Before the concert started, there was table after table andPicture after picture Of children living in poverty just like dear Eliza from the Dominican Republic: And there was a singer there named Travis Cottrell,
whose Christmas CD caused me to break all the rules I’d set about not listening to Christmas music before Thanksgiving. Yes, this year I officially became a Christmas music rebel.Normally when I hear Travis sing, it’s at a Beth Moore conference and I’m watching on the Jumbo tron from a seat far away in never – never land!But tonight, on the second row, we could see the eyes of those on the stage…I was introduced to Cindy Morgan from a post on Travis’ blog. Cindy is bee-u-tee-ful and my, she can sing.
And, I loved the bells she rang in rythmn with her singing. I think when I was in pre-school I had a clothespin with one bell attached to it… Since I am a joyful noisemaker and attracted to instruments like the triangle, tambourine or maracas, I really liked her bells.My oldest teen has grown up listening to the music of this Compassion Spokesman and musician, Shaun Groves.
And, oh my, he can sing.Shaun was quite funny entertaining the children with a sing-a-long – Yee Haw! After the concert we visited with Travis for a few minutes. I don’t think I mentioned to him that his Christmas CD caused me to be a Christmas rebel. My teens said he looks so much younger in person! And although I’ve never thought about Travis looking younger in person *I’ve seen him twice this year up close for a total of maybe 3 minutes*, now that I think about it, he does look young and he is very sincere and kind. I am blessed, and I mean flat out blessed when I’m among a gazillion people who attend a LPM conference and Travis leads us before the throne of God. But tonight, in a tiny town church, he sang his heart out. I could see the sincerity in his eyes, see his feet come off the floor when he was excited and sensed the very nearness of God as he ushered us before the throne of The Almighty. A tiny town church, without wi-fi, on a stage that is probably smaller than Travis’ porch, he sang his heart out before the Lord. And I believe that is the key, it had to be. He sang before the Lord, not before gazillions or a small town body of believers, he sang before the Lord, and I joined him at the footstool of our dear Lord and sang my can’t-hear-a-note, can’t-tell-if-I’m-in-tune, noise-making heart out to the Lord. And it just didn’t matter who else was in the room. Or what they were thinking. Or what they were doing. And even though I could have seen the worship leaders eyeballs during praise and worship, I didn’t want to open my cryin’ eyes. Worship. Just God and me. Don’t you think that’s the way He wants it to be? Just God and me?My oldest darlin’ with Cindy Morgan. Have any of you seen her Beautiful Bird video? Amazing!We look like we color co-ordinated our outfits! Cindy has two daughters too, so we talked about hair bows, scarves, matching outfits and the GAP. After we left, I told the teens that I wish I’d gotten a picture of Cindy’s cool pointy shoes, the teens laughed.But, let me just share how good God is and how He gave me the desire of my heart. I looked at this picture a friend had taken of us and glory – look what was in the picture – pointy shoes! Praise You Lord!Both our teens with the talented and compassionate, Shaun Groves. My oldest talked with Shaun about Compassion trips and his music. Shaun is a great conversationalist. My mind is wandering back to worship again, it’s only taken me 4 hours to post 3 videos and the spell check is not working; but worship is on my mind. The kind of worship we experienced at the concert last week.
Worship. Just God and me.
Don’t you think that’s the way He wants it to be?
Just God and me?
Faithful, in Spirit and true
A heart attuned to worship – The One, The Only, The True
Worship, just God and me
Lord, let me not be concerned of what others may think of me
But when to You I come
Let me not worry about my actions raising me up another rung
Let it be You alone I’m concerned about
Before You, may I sing my heart out
You judge me God, keep me faithful and true
Let me sing my heart out wholly before You
And even dance if You want me to
Let me worship Lord before and for You. Amen.
LOVE, MERCY AND GRACE...GOD'S GRACE says
Wow! Travis up close and personal, huh? I have only been to one Beth Moore Conference which was in Raleigh and I loved his praise/worship music and setting the tone to get us in a worshipful atmosphere…you know, where you can feel the Holy Spirit so strong!….I can’t imagine what it was like for you to see him “in person”, if you will….and once again to be taken to the Throne of God through music.
I’m sure it was very moving, to say the least!
Cindy says
Wow! Thanks for sharing your time of worship with us. I agree with you; you can be in a crowd of 10 or 10,000 and worship is just between you and God.
Beautiful post.
fuzzytop says
Lora – you rebel you… ha ha ha!!! You made me laugh!
Great post…. I love to join in and worship at the LPM events, and I think you’re right; Travis sings for the Lord.
Hugs,
Adrienne
Paula V says
Lora,
Sounds like you had an awesome time and I don’t use that word lightly. I could feel the worship coming as you spoke of the talent of singing to the Lord. I didn’t realize Travis did anything but Beth’s conferences.
I know what you mean about Christmas music. Man, can it be worshipfilled or what. It’s like once you hear the first song, you want more regardless if we given proper acknowledgement to Tgiving yet or not.
Thank you for visiting my blog. I hope you come back, cruise around, and stay awhile. ☺
Sweet blessings,
Paula
Profbaugh says
Lora,
Thanks for stopping by blog and linking me to your post. This really blessed me today. Oh what a wonderful experience you had!! And yes, I’m living vicariously through you with this post. Thanks for taking the time to really do a thorough description.
Love your blog. Going to add you to my bloglines!
Much love,
~Cheryl
ocean mommy says
You rebel!!! that cracked me up because I am the same way. 🙂
I know that this evening was just beautiful! Thanks for sharing it with us….I’m going to go back now and watch the videos…..
Merry Christmas!!!
steph.
B His Girl says
Hi Lora,
I am a joyful noisemaker too with a voice only a Father could love. What a blessing to be in this worship time adding your voice and heart to the Lord! Thank you for sharing it. Side note: Your interests are interesting 🙂
Luanne says
a concert–spending time with the teens–praising God–PRICELESS. Thanks for sharing!
Jenny says
Lora,
I hope to spend a little more time visiting your blog. I love what I see. Congratulations – I wanted to let you know that you WON the “mom” gift on my giveaway. Please Email me at thedunlapfamily@gmail.com so I can get this gift to you!
sbaby58 says
Lora,
Wow! That’s all I can say! You with Travis just makes me a little on the envious side! When I went to Louisville the best I could do was 8th row, and you’ve stood beside him! His music is truly a gift from our Father! In my wildest dreams, I could sing with him one day. Thanks for sharing these memories!
Susan