October 2006
In memere's shadow.....
In thinking back on my life, I am reminded of all the events God used to draw me nearer to Him. I see the pieces of a puzzle being carefully put into place, to bring me to where I am today.
I remember as a little girl walking home from school to my grandmother's home. I was frightened as I scurried along the lonely sidewalk, but I always arrived safely to memere's arms. Though my father worked two jobs to support our family, my mother had to work as well to help out, and so my grandmother cared for me.
I have fond memories of those days with memere who today is 90 years old. Her French-Canadian accent, her grandmotherly smile and her strict orderly ways. But what stands out the most to me was her Godly example. Often I saw her on her knees in her bedroom. One day I was peeking in on her, and though her eyes were closed, she asked, "Would you like to pray with me?" She must have sensed I was there. I joined her on my knees and although I didn't realize the significance of those moments, in hindsight, I realize a seed was being planted.
In my mid-twenties, I was invited, persuaded actually, okay I was dragged, to an evangelical service. It was there that I first felt the Lord's presence in my life and was never the same after that evening. I was, what many call "on fire for the Lord" and I drove my husband and several family members to think I had gone "nuts". I attended services and bible studies and was taking it all in. One day I decided to write memere a letter to share with her some scriptures and some of my new found knowledge. I may have gone a tad overboard in my zeal with all my newly learned fancy words. You know, the one's we hear from the pulpit like sanctification, justification, election, need I say more. Don't get me wrong, I know we are to seek and learn all God's truths as He leads, but the letter memere wrote back to me touched my heart and oh boy! did it ever humble me. It went something like this:
Dearest Barbara,
Thank you for your letter with all the scriptures and things you have written. It was so nice to hear from you and I am so happy that you are close to the Lord. I am afraid, I don't understand all you have written, as some of the words are not familiar to me, but I remember the words of Jesus in the Bible where He says, "Let the little children come to me". And so my dear Barbara, I am just a little child and come to Jesus just as the little children came.
May our Lord and Savior bless you, and keep you in His tender loving care,
Memere
I remember her letter often and am reminded to get back to bible basics. I thank God that we can come to Him as little children.
My testimony is simply this; Jesus Christ suffered and died for my sins and rose on the third day that I may have eternal life. He chose me and loved me first. When I was dead in sin, He drew me by the power of His Holy Spirit, opened my eyes to see and my ears to hear. He granted me repentance and saved me by His grace and for this I am ever thankful.
As the children's song says, "Jesus loves me this I know, for the Bible tells me so."
The Holy Bible is the most important book you can ever read and is filled with the only truth. It will comfort you and bring healing to your soul.
To read my story about the picture below which is the beginning of my testimony, please scroll to bottom of this page.
Sept 2009
Oops it's been almost a year since my last journal post. So far 2009 has been awesome. The Lord's blessings abounded as we ministered in nursing homes, coffeehouses, church concerts and the Sandusky County Fair. The band was quite busy putting down vocals on the new CD which was completed just in time for the Compassion Tour in Ohio. The tour was great, we enjoyed every moment. It was so nice to meet so many wonderful brothers and sisters in the Lord who warmly welcomed us. Thanks to all who prayed. And we are very excited to announce we acquired one new sponsor for a little girl in Brazil while in Ohio and our music ministry has decided to sponsor a young girl from Uganda.
God bless, Barbara
November 2008
Wow I can't believe how this year flew by. Thanksgiving is almost here. I love this holiday. It is a special time with family and friends but most of all a time to remember and reflect on God's gifts to us. First and foremost the precious gift of His Son Jesus who died in our place that we can have eternal life in Him. Then I think of how we are so blessed in this country with so many extra things. For the most part, we not only have our needs met but more. The poorest person in the US is considered well off compared to those living in third world countries. I am reminded of a song I sang last Sunday in church. It was called From Afar. It asks the question "Do you love from afar?" It tells of people who may see someone in need but just pass by. I think we've all been there. And like the song says, "maybe it's time we give our hearts".
Have a blessed Thanksgiving.... Barbara
October 2008
We traveled all over CT this past summer.. We did Saturday Night Alive Coffeehouse, Southbury Baptist Concert, a Missionary Picnic Grace Bible Church Concert as well as nursing homes and our local concerts and church services. It has been exciting and we are thankful that we are able to serve the Lord with our musical gifts. And as an advocate for Compassion International, I can only say it has been a blessing. to share on their behalf. Here's a photo of the new little boy which we have the privilege of sponsoring. His name is Josue and he lives in Ecuador.
September 2007
September was a busy month for us. Harvest Cafe coffeehouse in Tolland was a bit farther than we thought .We traveled 180 miles that day. It was a wonderful evening of music and fellowship, they even served us some home made chili, not exactly what one expects at a coffeehouse. We met lots of new and old friends. Then next stop was Mountain Church of God.in Brookfield CT for their annual clambake. It was super!! We also were blessed to sing at Harborside Healthcare in Danbury CT. The elderly enjoyed some old time country gospel music and hymns.
August 2007
Our last concert at Gridley Chapel in Wassaic NY was in a little country church that reminded me of the church in "Little House On The Prairie", one of my favorite TV programs, they don't make them like that anymore. The people were so warm and friendly and we felt right at home. There was something very intimate about this concert, maybe it was the wonderful acoustics or because it felt like we went back in time to the good ol' days, whatever it was, we are thankful to the Lord for the opportunity to share our gift of music.
Next stop HIS HARVEST CAFE in Staffordville, CT Sept. 15th. See schedule page for more info.
Hope to see you there...
Barbara
July 2007
Wow! Time sure flies. It's mid July already! Jesusfest 2007 at the Tolland Agricultural Center in Vernon CT was great!! We had a good turnout and everyone seemed to be having a joyous day and the weather was gorgeous. According to the festival chairman approx. 6,000 people attended the all day festivities. My trio
played at the coffeehouse. I was joined by two musician friends, Kevin Kabbai on guitar and vocals and Kathy Meeyard on flute, percussion and vocals. It was nice to work with a band again. In addition to songs off my latest CD, "HIGH ON THAT MOUNTAIN" we did some familiar praise and worship songs, old time gospel songs and shared testimony of the blessings of the Lord. After the concert one lady and a young boy came to receive a free bible. Praise the Lord!!
Next stop is Gridley Chapel in Wassaic N.Y. on July 29th at 4 P.M. See schedule page for details and check out the photo page for more pics of JESUSFEST 2007.
Many blessings,
Barbara
January /February 2007
Winter is finally here in the Northeast ! Up until now we had a fairly mild winter, which I didn't mind one bit. Though I must say waking up to the fallen snow is a beautiful sight !! Everything around is covered with what looks like a heavenly white blanket. When I look upon its' beauty, I am reminded once again of the wonderous work of God's mighty hand.
Psalm 147:15,16 He sends out His command to all the earth; His word runs very swiftly. He gives snow like wool; He scatters the frost like ashes...
Just think, God's Word goes to every part of the earth, stirring up the snow, the frost, and all of weather to obey His command. Sadly unlike the weather we don't always obey as we should. Just a thought to ponder.
Stay warm in His care,
Barbara P.S. Check out the new bookings on the schedule page thanks to Audrey I'll be playing at JESUSFEST 2007!
December 2006
I hope all of you had a wonderful Christmas. What a JOY filled time of year! I must confess with all the hustle and bustle it is difficult to keep focused on the true meaning. Thank God He draws us near and reminds us that it is a time to celebrate the birth of His Son and why He came., first and foremost.
In focusing on Jesus and putting Him first, we can enjoy more fully all the little extras we do at Christmas, decorating the tree, baking Christmas cookies, buying and wrapping gifts, seeing the little ones' faces Christmas morn when they open their presents! it is a fun time of year. Let's face it, we all become like little children, we like gifts too! I know I do!!
Early in December, we recieved the package we had been waiting for from Compassion International, with our sponsored child info. I thouhgt I'd share his picture with you. His name is Kevin and he lives in the mountainous community of Laigua in Ecuador. It actually came a day before my birthday and I was thrilled. God's timing.continues to amaze me!! I have learned much about Kevin, his family and the community they live in. I sent a letter to him which will be translated into his language and look forward to his response.
Looking forward to the new year and what the Lord will do.
In Christ,
Barbara Anne
November 2006
Thanksgiving has come and gone once again. It is such a wonderful time of year to get together with family and friends, though I can't help but think of so many less fortunate all over the world. We are so blessed in this country.
I had heard about an organization called Compassion International, several years back. It is a caring Christian Organization that helps less fortunate children, providing them with the means to further their education, assist in health care and nutrition, learn important life skills and most importantly teaches them about Jesus and encourages them to develop a relationship with God. After all He is our only hope.
We feel blessed, as we have recently taken the opportunity to sponsor a child from Ecuador. We look forward to receiving our information packet about our child. We are anxious to correspond with him and get to know him better.
If you think you may be interested in sponsorship or would like to find out more about this program, click the link on the home page.
Take care,
Barbara Anne
Memere's shadow
Click on Josue's photo to read more about our sponsor child
