Created for a Purpose

Have you ever stopped to think why or for what purpose were you created? I have. When I lead worship or just sit in the quiet and play the piano and sing, I know why I was created. I was created for worship!

I remember one night when my kids were little. I was a tired mama and my husband was at the mill sacrificing and providing a living for his family. I had spent my day cleaning and raising my brood. The evening came and I was conversing with God. Well, actually probably more whining than anything :) and I told God, "I don't get it! You gave me a voice and a desire to sing and I have no place to use it."

I will never forget His response."Shanin, when you sing songs about Me to your babies, you are doing what I want for you to do!" From that moment on I cherished everytime I sang to my kids and with my kids. I realized that, that was my ministry at that time in my life. I loved it when they would sing at the top of their lungs in the car, I loved it when I would say a word and they could sing a song with that word in it! What a change in my heart and vision! In one instant I realized that it didn't matter how big my ministry was but that I was simply to do it well! I raised worshippers for the King! Wow what an honor!

Now I get to lead my grandchildren in worship. I remember dancing with Hannah when she was seven months old to "Fields of Grace." I am truly blessed. For I was created for a purpose and so are you! You have a purpose and ministry on this earth. It might not seem big to you but it is HUGE to God.

Singing with Purpose!

Shanin

Thankful

I am so blessed by this wonderful family that I have been given. The love of my life and I were blessed with three awesome kids by birth and then we were blessed with three more by marraige of our daughter and sons. Later in life we were blessed a fourth time by adding another daughter and three instant grandkids in addition to our two grandgirls! Above and beyond our full quiver we had a few extras, along the way, added to our brood. Occassionly we get to hear from one of them here and there, which always blesses us.

Today I am thankful because I found out that one of my "football" boys is coming home for Thanksgiving. God has given me a special love for this young man. He is a good friend to my youngest son. I love it when Jason and I get to see him. What fun it will be to have the "boys" watching football together and enjoying a feast in celebration of Thanksgiving! It makes my heart, well...just happy!

Thank You Lord for blessing us with such a great family!

Shanin

Ahhhh November!

I am so excited! We had our harvest party this weekend and it was a huge success! Now that October is over I get to look forward to November and December! My two favorite holidays are fastly approaching.

Today I am sitting at my computer, sipping a chai tea and listening to Christmas music. I know, it is a tad early but I started a month or so ago. I only listen to instrumentals as of now because it is a little too soon for the whole carol! LOL I love the holidays. I love giving to others. I love making crafts, I love cooking or baking. It brings back such strong memories of good times with my husband and kids when they were little. How fast time flies by. Now I get to make new memories with my adult children and young grandchildren.

So in the honor of Thanksgiving I have so much to be thankful for! My family, my church family and friends, my job. I am thankful for beautiful music and a hot cup of tea. I am thankful for great memories of days gone by and for the opportunities of future memory making. I am so very thankful for my relationship with Jesus Christ, my Savior and God.

I challenge each and everyone of you to take a few moments to reflect and to be thankful. We are so very blessed.

Thanking Him Today,

Shanin