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The Road Leads...to iTunes

This is a blog I intended to post over a week ago, but due to the hassles of moving, and not having access to internet for a few days, its taken longer than I planned to get it up. I'm writing this because I wanted to talk a bit about my new record and explain a little bit about why I did it, etc.

Ministry naturally demands sacrifice. In my case, God has called our family to start up a new church in Fort Collins, Colorado. Because of the nature of our ministry, we are giving up a piece of our financial stability. Over the last year-and-a-half, this has led to many conversations about how we might earn a living while also reserving the flexibility to serve the community freely.

One idea Randi and I tossed around was for me to make another record and put it up for sale on iTunes. This was an idea that I was not opposed to, but I couldn’t fully embrace it either. The reason for this stemmed from the fact that I have never wanted to turn my worship music into some sort of commercial venture. In other words, I do not write worship songs with the sole intent to make money. However, I also realize that God has gifted me in the area of music and who am I to question God on a matter like this if He chooses to use my gifts to provide for me and my family.

Eventually I decided that I was not going to go out of my way to write new music for a new record. But if God started giving me new music and giving me inspiration for new songs, then I would take it as it came. And if it reached a point where there was enough material, then I would look at the possibility of compiling it into something I might be able to sell.

Honestly, I didn’t think anything would come of it because for about two years I have had one of the worst creative blocks I’ve ever had in my life. But not long after we decided to move, God began working on me in a different way -- He began to show me what worship might look like in our new church.

There’s a pretty good chance that many of the people attending one of our worship services will have spent very little time in a church. I began asking myself what was possible in the creative realm if I was leading worship for people who didn’t have a preexisting idea of what modern worship music might sound like. What was possible when my own creative process was not bound by the rules of current church culture? Questions like this began to open up tons of creative doors to walk through and explore.

And explore I did. God began to throw things at me left and right, not only in terms of creativity, but spiritually as well, as the last year-and-a-half has been a huge growing process for me. I have wrestled with life’s circumstances more recently than I ever have. As my family and I have been tested in so many ways, I have been forced to re-examine what it means to allow Christ to live in and through me. To re-examine my own identity in Christ, to be reminded of God’s provision and his never ceasing grace.

And the result is the EP that I just released. It represents a year-and-a-half of song writing, formed out of the change in my own life and all the things God has reminded me. It also represents my first effort at creatively stretching myself to the limits. It is not mainstream, nor is it what you would expect to hear in most churches on a Sunday morning, and I am OK with that. It is in every way different from anything I’ve ever done. I wanted to write in a way that the words were simple but represented big truths about God’s grace and our identity that are often overlooked in worship music.

So is this a worship record? That’s a great question. It is my worship, I can say that much. And maybe, at least it is my prayer, that it is your worship as well.

I think Randi already stated this in one of her blogs, but I don’t write music so that I can make tons of money or become a rock star. Let’s just face it, I don't think I'm that good, nor am I skinny enough to wear rocker clothes. But I do believe that music is meant to be shared. What kind of a person would I be to keep what God gives me to myself? So if in the process people enjoy it enough to maybe buy some of it, then that’s great. If you like the record, tell everyone about it. If you know someone else who might like it, point them in the right direction. There is a link at the bottom of this post that will take you to the iTunes store if you want to purchase it. Just know that your money is not going to pay for my new pair of skinny jeans or rock star highlights in my hair. It’s going to support me and my family as we live and minister in Colorado, doing what God has called us to do.

And for anyone who is interested, I will post an additional blog with the liner notes from the album as well as a few pictures from the studio since iTunes does not include the liner notes when you buy the record.

CLICK HERE TO BUY MY RECORD ON ITUNES

We're Finished Packing

Everything is boxed up and ready to move into the U-Haul in the morning.







OK, so maybe we didn't box up Hannah.







We'll relax on Monday.
We leave at 4 a.m. on Tuesday.
We're officially vagabonds until we make it to Fort Collins Wednesday!
And here's a little something to look forward to in Fort Collins on Thursday. Check out these temperatures!

Get a Preview of Chris' New Album!

A few times a week, my favorite musician comes to my house, sits in my living room and puts on a personal concert for me and Hannah. With nothing more than a guitar in hand, the sound of my husband singing fills our home. It’s one of the best sounds in the world to me.

Chris is always writing and singing something new and giving me and Hannah a first listen. Now I’m excited to announce that he’s ready to give others a preview of some of his new songs.

Go to NoiseTrade.com/ChrisFreemanMusic to download two free songs from his upcoming album, The Road So Far. The album is very personal, but it’s one that I feel everyone can identify with on some level while also enjoying the brilliant musicianship.

Later this week, the entire album will be available to buy from iTunes. I have to brag that all the songs were written, produced and recorded by him.

Chris’ goal in making music isn’t to make big bucks or achieve rock star fame. Music is just a natural outpouring of who he is. We believe that music is meant to be shared, which is why he’s made this album available. From our living room to yours -- we hope you enjoy it!

Restored Understanding

I spent a large part of my childhood on two wheels. My worst scraps and bruises came from daring/stupid stunts on a bike. As I have grown bikes have had a different purpose, going from neighborhood ride to mountain biking and oddly enough I'm back to riding around my neighborhood. Bikes have been a source of transportation to the nearest friends house, entertainment, something to fix, but spiritual was not always in the mix. Over the past month my understanding of 'spiritual' has been somewhat expanded, again.

When we were living in Tyler I worked to redo an old Schwinn. I re-greased all of the bearings, polished the chrome, new wheels, new paint job from top to bottom refinished the bike. I did all of the labor because I enjoyed the process and there is something intriguing about bringing life back to an old rusty frame with wheels that aren't true (straight). During the process hours were spent doing fairly mundane dirty tasks. I had to order parts and wait for the delivery like a kid waits for Christmas morning. With the last package arriving on our doorstep containing the wire basket for the handlebars, the bike was finally complete.

Most of you have heard us talk about the bike culture that exist in Fort Collins and after being here a few weeks we found out about the Downtown Bike Show. We rode down and parked our bikes on a post next to the show. Laura went inside to work on her school stuff and I stayed outside checking out the bikes. I walked around for a while and came over to find a guy leaning down looking at my bike. We stood around the next thirty minutes or so talking. We walked around looking at some of the other bikes and I look over and someone else is looking at my bike. We walk over and I meet another guy who thought my bike should have been entered in the show. The three of us talked for a while and then the show ended. Laura and I went home, I admit I was proud my bike was noticed and I felt like I was a part of the bike culture here.

The next week I went to begin work at the Bike Coop, one of the organizations we have planned for months on getting involved in. The Coop does an Earn-a-bike program that people can work 20 hours for a non-profit in the area and receive a bike. Most of the people in the program have no other means of transportation and this earned bike widens their possibilities. They also do bike recycling, breaking down old worn out bikes and recycling the parts. Me and another girl are getting a tour of the shop and around comes the guy that I talked to at the Downtown Bike Show. We get to talking again and he mentions that the guy he introduced me to runs the Bike Coop, small world.

It turns out that the labor of fixing up an old bike and our prayers for the people in the bike culture were spiritually connected.

After living and commuting by bike for a few weeks I've experienced some spiritual understanding by doing something I've done since I was a kid.

The Countdown Is On

Our days are numbered here in Tyler.

Tonight was our last night of Oasis -- after 8 years, might I add.

Tomorrow is Hannah's last day of daycare.

Friday is my last day of work.

Sunday is our last day at Colonial Hills.

Wednesday is Chris' last day of work.

And then it's pack, pack, pack until we move the following Tuesday morning, August 17th.

We're looking forward to what's to come while remembering what's behind us!

Come One, Come All!

Click here to visit our family blog to check out pictures from our recent visitors!

The Freemans Visit To Fort Collins

Chris and I just ventured up to Fort Collins for a few days with the goal of finding a house and a job for me. We were able to find the perfect house, and hopefully I'll hear something definite about a job soon. I had a FANTASTIC interview with a company I'd really like to work for. So we'll see what happens, and I'll keep everyone posted.

It was so great to be with our best friends. We would actually stay up late talking, dreaming and planning. Here's a picture of us freezing to death in their basement and doing a little research on our iPhones. :)

While away, I wrote every day on my personal blog, but failed to upload it all here. I realize there are folks who follow this blog that may not frequent my page, so here are the links if you're interested in more details about the trip.

Day 1: Amarillo By Morning
Day 2, Part 1: House Hunting
Day 2, Part 2: Job Hunting
Day 4: Su Casa Es Mi Casa
Day 5: On The Road Again

I have to say that David and Laura's house is just great. They've really done a good job setting it all up, and it's starting to seem like a home. Hopefully they'll post pictures soon (hint! hint!) because it is such a fun place. They've also had quite a few opportunities for meaningful conversation and the starts of new friendships forming in just the short weeks they've been there. Please continue to pray for them as the church is beginning to plant even now through them. We can't wait to join them in August!

Also, please pray for Chris as he leads our group of Tyler college students on a mission trip to Guatemala for the next two weeks. Pray for Hannah and I, as well, as our family is missing the most important link any time he's gone. Thanks!

Praise God for all He's doing in us, through us and around us!

Week One

We pulled into Fort Collins the city illuminated by the headlights of our Uhaul truck filled with our accumulated possessions, Josiah and our dogs riding with my parents in car following us. For so long Fort Collins was a place we visited, read about, dreamed of and prayed for. Driving down Mulberry to our home we saw the city in a new way. We've eaten at many of the places we pass by and traveled the same roads, but never like this. Now we're from Fort Collins.

Our rent house has now started to feel more like a home. Now with most of our boxes unpacked and moving behind us we look ahead.

Over the past several weeks God has deepened our understanding of how he works and just how connected we all are. Our lives and experiences have led us and prepared us for this calling. We are so thankful for all of the overwhelming support and prayers.

Livin' On A Prayer

I think Bon Jovi says it best...

"WHOOOOOAAAA, we're half way theeeeerrrre. WHOOOA-OH! We're livin' on a prayer!" (That was for you, Joe and Latricia Sutton!)

Tomorrow half of our ministry team -- the Suttons -- packs the last of their things into a moving van and travels to their new home in Fort Collins.

Chris and I will follow in August, so we just say, "We'll see ya later." But for our families and closest friends, goodbyes aren't too easy to come by.

We knew when we began to consider a church plant in Colorado that it would mean sacrifice for us, but the sacrifice is huge for our families that we leave behind. We ask especially that your pray for them. They'll need the comfort and assurance that God will take care of us and peace though our families are spread miles apart.

Please also pray for safe travels for the Suttons tomorrow, and perhaps patience as they have a toddler in tow!

Where's My Water-Proof Mascara?

A recount of today's events from Randi's perspective:

Of all the days to forget water-proof mascara... what an overjoyed mess I've been today!

This morning, Chris led the congregation in worship as he played guitar and sang, something he's done countless times. But this morning was different -- I was watching my husband, the love of my life and best friend, now as the music pastor of our new church. Following him in preaching was David. I've listened to him teach a thousand times it seems since we were in high school Bible study together. But I couldn't help but see him in a new light, too, as I listened to him preach now as the pastor of our new church. Shoulder-to-shoulder I stood with my best friend Laura as we held hands and dabbed our eyes, completely overcome with pride in our husbands and amazement of how God is setting His plans into motion. Oh, how I love my friend. After the service, they had our team stand in front of the church to recognize us all and allow for everyone to come and greet us. The handshakes, hugs, words of wisdom and teary-eyed well-wishes were enough to make a heart swell ten times its size. I've never felt more supported in my life.

This evening, our guys were honored as they were ordained by our church. Our pastor, Robert, explained that ordination is the church's formal recognition of God's calling for Chris and David to do ministry. (As a side note, he also explained that we're ALL ordained for ministry.) The ordination involved the guys being examined individually by Robert and then together by all of the deacons. They were then brought before the congregation who was given a vote to ordain, of which they voted yes.

There were a few testimonies given on behalf of Chris and David. The word used over and over again to describe each of them was "integrity", which is so evident to Laura and me. Then the congregation was invited to come forth and pray for us - the guys seated in front of the congregation and us wives standing behind them. Our present and past college students came first, followed by family and close friends, then the deacons and finally the pastoral team. The prayers offered up on our behalf were things our team has prayed since we began dreaming of a ministry in Fort Collins. It was so affirming to hear our prayers echoed by such wise, Godly people. I admit I opened my eyes and peaked a few times. I just wanted to soak it all in. We were surrounded by our own personal heroes of faith.

A reception was held in our honor following the ordination service. The room was packed! It was such a sweet time that we'll never forget.

We're so grateful for our church family. Their influence has played a significant role in who we are and what we do. We're so appreciative of all that Colonial Hills has done for our families and plan to take anyone who is willing to Fort Collins with us. Thanks to all of our family and close friends who came to celebrate with us on our big day!

Thank You!

“Our prayers for you are always spilling over into thanksgivings. We can't quit thanking God our Father and Jesus our Messiah for you!” Colossians 1:3

Words cannot express our gratitude for the support and generosity shown to us by our family and friends yesterday at the Flapjack Fundraiser. Over 60 families were represented, 15 volunteers cooked, served and cleaned, and more than $3,500 was raised. To put it simply, we are overwhelmed and humbled. Thank you!

We'd also like to say a special thank you to The Diner who graciously allowed us to host this event. We appreciate you so much, Lloyd and Tresa Nichols! (And if you're reading this and you've never eaten at The Diner, you don't know what you're missing!)

To see more pictures from our event, please click here: Flapjack Fundraiser Pictures.

How Great Thou...Art?

So we figured we should give you all an opportunity to preview the photography that will be available for silent auction tomorrow night at the Fort Collins Flapjack Fundraiser. All photographs are framed and matted. The size of the photo is indicated next to the picture.

Starting bids for the photographs are:

$15 - 8 x 10

$25 - 11 x 14

We hope you all enjoy the photography.

Southwest Colorado

(11x14)

Great Sand Dunes National Park

(14 x 11)

Creek, Buena Vista, Colorado

(14 x 11)

Horsetooth Reservoir, Fort Collins, Colorado

(14 x 7)

Aspen Tree, Rocky Mountain National Park

(8 x 10)

Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray, Colorado

(10 x 8)

Mesa Verde National Park, Colorado

(8 x 10)

College Street, Fort Collins, Colorado

(8 x 10)

Open Mall, Fort Collins, Colorado

(8 x 10)

Yankee Boy Basin, Ouray, Colorado

(10 x 8)

Ephesians 3:20-21

"Now to Him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we think to ask or imagine, according to His power that is at work within us, to Him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen."

Provision

I have been completely humbled and overwhelmed by the ways that God has been working to get us to Fort Collins. First, in March, He opened doors for David and I to rent a little house in the perfect neighborhood. Even though we didn't have jobs yet and couldn't prove that we would make our rent, the landlords decided we would be good for their house and took a chance by letting us rent from them!

Then, in May, I started getting my resume ready for job openings. I knew they would be posted soon and that most principals would want to hire before the end of school. So, I checked the website daily for specific positions that I could apply for. One Wednesday I checked and there was nothing. Then, all of a sudden, the next day there were 12 positions at 8 schools that I was qualified for! I was excited and worked late that night to prepare cover letters and my resume to send to those schools. I had my sights set on one position at Bennett Elementary, though, and emailed the principal at 8pm. At 8:23, he called me! He said he was only calling because I went to Texas Tech and he was FROM WEST TEXAS! I was amazed and was so thankful for that connection. I have also already taught at a school with their same, and very unique curriculum. Another connection!

The next week, on Friday, I interviewed for a Kindergarten job at Bennett over the phone and found out the following Monday that I did not get that. The principal said they were still interested in me and that the Kinder team was pushing for me for the 1st grade job, which was the one I really wanted in the first place. Well, long story, short- I did get to interview for it on Thursday and on Friday, I was offered the job!!!! I was (and still am) in complete shock! I mean, I hadn't even met them! For all they knew, I could have been a complete crazy person!!! :)

On Monday the 24th, the principal called and told me I needed to go to training June 3-4, so David and I packed a little and went to our new home! And, that's where we began to feel the full impact of how God provides! As if we weren't already in awe, God continues to show us that he has been preparing us for "such a time as this" for many years.

It's midnight and we are driving back to Tyler. I've written enough for now. It's all so amazing! I'll write more tomorrow about God's provision that I didn't even know was going on!

Mark Your Calendars

There are some exciting events coming up that we would like you to know about. We would love for you to join us if you are in the Tyler area. Your support is SO important to us!

June 6:
David is preaching at Calvary Baptist Church in Tyler at 10:15am

June 6:
Pancake Dinner and Silent Art Auction
6pm, The Diner in Tyler
$5 per person (all proceeds benefit the Fort Collins church plant)

June 13:
8:30 and 11am -
David and Chris are leading both services at Colonial Hills Baptist Church in Tyler

June 13:
6pm -
David and Chris are being ordained at Colonial Hills

Thank you to our friends and family for making these events possible! We are blessed beyond measure to have such enormous support as we embark on this new adventure.

Please join us for one or all of these events, especially if you're in Tyler!

Finally finished a book!

I finished a great book today! This is quite an accomplishment for me since I can't remember the last book I actually read all the way through. That is really sad... Especially since I am a teacher and encourage my students to be lifelong readers! I guess I actually do read all the time. I read tons of childrens' books and books about education. And I did read a potty training book! Those count! I guess the difference is that this is the first book I read that I picked just for me! And I'm sure glad I did!

I read Elisabeth Elliot's book, "Through Gates of Splendor". It was recommended to us as we began planning to follow through with a new life that God has called us to. It was actually the book that was recommended for our parents to read. We bought them each a copy... And they have a ten-page report due by next Friday! :) Not really, but I do hope they, and everyone else, finds the time to read this very moving story.

This story of courage, commitment, and callings follows the lives of five young men and their wives (and some children) as they lived and ministered among native people groups in Ecuador in the 1950's. The amazing element woven throughout their stories is their dedication to doing whatever it took to tell everyone of God's Good News. The author's husband, Jim Elliot, wrote in his journal, "Wherever you are, be all there. Live to the hilt every situation you believe to be the will of God." That sums up their calling then, and our calling now. I just love how Elisabeth Elliot ends the book. This statement was not only true for them, but is a reminder for all Christians that nothing is about US, but is ALL about God!

"It's not the level of our spirituality that we can depend on. It is God and nothing less than God, for the work is God's and the call is God's and everything is summoned by him and to his purposes, the whole scene, the whole mess, the whole package- our bravery and our cowardace, our love and our selfishness, our strengths and our weaknesses."

What I Wanna Be When I Grow Up...

As a kid I was a dreamer. I was going to be Spider-Man, I was also going to be the Dread Pirate Roberts (that's the character from The Princess Bride, in case you missed it). Really, I would have been happy to grow up having any occupation in which I could have worn a mask or uniform. I think all kids are to a certain extent. It’s just their nature. I can’t speak for girls, but for most boys, we dream of being heroes, firefighters, cops, cowboys, super heroes... Something larger than life. I have no shame in admitting that when I was in the third grade, my best friend and I decided our calling in life was to start a Beach Boys tribute band. We were going to be called “The All Americans”.

We literally knew all of their songs and would stand out on my driveway and give concerts to all the other neighborhood kids. And the only thing better than a real guitar was the sound of a guitar made with my mouth. It was pretty sweet. And we were going to be huge.

Kids never aspire to be ordinary and never ever wrestle with what they are going to do with their lives. They just know. And while later in life most of us are told that we should stop being dreamers and join reality, I think that our dreams and passions serve a purpose. A Los Angeles pastor, Erwin McManus, posed this question to his church -- “What if our lives are meant to be the fulfillment of God’s dreams for us?”

Let this sink in for a moment.

God has created each of us with a purpose for our lives.

How sweet is that? Maybe there is a rhyme and a reason for why we have these specific dreams and passions. I absolutely believe that before we were even a thought in our parents minds, God had already dreamed big dreams for our lives and given each one of us a purpose. A grand plan for every person that is born, and when we enter into this life, we begin the journey of fulfilling that purpose.

And while God’s dreams for each one of us might take on different shapes and appearances, I think there is an overarching theme in his purpose. I think God created us to be pictures of His truth and grace to the people around us. At the end of Matthew, right before Jesus swoops up to Heaven in a flash, he gives us what we now call the Great Commission and he says, “Go and make disciples.” I hear David (Sutton) remind people all the time that the word GO in that verse is not implying something that will happen, but something that is happening. In other words, Jesus was not telling the disciples to go tomorrow, or next year or whenever they could fit it on their calendar for a mission trip. Instead, it’s something that is happening right now. AS you go. AS you are living your life, let it be a life that paints a portrait of God’s love.

When we choose evangelism as a lifestyle, something that is ongoing, we suddenly find new purpose in our lives. For the four of us, it has changed the way we view our relationships and interactions with others. Paul wrote in his letter to the Thessalonians, “We loved you so much that we shared with you not only God’s Good News, but our own lives, too.” (1 Thes 2:8) What more purpose do we need than to know that we were placed on this earth to exist in such a way that by just living life with others, we can be living testimonies of God’s grace?

We are always running into people who ask, “How did you know God was calling you to be church planters?”, or, “How did you know God wanted you to move to Colorado?”. But we can’t really give them the answer they are looking for. We don’t have some sort of secret formula that helps determine God’s will for our lives. Unfortunately, God doesn’t usually write out his will for us on the sidewalk with a lightening bolt. Understanding God’s will comes in understanding who He is and who we are in Him. Instead of asking, “What does God want me to do?” perhaps we should be asking, “What does God want to do through me?” The answer comes simply in understanding our identity in Christ and the mission He has given us. Live a life in which you love God and love others.

In our case, it just so happens that we relate very well to the type of people that we will meet in Fort Collins. God has placed a very specific passion in our hearts for that city, but the overarching purpose for our lives is the same as anyone else’s.
We recognize that God has called us to live life with the people around us and in doing so, be a picture of God’s grace and truth. That purpose exists for every believer whether you are in Tyler, or Fort Collins, or across the world or wherever you might be. We have discovered that God’s dream for our lives is to play a part in bringing the rest of the world into the reality of God’s truth. I’ll take that over my dream of being in a Beach Boys cover band.

Our Guide

Our daughter Hannah is transforming before our very eyes from a baby to a little girl, toddling around the living room, choosing between carrots and more macaroni and cheese, and patting her stuffed puppy dog's back to "give him loves". My favorite thing to do with her right now is practice walking. I walk beside her, her finger wrapped tightly around my index finger, though she has excellent balance and is really ready to walk by herself. But when she does trip, I'm often able to soften the impact a little or completely when she has a hold of my hand. This process has been a great reminder to me of how God guides our steps.

When we first made the decision to plant a church in Fort Collins, I clung to this scripture (found in Psalm 37) because it reminded me that even though we were stepping into the unknown, God our Father would not leave us. In fact, He promises to care for and provide for His people, which includes our families and our future Church family.

23 The Lord directs the steps of the godly.
He delights in every detail of their lives.
24 Though they stumble, they will never fall,
for the Lord holds them by the hand.

25 Once I was young, and now I am old.
Yet I have never seen the godly abandoned
or their children begging for bread.
26 The godly always give generous loans to others,
and their children are a blessing.

You may not be planting a church, but God's promise is for all of His people. And you may not describe yourself as godly as the scripture above says, but if you are His child, he describes you as holy and as righteous as Christ. And you may not call yourself His child, but He welcomes anyone into His family.

I have loved God for 12 years and He has never abandoned me or left me in a time of need, and I don't foresee Him doing so now. Praise God that He keeps His promises.

Our Charming Children

Well, we just thought it would be fun to write about the best part of our families - our children, Hannah Riley and Josiah David. Hannah is 1 year old and Josiah is 1 and a half. They are great friends and light up every time we just mention the other. They are quite the charmers. Everywhere we go they talk to anyone and, in our opinions, are already showing God's love through their beautiful eyes and smiles!

They are such blessings! Everyday as we watch them grow, we are even more amazed at the miracles that only God can do! Our children are our greatest joy and we thank God for them everyday.

We will sometimes post pictures on this blog, but we update our family blogs more often. Check those out for the latest and greatest about our charming children.

Freeman's: randi-lynn.blogspot.com
Sutton's: houseofsutton.blogspot.com