Jimmy Smith's Ramblings
So, I go 2 months without writing a blog and now I post three things in three days. What can I say? I write when God inspires. Here are a few of my thoughts I have swimming around in my head today: Read on....
First, I’m officially leaving Dutch Fork Christian Church at the end of February to focus solely on the works of All Praise Ministries. As you know, I’ve been leading worship since I was a teenager and I will miss the daily and weekly preparation and execution of leading people to God’s throne, but I’m following God’s calling on my life and that feels awesome! If you’re not completely familiar with what All Praise Ministries is all about and what I’ll be doing, you can read about it here and get a good idea.
Back in 1998, while doing some serious soul searching and questioning God about my role in the worship community, He revealed to me the beginnings of this ministry. One thing He made clear was that I was to (a) help multiple churches with their Praise & Worship ministries and (b) preach and teach about the meaning of true worship.
I entered Dutch Fork as a temporary worship leader until we found someone to fill that role. Here we are three years later, and I’m still at the helm. Over the past year or so, God has been showing me that I need to serve multiple churches, not just one. By remaining at DFCC, I would be short-changing that calling on my life. So, I made the decision to step down. And as only God would have it, as soon as I told Pastor Dave, God provided not just one, but two well-qualified candidates to step right in. Isn’t He incredible!?
After a friend in the church told me that he quit smoking as a direct result of reading this blog, I had to go back and re-read it again to better understand what might have convicted him and helped him quit. Man, His word is an awesome thing. It’s amazing that God uses the writings of imperfect people to touch other imperfect people, while at the same time, bringing us both closer to Him.
I’ve been wondering how many of you who read this blog and look at this website also follow me on Twitter or Facebook. So, help me stop wondering. If you have a Twitter or FB account, look me up by clicking on the links above in this paragraph. It’s a great way to stay connected on a more frequent basis and a nice way to get to know each other via the web.
I still find it weird to say “we’re pregnant.” But we are. I get more excited with each passing day. We’re heading towards week 13 and I can hardly wait to see the next ultrasound. Any guesses on whether it’s a girl or a boy? What are your favorite names? Email me and tell me your thoughts?
Have you heard of TokBox or Mogulus? Check it out! If you have a webcam on your computer, you can host free video chats anytime, anywhere on TokBox. The streaming service Mogulus allows you to stream video either on your own website, or on their website – free! You can produce your own internet TV show and broadcast it, either live or pre-recorded. These are just two more fantastic ways to stay in touch and remain more personal in this new age of virtual friendships.
And finally, please pray for All Praise Ministries this week. On Tuesday, Amanda and I go meet with our financial advisor to talk about the future of the All Praise Worship Center. In these economically uncertain times, giving is at an all time low right now, and it’s clear that only God will be able to make this happen. But I know He can do it and I ask that you pray that our humanity doesn’t get in His way of accomplishing what He wants to accomplish.
God bless you for reading our blog, visiting the website and supporting All Praise Ministries.
Tax deductible donations can be made by mailing a check to:
All Praise Ministries
28 Roseangel Ct.
Columbia, SC 29229
Blessings,
Jimmy Smith
