Well, it has certainly been a while since I've written here. I have honestly become so 'preoccupied' with FACEBOOK that I have allowed that to become my journal....not that I write much there!
At any rate, alot of things have pretty much been the same over the last few weeks. I suppose that the big event that I have going on right now is waiting to hear from Dillards. I was called last week to come in for a 'preliminary' interview. I went on Thursday and felt like all went well. However, that was Thursday and today is Tuesday! I really have tried to have a peace about it and trust that God is in control--because I KNOW He is!! After going to Flute Choir and Handbells yesterday, I really began to second guess what I should do. I questioned how much I really want to eliminate my involvement with that;do I want to give up my piano students--and now I have another potential student who is waiting to find out if I will still teach or will I take Dillards. I have prayed that God would give me some strong clarity as to what I am supposed to do. I don't need or want any of this "I am accepting where I am and now lets get complicated with lots of options". I have just prayed for REAL CLARITY.

I trust that God will work out whatever He sees to be right and that all the little details will work themselves out.

MATTHEW 16-18

• Jesus uses unlikely means to provide
• Hard times are inevitable but we shouldn't make it worse
• Don't treat 'child-like belivers' (new Christians) arrogantly.
• If a fellow believer hurts - go and tell him. If he listens then I have a friend. If he doesn't listen, take one or two more as a witness - then if he won't listen start over.
• If we have been forgiven, we should show mercy and forgive!

MATTHEW 13-15

• Like Peter, if we keep our eyes on Jesus we can do the impossible
• Do I make a big who saying theright things - but the heart isn't in it?
• Do I act like I am worshipping but don't mean it?
• Do I just use God as a cover for teaching what suits my fancy?

MATTHEW 10-12

• Great irony - Proclaiming so much love - Experiencing so much hate
• Don't be bluffed into silence by threats from bullies. There's nothing they can do to my soul - my core being
• Save my fear for God who holds my entire life - body and soul in HIS hands
• Am I tired? Worn out? Burned out on religion? Go to Jesus - Get away with Him. He will show how to take a real rest. Walk with Him and learn the rhythms of grace.
• God would prefer a flexible heart to an inflexible ritual.

MATTHEW 7-9

• The way to life - to God is vigourous and requires total attention
• Who needs a doctor? The healthy or the sick? I'm after mercy not religion
• I should be about inviting outsiders not to codle insiders

From the challenge to read 3 chapters nightly:
Matthew 1-3

• Following instruction led them to where they would find Jesus
• Following instruction led to safety and protection

Matthew 4-6

• Jesus faced temptation and commanded the tempter to leave
• Listening to Jesus produces real results
• We're blessed at the end of our rope
• With less of me there is more of God
• I am blessed when I am content with who I am am - no more - no less - Then I OWN WHAT CAN'T BE BOUGHT
• When people attack it means God is too close for comfort for them
• Work things out with others before trying to make right with God
• I should make the first move
• Don't lay down smoke screens with pious talk
• Let enemies bring out my best
• GROW UP - I am a Kingdom subject - Live like it
• Live generously and graciously toward others
• When praying - shift focus from me to God and I will begin to sense His grace
• In prayer there is a connection between what God does and what I do
• God forgave - so should I
• Don't get worked up about tomorrow - God will help me deal when the time comes.

I listened
I responded
I wait

Following Jesus will lead me to find Jesus
Following instructions will lead to safety and protection
Listening to Jesus produces real results
I am blessed at the end of my rope with less of me and more of God
Give my entire attention to what God is doing NOW.
Don't get worked up about tomorrow
God will help me deal with that when the time comes.

How do I answer the voice I hear. I have heard over and over, today especially, about FORGIVENESS. The words have come from two different pastors and directly addressing 'forgiveness' . Each in their own way implied that 'God may be telling you the name of someone that you need to forgive'....But each time as the name came to me, I tried to justify why I deserved to "NOT" forgive. I am praying right now that SOMEHOW something really significant comes my way that makes it completely for certain that I need to follow through with this forgiveness.

The situation is sooooooooooooo difficult in that I have not done this just once before but numerous times. How many is the 70 x 7 or whatever the formula is?

At what point is there true acceptance of forgiveness and change?

It's Wednesday and Tom is recouperating from having had surgery on a hernia on Monday. He is in pretty intense pain right now. This is his first experience with surgery of any kind, anthesia etc. So the entire event has been interesting. The surgery was scheduled in July because we don't have Adult Choir rehearsals during the month so he doesn't have to feel pressure to be at church. The office staff has been good to let him off for a few days. The worst part of it all of course to me is the expense but we trust that God will provide.

Its Friday, again...the end of another week. Mid July! Where has the year gone?? Just a few things that have happened this week.

• Monday has come and gone and my memory has faded
• Tuesday and Thursday were Therapy days and my PT thinks I am doing great
• Tom also had an appt with a surgeon about removal of an umbilical hernia. That will take place on Monday AM.
• Wednesday was church and there was an interesting event that happened there. Carter, the asso. pastor had the Bible study and made mention that there was ONLY ONE SPOT open on the Peru Mission trip...Tom poked me and said "YOU KNOW you wanna go" (since I am passionate about trying to speak Spanish). I reminded him that financially it would be an impossibility (especially NOW that we found out we have to pay the hosp $1000 deduct before the surgery :-() But I took the chance and went to the pastor telling him of my deep desire to go and how I am very communicable in Spanish etc. He saw my passion, put his hand on my shoulder and said "YOU ARE GOING--we will work this out!" Praise God I will pray that it really does work out.
• Thursday I called my mom to ask for her Apt. # to mail her birthday present and in the conversation I decided to mention about the Peru trip - SHE IS A PRAYER WARRIOR and I knew I could count on her to pray...When I told her, she said "Are you serious, I have cold chills because when I saw your church newsletter and it mentioned Peru, I said Diane is going on this!" What great confirmation! I am going to trust God for his provision. As my mom said "Who owns the cattle on a thousand hills~!"
• Friday will be our day to grocery shop, go to the $ Tree and fill up the propane tank!

it has been an interesting 24 hrs. we left hartwell on fri. morn and drove to Gville to get Laura loaded up out of her apt. I pretty much was the door and dog keeper! She hired a couple of Mexican guys to help wit the big stuff and we got it all done by abt 2PM. we dropped the rodeo and trailor off at her dads then headed to Zaxbys for lunch. after lunch we had an amazing tour of the new Newspring campus in Gviile. Jared and jennifer were finalizing their work and since they were there they showed us around. God has truly blessed that church and we are so blessed that our children are involved! We also Praise God that we can participate on Sunday night. God is good.

This was a good weekend. We celebrated the 4th just hanging out during the day. Then that night we went to a BIG party at a friend from church. There were probably 700 people around the lake and by the time fireworks began another Hundred or more boats. Yes- BOATS in the cove watching. It was amazing!
Now I am at the coffee shop and will begin to read but needed to do this first. As I write I am listening to my newly reloaded mp3 player with Getty music and also Peter Penrose. They are both great!

O God help us as we feel called to defend our place of service.
How long will we feel a war is at hand?
Keep us reminded that our conflicts are not of flesh and blood, but a spiritual conflict.
Keep us focused on what we were called to do-

the service, duty and responsibility.
Remind us that when we enlisted we just wanted to serve.

We didn't necessarily want a desk job

nor did we want to be on the front line of battle.

We just wanted to stand for the Truth we believed and convictions to which we had passion.
The war is not Iraq or Afghanistan but Worship!

The service is not just for political powers or a country

but for a God who gave His all for my freedom.
The mandate is not from flowery words set forth from a group or committee of men and women

but from the Holy Inspired Word of God!
We stand under his flag, the cross, which represents

the cost and purpose for which we serve.
When we think a silenced war is about to erupt again, remind us that an enemy like a roaring lion is trying to win

a battle that has already been won.
Remind us that one day,

our commander in chief,

God himself will reward us for

faithfulness, courage and diligence...

until then
WE SERVE.

Diane Barden

7/3/08

Do as God commands.
Do exactly what God says.
This was the word of the Lord to Moses. He followed and God led him exactly where he needed to go. Do I require a ring of fire at night to follow God or cam I just trust Him because I believe who he is in my life?

This past week was one of the most stressful weeks we have encountered....but without question one of the most fulfilling! Summer Music Camp was absolutely amazing. Christy Dodd was fantastic in handling the children, keeping them under control and just the overall EVERYTHING. Last nights program came off without a hitch!! The drama kids did their parts tremendously the singers could have ALL shown up on America's Got Talent and won the hearts of the country. We are soooooooooo blessed to be here.

Summer Music Camp was amazing today!! I have never worked with music and/or drama where drama kids had lines completely memorized when they walked in the door!! They were incredible. Their director is sooooooooooo good and she knows how to handle the kids. They had four songs learned today - NO MUSIC and choreography as well. They ALL were fantastic. I have really been sweating this week - but they are making it a piece of cake! We ARE BLESSED!

Finally, once again, I am writing on here. I have had a BUSY last few weeks. I had Ridgecrest Music Week, then had Vacation Bible School. Last week was a week off, but I spent that week trying to clear my mind from VBS music to prepare for Summer Music Camp Music. I think it has finally worked....Instead of waking up in the night to "A-awiki, B-awiki" I am hearing a"Joseph" which is GREAT. I am really excited about the week that begins tomorrow. I just hope that I can do justice to the drama, and that Christy, the director, will be happy. She is SOooooooooo good and I feel inadequate compared to her....but,I think we have the same agenda...to teach the children a way to minister through music.
Today was an exciting day in our church. It was 'contemporary' Service Sunday. As we are a VERY TRADTIONAL First Baptist Church, a contemporary service is stretching the box. But I think it worked. I know that even if no one else received anything, I sure did. I will say, however, that when the youth got up and shared about their Camp last week and the 'Praise and Worship' they experienced, they encouraged the church to go outside of their comfort zone and just WORSHIP. I was amazed that there were actually people with their hands raised and that God really seemed to be warming up the typical 'coolness' of tradionalism.
Then tonite we went to NEWSPRING and the pastor was a part of ONEPRAYER.com series. It was ReALLY challenging - about how our ONE PRAYER should be to be UNITED as believers. He used the analogy that if "I" is out of place in UNITED we are UNTIED ===I pray that we will NOT be UNTIED as Believers.

The children came, it was worth the while

To see a face with a precious smile

We got up early, it was not our style

But did I say it was all worthwhile

We did our best to pass the test

But now we're ready for a little rest

We'll put the bad in a circular file

But did I say it was all worthwhile

The time next year will be here soon

Oh yes my favorite month is June

Gods word was taught in a creative way

Now once again I'll shout and say

Tired or not

No matter what

It's all worthwhile

They're all worthwhile

Diane Barden

VBS 2008

Tonite was amazing at NewSpring. They began a new series along with about 1400 other churches. www.oneprayer.com
Perry was apparently the first to begin the series. It was great and I was Sooo challenged to write. Sooooooooooo dear blogger friends - keep your eyes open for some words of God through my pen.. YEAH GOD!

A new song
An old song
Acoustic
Electronic
Screens
Books
Eyes closed
Hands raised
Hands together in applause
Hands together in prayer
Some contemporary
Some traditional
All are acts of worship
Expressions of faith
Form or fashion is not the point
Simply to offer, give convey
before a Holy God.

As I sit here at Ridgecrest listening to music I am amazed at the words of this man singing. He said never have I gone before God saying I am dry or numb that He hasn't sent the rain...
So as he sings for the Holy rain to fall I pray thay you would replenish my dried up pen and that thunder and lightening would storm over me. Let me feel the inspiration to return to a place of worship with you where your thoughts become an extension to my hand and pen.

Sometimes I try to do what's right
yet still I seem to lose the fight.
You call me out for another chance now let me learn to sing and dance.
To be near you I know is best
to see you more and see me less.
you honored David as a son
keep me close as an annointed one.
Now I want to love and praise
all throughout my remaining days.

WOW - can you tell I was doing that last entry from my cell phone??? Looks like I either couldn't find the keys or it was 'drunk text'! - Lets go for the 'cant find the keys' option! :-)
Today was a good day at First baptist - then to NewSpring tonite.. The guy speaking at NewSpring was YOUNG - but did a good job about what happens when you get caught with "butt crack" :-) - Basically - obey what God tells you to do and don't let him catch you with your pants down and your butt crack showing your flaws!

I am hoping that this works. I wrote yesterday only to discoer it didn't work. This has been a good week - several therapy sessions which have been painful! I also went with Tom on Thurs to a S C Singing Churchmen Concert. It was a tribute to Jim Gill who had directe for 30 Yrs. Last nite we went to a friends house for dinner. They are both pharmacists and have a beautiful hm. There were 2 other couples there besides us. Today we will do house stuff then go doantown to a car show then to a cookout. sooooo we have a full day!

based on Psalm 129- Who is THEY? THEY are attacking me, Oppressing mel but they have not and will not gain victory over me! 0thers have used me as the source if their talk and criticism - but they have let Gods righteousness be seen. I have been freed.
Let the ones who speak against me feel shame and not try to be fake to me.

what's the difference between blogging and twittering? I catch myself just piddling on my blog so that I can say I am writing something.

Father God I lift up a prayer to you in the name of Jesus for Chase. You know his need for a better job and I pray that his interview is positive and that if it is in your will that you would open the door for him to get the job.

Everyone has probably already seen this - but I watched it just now for the first time - It is Louie Giglio's "laminen"
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=_e4zgJXPpI4
This was pretty amazing. Maybe next time I won't be so far behind.

I am testing this blog out from my daily hang out. I come to a coffee shop and read, have my quiet time and enjoy my coffee too. I am doing this on my cell phne too.

Wow- I just came in from the party at the Lake shelter for our friends graduation. Little did I know that the people who own the house also had 2 houseboats there - They also have their 'regular' house they live in that has a pool house as well as a lake house. Whew - These people are quietly well to do!! The party was great - lots of fun, food and fellowship.

Friday was a nice day - Relaxing at the Coffee Shop always starts my day off good. Tom is also off on Fridays, so we enjoy the morning there together. Our usual to go to the grocery held to be the same old same old - probably boring to anyone else. The highlight was the amazing Pizza that Tom fixed. We usually have it on Saturday nites, but tonite we are going to Anderson to meet up with our friends, Wayne, Scott and Laura.

We will leave here in an hour or so to go have a graduation cookout for Jennifer Law (our Youth Ministers wife). Yeah - congrats to her!

Today was an adventurous day~Maybe I should back up to yesterday and my trip to the Ortho Dr. THANKFULLY, he told me I could take off my immobilizer that I have had to wear for over 8 weeks. The only problem is that I still have virtually NO range of motion in my left carm. The Dr. told me that I would probably never be able to raise my arm to a full extension but if I could ultimately arrive at 90 degrees he would be happy. He also wrote an order for me to begin therapy....so I have a therapy appt on Monday...YEAH..that should be interesting.
Any way, back to today, it was adventurous because I actually got in the car and drove myself to the store. I've not driven since my accident (March 18). I still had to close the door by reaching over with my right arm, and my left hand wouldn't reach up to the steering wheel, but I'm sure it will get better.
I also had a nice afternoon at the highschool where a friend of mine is a teacher. She hosted a partylite drop in for me and it wasn't anything overwhelming - but it was still a nice way to hang out on a Thursday afternoon.
I will write more tomorrow---for now its pillow time.

I just realized that last posting had skipped something - it should have said to put the shoes on before running over others. Then I had said that Marty had told me to be careful before being to transparent but that it was good venting - maybe the post makes some sense.

Today was a day that I didn't really understand...Sometimes I think people should put others shoes on their own feet bed venting, but it still takes alot for me to do. Basically I will say that something happened that was not meant to become an issue, but became an issue. I think that what I did was taken the wrong way and now I just have to trust that God will work it out. We led a music service at a local Nursing Home today and Tom read scripture from Isaiah 40. I later re-read it today and it really ministered to me. I Have to believe God IS in control. I am also thankful for a Godly mother who prayed for me over the phone when she found out I was upset - what a blessing.

I can't believe that after TWO Years, I have finally returned to this blog site. My writer friend, Marty Gordon found me on Facebook and it was meant to be. I have participated in many of Marty's classes in the past and he has always amazed me at his journaling and blogging. I told him that he needed to motivate me to write, and he has done so.

There has been so much that has happened over the years since blogging. I will list a few.

• My daughter, Rachel married the love of her life, Chase Mantooth on June 24, '06
• Our son, Jared married the perfect Godly mate, Jennifer on Dec. 16, '06
• Tom was called to fulltime as Minister of Music at FBC, Hartwell, GA in July 07
• Sold our house in Greenville, SC in 17 days
• Closed on our Hartwell house 11/1/07
• March 17, 07 fell down steps at church and broke my shoulder - had surgery a week later and am STILL in an immobilizer strap.
• April 20, 07 tripped down MORE steps (#$#$^*&^$%*&) and sprained my ankle (same side as shoulder)

Needless to say, I have determined that me and steps don't work well together!

I have also been participating in the Beth Moore study - Stepping UP. This has been a great study on The Psalms of Ascent.

Well, Its after 11 PM and its an effort to try to type this with two hands.

Thanks for the motivation Marty----I'll try to not let you down.