Notes by Cassie

Let Sacrifice Ring

Sacrifice:
(noun) offering, as in “an offering”
(verb) forfeit, relinquish

The first word that would come to mind on the 4th of July for most people in America would probably be the word “freedom”, and with good reason. Freedom was the key issue motivating our Founding Fathers as they penned The Declaration of Independence. To this day, if there is a signature word describing the foundation and tenets of America, it would be the word “freedom”.

On this 4th of July, 2014, in honor of those American heros who authored that precious and brilliant document, I would like to submit another word as being equally important…the word “sacrifice”.

Without sacrifice there would be no freedom.

Take the time to research the suffering many of our Founding Fathers endured in upholding their pledge to this country and the beliefs in what America could be. They risked their own position and possessions in order to secure a better future for all people. They knew that if we lived by the words they had written and stayed truthful to them that we would truly be a society free of tyranny and oppression. These men are an astounding example of the kind of bravery, strength, faith and especially sacrifice required to gain and maintain freedom.

According to Webster’s Dictionary the noun for “sacrifice” is the word “offering”, as in “an offering”. The word “offering” is then described as “a present or gift.” (I am a dictionary junkie by the way!)

These beautiful words are a reminder of the greatest gift (sacrifice) of all, not only to Americans, but to people of all nations.

The Bible tells us in the book of Ephesians, chapter 5 verse 2, that Jesus Christ, the Son of God left His position in heaven, laid down His life and gave Himself to all of us “as an offering and a sacrifice.” Christ made this ultimate sacrifice that we might be made free from the slavery and oppression of sin. Jesus tells us that if we live by His Word and truly believe, that we would then know the truth and the truth would make us free.

As we gather together in celebration of our nation’s freedom, let’s remember to celebrate true freedom in Jesus Christ. God Bless America!

Song: The Truth Shall Make You Free (John 8: 31-36) Wonderfully Made Album

From “Mere” to “Interesting”

Being featured as the vocal soloist for the celebrated film-maker, Hayao Miyazaki’s most iconic film “My Neighbor Totoro”, will always be one of the highlights of my career.

Miyazaki’s beautifully animated movies have delighted children and adults alike for over 30 years. His vivid imagination transports us into stunning scenes filled with the glory of everyday life, if we will only slow down long enough to enjoy it.

Hayao Miyazaki is highly revered by anyone in animation. Everyone at Disney’s Pixar is a huge fan, especially John Lasseter, the director of the original Toy Story. In Toy Story 3, Lasseter gave a nod to the film by including a plush toy of Totoro as one of Bonnie’s toys.

Some of the biggest fans of all are among my 22 year-old son Benjamin’s generation.

I remember back in the day when Ben was in Jr. High School and his friends were in our family room gathered around the TV. They were watching the movie, “My Neighbor Totoro.” As I heard my own voice floating through the house I wanted to tell them it was mine, but I felt a bit shy about interrupting my son and his Jr. High-school aged friends. That could be scary! But I decided to be brave. I walked in just as the opening song finished and announced, “That was me.” They all stopped and looked at me with annoyed confusion on their faces. Obviously, I had interrupted their movie and invaded their space . “What do you mean?” they finally asked. “That’s my voice”, I said, “I’m the one singing that song. In fact I sang all of the solos in this film.”

At that moment the looks on their faces went from annoyed confusion to absolute shock, especially Ben’s! “Are you kidding me Mom? We’ve been watching this for years. I had no idea it was you!” Immediately they were on their feet asking me about my experience. It just so happens that my son and all of his friends who were there that day were in the school choir. Many of them were interested in pursuing a career in the entertainment industry.

That day I went from “mere” Mom to “interesting” Mom in an instant.

I’d like to say it didn’t mean that much to me, but it did. It was a lot of fun and a definite boost to the “old” ego. But the good news is, it meant much more than that. Something happened that day that changed my relationship with my son and his friends. They started to know my story.

I can honestly say, it allowed me a certain entry into their lives I did not have before. In that moment my son’s friends discovered something relatable about me, which then opened the door for me to have at least a small amount of trust and input.

Stories are the most important possessions we carry through life. Most everything else can be taken from us, but not our story.

Look for ways you can share your story with others. Share moments in your life that will cause you to be more relatable. Do it with sensitivity of course. Make sure you are inclusive and turn the focus back to those you are with. But go ahead, be brave! Sometimes you may even have to invade someone’s space, but the rewards will be great as you go from “mere” to “interesting”.

His Purpose

From the very onset of life children begin to form their identity. They decide what they will trust in and whom they can depend on. Scripture is clear that our dependence is to be on Jesus Christ.

Jesus himself said, “I am the vine: you are the branches. If a man remains in me and I in him, he will bear much fruit: apart from me you can do nothing.” (John 15:5)

This verse sets the standard for children (and for all of us) about how we can live a fruitful life. There are wonderful reasons to teach children to memorize what the Bible says. Let’s help them to remain in Christ so that they will reap the fruitful blessings of God’s purposes their whole lives through!

Song: His Purpose (Romans 8: 28-30) Wonderfully Made Album

Put On Love

There are so many reasons why we need to help children fall in love with God’s Word, and to do it early on. One of the most important reasons is for the sake of who they will become.

The Bible tells us that children are imitators. “Therefore, be imitators of God as dear children” (Ephesians 5:1). This verse goes on to say, “and walk in love as Christ also loved us.”

To walk in love! What a perfect picture for children to imitate and a great reminder of how we should all model our lives.

Song: Put On Love (Colossians 3: 12-16) Wonderfully Made Album