pills by the cash register called, "Happy Pills." I kind of chuckled and the next thing God told me was so simple but profound to me...."Aren't you glad that you can find your happiness through me and in no one else or thing?" I kind of smiled back at God while paying! lol I think the worker thought I was a lil crazy :)

For me- My happy is this!
1. Love God...spend time with Him (prayer, reading, worship)
2. Love my Spouse/Family...Hang out with my Honey! :)
3. Love my relationships...find time for relationship with others that God has placed in my path.
4. Love my work...Be diligent and enjoy what God has called me to do.

My HAPPINESS is found through HIM......The #1 thing on my list!!! :) Then the rest just seems to fall into place.

Have a great week!!

2 in 1

This weekend at The Family Church is going to be VERY special!!!
Our Back to School Blessing, and our SOW Weekend Kickoff is here.
If you have a student going to school or you are a student..Our Staff and Pastor Jay will pray for you.
There is also going to be two song specials and a Special video about our School Of Worship this past summer and whats gonna happen in the fall!

It's gonna be awesome! They practiced last night and they are pumped up!

Get Ready for our 2 in 1 Weekend.

see you at one of our services (9 or 11 am sunday morning)

Give to Gain...humbly stated

At the beginning of every year, I always have a list of New Years Resolutions....But there is always one New Years Resolution that stretches me the most---Giving up some type of food or drink! There are many reasons I do this- I struggle with BALANCE! (Humbly stated-hear my heart...) For the past four years, I have kept up with my end of the bargain....gave up coffee one year, chocolate, pasta, soft drinks...yeah the NO COFFEE YEAR was the hardest for me! I just love my *Starbucks* :) However, this year I really prayed on what I should give up. The funny thing is, I never got a peace about anything that I could/want to give up (Inside I was excited..thinking I was getting off the hook!). Then God began to show me, there are seasons for giving more to gain more. This year, God is teaching me BALANCE and how to say no (not just in the area of eating) when God says no .This might sound kinda crazy, but this resolution has been the hardest for me. I'm that all or nothing type of person, so balance isn't an easy thing for me. But God is forever with me. If I want to be all that HE has called me to be--I must give to gain.

The same is true with God, I have to give more of myself to Him, in order to Gain more of His presence in my life. How much do I want?...that's the real question. And in different seasons, He will require more of me. My relationship with Him is determined by my longing for Him....Just so glad I don't have to have a Balance with HIM!

Give to Gain Today!

From Journaling to a Thinking Chair...

Yeah, I know crazy topic huh? But really...I'm going somewhere with this!
There have been two things that I have been doing in that past two months that have really changed my life :) For real.
1. EVERYBODY needs a Thinking Chair....
When I have alot of things on my mind, need to resolve conflict, or listen to God's voice- I go to this Chair. It's like my sanity :) Then when I get up I feel refreshed and ready to be all that God has called me to be. Try it! You might like it!
2.JOURNALING God Moments....
I am NOT a journaler by all means. However, I started something new that has really helped me SEE where I am at. I keep this nice journal next to my desk, and when something is on my mind (Spiritually, Physically, Emotionally) I just jot it down. Might be something funny or what I want to work on that week....Its NOT everyday! And I dont want it to be! Because It's just my little quick moments with God- that way I will never forget them.

HAVE AN AMAZING DAY!
YOU'RE GOD'S FAVORITE :)

CREATIVES!!

HEY ,

IF YOU ARE A PART OF THE CREATIVE DEPARTMENT AT THE FAMILY CHURCH (MUSIC OR MEDIA)...YOU AND YOUR FAMILY ARE INVITED THIS FRIDAY NIGHT AT ACADIANA LANES FOR A NIGHT OF BOWLING!!!!!!!! STARTS AT 8PM!

YEAH BRING YOUR MAD SKILLS!!
PLEASE RSVP SO I KNOW HOW MANY LANES TO SAVE!!!

WHOEVER IS THE WINNER- GETS A PRETTY COOL PRIZE!! SO BRING IT!

SONGS.....

-some songs are lifetime
-some songs are seasonal
-some songs should never be played again.

Picking through songs each week isn't as easy as it seems....
You are constantly adding and taking away songs.
What once worked might not ever work again.

I'm realizing I always have to be conscientious about SONGS!

Always learning and growing...

P.s. If you're a worship leader- find out what's for your crowd for that season.. And it's ever changing ;)

Have an incredible week!!

Why He deserves my Praise...

Psalms 33:1-3
Let the Godly sing for joy to the Lord; it is fitting for the pure to praise Him.
Praise the Lord with melodies on the lyre; make music for Him on a ten stringed harp.
Sing a new song of praise to him; play skillfully on the harp, and sing with joy.

As a musician/worshipper this is my responsibility in a worship service..
1. Sing for joy
2. Make music for HIM
3. Play with skill

Why HE deserves my praise?
Psalms 33:4
For the word of the Lord holds true, and we can trust everything He does.


1. For His word holds true... His promises remain
2. I can Trust Everthing HE does...My dependence is in Him alone because He sees my every need

Have a blessed weekend service!

WEEKEND SET LIST.

-ChOrUs Of ThE sAiNtS
-oNe WaY
-yAhWeH
-i WiLl ExAlT yOu

HEY AND WELCOME!

WHAT THIS SITE IS FOR--ALL MUSICIANS AT THE FAMILY CHURCH TO STAY CONNECTED AS WELL AS TO GIVE OUTSIDERS A VIEW FROM A BAND PERSPECTIVE! ENJOY

IT'S GONNA BE FUN!
RACHEL BALDWIN