Just as the Lord would see fit, during this weekends services we sang "Here's My Heart," by David Crowder. A perfect response to yesterday's post. And exactly what I needed after this week's baby doctor appointment. My heart is holding on to worry as I try so hard to release it. I find myself absent-mindingly googling, "down syndrome soft markers" and reading testimonies from other moms. As I take in so much information and hear so many voices telling me, "It's going to be okay,"  my heart is longing for one voice, and one voice only.

Here's my heart, Lord. Speak what is true. 

Here's my heart Lord,Here's my heart LordHere's my heart Lord, Speak what is true

‘Cause I am found, I am YoursI am loved, I'm made pureI have life, I can breatheI am healed, I am free

‘Cause You are strong, You are sureYou are life, You endureYou are good, always trueYou are light breaking through

(Chorus)Here's my heart Lord,Here's my heart LordHere's my heart Lord, Speak what is true

Here's my life Lord,Here's my life LordHere's my life Lord, Speak what is trueSpeak what is trueSpeak what is true

speakwhatistrue

This post is part of a series I’m writing for the month of October entitled “31 Days of Being Content.”  See all other posts in this series by clicking here. Or enter your email address in the sidebar on the right to subscribe to this blog and receive posts straight to your inbox!

When life is unpredictable, when I'm concerned with so many worries and feelings of inadequacy to face any of it, when I need more than I can give at the moment... I have a prayer song. It's not planned, and most of the time I don't even realize when I begin to hum it. But it comes from a place of overflow in my heart that was planted there a long time ago. Today, I want to share it with you all.

If you are struggling to find peace and contentment in your life right now, I hope you will listen to these timeless words and join me in seeking God's heart above all else.

Lord you have my heartAnd I will search for yoursJesus take my life and lead me on.

Lord you have my heartAnd I will search for yoursLet me be to you a sacrifice.

And I will praise you LordAnd I will sing of love come downAnd as you show your face We'll see your glory here.

Lordyouhavemyheart

This post is part of a series I’m writing for the month of October entitled “31 Days of Being Content.”  See all other posts in this series by clicking here. Or enter your email address in the sidebar on the right to subscribe to this blog and receive posts straight to your inbox!

I've never been a fan of self-promotion. In fact, I cringe every time I have to do it. But I've learned in working myself silly doing freelance jobs (singing, web design, guitar lessons, recording) that it comes with the territory. The only way to actually make an income doing this type of work is to build a network.

I'm a stay at home mom, but a lot of people don't realize that I do a lot of this stuff on the side.

Currently I'm teaching guitar two days a week, and have some talented students ranging from 4th-8th grade. I feel like I'm training up our future student worship band! I'm also working on a website for a friend's company. I'd share the link, but it's not finished yet and they might not approve. But I did this one and this one for our church.

All of these "jobs," have come by word-of-mouth (aka. my husband's). I'm thankful I married such a supportive man who believes I am close to superwoman and can do just about anything... haha, not really. But he is definitely my biggest promoter and encourager.

Lately, he has been encouraging me to promote my music more. And when I say "encouraging"... I mean, he just bribed me to write this blog post.

He's right though, I talk about music and write about music and even record little videos and share my music for free. But I haven't spent much time trying to build on my platform or really make an income from it. I guess it goes back to the self-promotion thing, and the fact that I'm pretty discontent about the music that I do have available.

Not that I think it's bad, I don't. I love it and the songs are very representative of a certain time of my life. Most of the songs on my album, "New Day" were written during college and my first year of marriage... five years ago. 

albumart

I even look like a baby there, right?

But since then, I've written so many new songs that have been healing to my heart during this season of my life.

This season of marriage. And motherhood. And answered prayers.

I already have five I can name off-hand, that I would so love to record and share with you all. I've already shared a few on my youtube channel. But as cute as my little boy Micah is, I would love to offer quality recordings without his adorable cooing in the background. ;)

Like I mentioned in this post, I don't believe I'm the best singer/songwriter out there. I don't think you should be emptying your wallets for copies of my music. But I do believe I am called to do what I do.

And if you believe that too, I ask for your support.

My goal is to record a stripped down, acoustic album before the end of this year. Yes, in two months.

My hopes is that this music will bless your hearts and ears. I also pray that it will be a blessing to my family as we sort through paying for medical bills that have accumulated over this past year.

If you would like to help encourage this process, you can do so by one of the following three ways:

1) Purchasing my "New Day" EP on iTunes. Or order a hard copy here.

2) You can get a head start on Christmas and go download my acoustic "iChristmas" EP. (You'll also have the option of donating whatever amount you would like that way.)

3) And if you really love me, you've probably already supported me in both of those projects. :) In that case, I've provided a donation button below for those of you who feel led to contribute to my next acoustic album. You will be sure to get a copy of it for free as soon as it is finished!

newdayalbum

ichristmasalbum

Whew, thanks for bearing with me through that!

I was once told by a music professional in the recording industry that I needed to "get over" my disdain for self-promotion. That I needed to "believe I was great and go out and sell myself to the public!"

I am still working on that. I don't know if I'll ever get to the point where it is a comfortable thing for me to do. But at the same time, I do believe in God's call on my life. And I believe HE is great enough to provide for all of our needs. This is one area of my life that I am continually seeking daily contentment in. The balance between taking action and just believing God will provide. I'm beginning to think both are necessary. 

This post is part of a series I’m writing for the month of October entitled “31 Days of Being Content.”  See all other posts in this series by clicking here. Or enter your email address in the sidebar on the right to subscribe to this blog and receive posts straight to your inbox!