Spring/Summer 2011 See to it
that you do not refuse him who speaks. If they
did not escape when they refused him who warned
them on earth, how much less will we, if we turn
away from him who warns us from heaven? At that
time his voice shook the earth, but now he has
promised, “Once more I will shake not only the
earth but also the heavens.” The words “once
more” indicate the removing of what can be
shaken - that is, created things - so that what
cannot be shaken may remain.
Therefore, since we
are receiving a kingdom that cannot be shaken,
let us be thankful, and so worship God
acceptably with reverence and awe, for our “God
is a consuming fire.” Hebrews 12:25-28 NIV
Hello
Friends:
I hope this update finds you well, with
your eyes firmly fixed on the Lord Jesus and
your faith unshaken, no matter what else may be
shaking around you.
My year began serenely
enough. I was privileged to lead worship for
Briarwood Presbyterian Church, Women’s winter
retreat. The theme was “Choosing Rest,” based on
keynoter Sally Breedlove’s book by the same
title (Navpress). Little did I know, at the tail
end of January, how much I would need that
encouragement as the month of April drew to a
close.
February brought ministry opportunities
for me among Baptist churches in Dora and
Sylacauga, Alabama and also in Berea and
Richmond, Kentucky during the first weekend of
April. My thanks to the Tates Creek Baptist
Association (KY) for the invitation. Two weeks
later I was in Clearwater, Florida taping an
interview featuring my book for a CTN program
called “It’s Time for Herman and Sharron.” I am
grateful to the Bailey's for the opportunity to
reach a national audience via their television
ministry.
About once a year I Iead worship for a
Community Bible Study program in Homewood,
Alabama. This year my invitation came on the
Thursday before Easter. I then enjoyed a Black
Friday worship service and supper with a small
group from my home church. These two events
really helped me prepare for celebrating the
redeeming work of my Savior on Resurrection
Sunday. Then came Whirlwind Wednesday!
Here in
Alabama, we are digging out from one of the
worst tornado disasters on record. In the early
morning hours of April 27th, a major storm cell
moved through my own neighborhood, snapping off
large trees like toothpicks, toppling others at
the roots, and taking power lines down with them
as they fell. The property damage is widespread
in the wake of the EF-1 rated tornado that
ripped through here. A second, much more
devastating storm system moved through later
that afternoon at wind speeds rated EF-4 and
EF-5, with gusts in excess of 200 mph.
Tuscaloosa, Concord, Pleasant Grove, Hueytown,
McDonald’s Chapel, Pratt City, Cullman, and
Huntsville are among the hardest hit areas. The
smaller communities have been described by
observers as “completely leveled,” and “wiped
off the map.” Residents are stunned at the level
of destruction in our state, and the desperate
search for missing loved ones continues. As of
May 1st, the death toll in Alabama is thought to
be over 250 people.
Every one of my neighbors
sustained some kind of damage and there are many
with monstrous piles of debris on their
curbsides and blue tarps over their roofs,
awaiting repair. I sustained some property
damage myself, but it was minimal when compared
to so many others. I am extremely grateful to
have been spared worse and I bless the Lord for
His protection and mercy!
The preliminary
reports on this deadly outbreak of tornadoes is
that the continuous path of destruction that
moved from Tuscaloosa to Birmingham was the
result of a single tornado that stayed on the
ground for nearly 80 miles. This storm was truly
one for the history books!
Alabama is not the
only state in our country, nor place in the
world, to see such intensity in recent
weather-related destruction. The nations of the
Pacific rim have been rocked by strong
earthquakes. Remember the ones that hit Chile in
2010 and New Zealand just this past February?
And who will ever forget the horrific images
broadcast to the world of the tsunami that
struck Japan on March 11th? The 9.0 earthquake
that set it off moved that island nation
thirteen feet closer to the United States.
Incredible! Even governments are being shaken
out of place. The political landscape of the
Middle East looks very different today than it
did just a few months ago, as long-held
dictatorial regimes are falling in the face of
popular uprisings. Will anything remain the
same?
In all of the tumult of these days, I am
comforted by the fact that God never changes,
that His mercies are new every morning, and the
kingdom He has given us can never be shaken. For
the present, I will be taking care of the storm
damage to my house and property. I’ll be praying
for the families of my state who have suffered
terrible losses, and I’ll be looking for ways to
reach out personally to affected friends and
neighbors.
If you want to help the tornado
survivors of Alabama, I'd like to suggest that
you make a donation to CBN's Operation Blessing,
the Salvation Army, or the Red Cross. Designate
your gifts for "Alabama tornado relief."
God’s
peace to you all, Lynn
Fall 2010 Hello Friends:
I hope you’ve been able to find
a cool spot or two in your life this summer -
it’s been a hot one here in Alabama! If you’ve already purchased a
copy of my new book, More Precious Than
Silver: The God Stories Behind the Songs of Lynn
DeShazo, I want to thank you. I am also
grateful for the thoughtfully worded comments
I’ve received from some of you about the book. A
kind word is always appreciated! It’s also
available now as an E-book. You can buy it
wherever E-books are sold, if that interests
you.
The older I get, the more the
Lord seems to want to press me into service. So
much for any thoughts I had of quietly cutting
back! In April I started leading worship every
Sunday (early service) for my home church in
Birmingham, Liberty Church. Though I’ve been on
worship teams since my college years, I haven’t
had a weekly leadership responsibility since the
1980’s. It’s been wonderful for me - now that I
know what I’m doing! - and I know the “1st
service” folks appreciate my being there.
In July, I helped lead worship
for the Liberty Fellowship of Churches and
Ministers. We hold our annual family conference
in Lake Junaluska, North Caroline. In August, I
ministered for the home crowd at Liberty (both
services) in my first official “Songs and
Stories” concert, based on songs written about
in my book. What an epiphany for me! This is
exactly the format I need to minister out of in
this season of my life. Please get in touch
with me if you would like me to conduct one in
your area.
I returned to western NC in
August to help lead worship for the McLean
Ministries “His Healing Presence” conference.
This is always a very powerful time of healing
for those present, and I am grateful to be a
part of it each summer. I finished up my August
travels in Valle Crucis, NC, where I enjoyed a
few hours kayaking the New River with friends,
and was the guest worship leader for Christ the
King Anglican Fellowship in Boone, NC. They were
also enthusiastic book and cd buyers, which is a
true blessing to me!
The weekend of September 24th,
I’ll be in Pensacola, Florida, signing my books
at the Barnes and Noble bookstore that Saturday
from 4-6 pm, and ministering Sunday morning at
Charity Chapel. See the web site for contact
information.
Late October to early November
takes me back to North Carolina - I’m working on
dates now for Burnsville and Hickory. In January
2011, I’ll be leading worship for Briarwood
Christian Church’s women’s retreat. Briarwood is
a large PCA church in my area, and they seem to
like my songs a lot.
If you’re on Facebook, send me
friend request, as I post things there on a
regular basis, such as media interview
information and links to book reviews. Thank you
for your continued interest, encouragement, and
prayer support.
