Judith Baker's Indieheaven Blog

Schedule

Judith Baker — Sat, 03 Jul 2010 07:47:02 +0100

Stop Doing Church and Be the Church

Judith Baker — Sat, 14 Mar 2009 01:01:38 +0100

Think about this.......
Just last week when I awoke the Lord laid this on my heart...."There is no perfect church of Christian organization. I believe it is because Jesus meets us where we are. So can we allow ourselves to step back and let Jesus work through us? The truth of the matter is if the church were perfect there would be no cross and no20place for sinners to come in reconciliation. The church as an institution will never be perfect but the church as the "Body of Christ" is washed in His blood and cleansed from our sins. Through the Holy Spirit we can shine God's perfect love and be Jesus to a hurting world. Loving and meeting people right where they are into redemption. So the challenge we face is are we going to be the body of Christ or the church as an imperfect institution?" - Judith

April and Pray for "H"

Judith Baker — Tue, 27 May 2008 23:07:21 +0100

April was a tough month. We already had a company coming out to correct our sagging floor with jacks and a convenient no interest 12 month plan to pay the 3,000+ bill in a year. Still, we started out off with a $400 dollar trip to the vet for annual vaccinations for our dogs; and a $947.00 bill on James' truck. We also knew it would cost something to have John's 3 cavities filled that were found during his March 31, visit and scheduled that for May. Previously, in February, we had already had service on the van and got new tires for both vehicles; so, one would be inclined to think both vehicles would be okay and remain operational.

The first weekend of April we rushed off to SC to see a family member, Uncle Roy. He fell off a ladder and broke most of his ribs (some in multiple places), his shoulder bone and collar bone. At first it wasn't looking good for him. The kids really wanted to see him just incase things got worse. So off we went. On the way home the van started making a strange noise. Praise God we made it back to TN and we decided to park the van until the 1st of the month when we could afford to put it in the shop. Right after we were home for merely hours, our microwave started sizzling, and throwing sparks. Just a few days later, I broke my crown on my tooth. While trying to print some labels for a CD, I discovered I needed a new printer because my old printer was not compatible with windows vista software and HP has no plans to do a patch. James and I had a trip scheduled to go to a pre-season Ohio State Football game and we nearly cancelled it. We went using the truck, an 8 cylinder, Dodge Ram extended cab! It did pretty good on gas but not as good as the van. We had an absolute blast! The Devil didn't want us to have some couple time God knew we needed.

By now the month was nearly gone but on the 25th we were mysteriously locked out of our bedroom and had to call a locksmith to let us back in which was $65 dollars. On April 29th as we were driving the truck to pick up the van from the shop which had to have the alternator replaced at almost $600.00, the truck started overheating! So we picked up the van and dropped off the truck. This caused us to miss church on Wed evening.

If I didn't know better I would say I was under a spiritual attack. In the middle of all of this I was preparing for an event in Ohio on May 3rd to be exact. I was writing a message for a ladies banquet and I felt led by the Lord to write the ladies I would be speaking and singing to their own song - "Daughters of the King" which was the theme of the Banquet. James was also gone traveling with the Army most of the month of April.

I was very glad to see the month of May come. Yet, in all of this financial drama, I was never worried. I had a peace that God would take care of us and He did. God always provides. James received his clothing allowance which was a huge help, travel money came in that I forgot about which helped. I was able to purchase a new fax/printer with points from a travel club membership. We purchased a new microwave and our bank increased our credit card limit so we could pay for the truck repairs. The kids needed to have their registration fee paid for teen camp and because they had participated in fund raisers during the year � all we had to pay was about 20 bucks! All just in time for me to head off with mom, on May 2nd to Ohio for our "Daughter's of the King" Banquet.

When we got home from Ohio, I told mom, now I understand why we were having so many problems. The devil didn't want me to go to Ohio and minister but God had other plans. Here is the recap. The couple we stayed with Lynn were so gracious and kind. Ladies from the church cooked our meals and left them with Lynn to simply heat up so we were well fed. We also got to zip over and see my niece, nephew and their mom, which made mom and I very happy. Lynn happened to be a MI fan and here I am the OSU fan and we both had our PJ's on showing our support for our teams. It was very funny. I have pics posted on the website.

During the event this woman who came spiritually jumped out at me and mom. She seemed to be very dark, gothic, and demonic. I was glad to see her at the event. For privacy sake I will call her "H." At the banquet one of the door prizes was a ticket and trip paid for to Women of Faith. As the names of 7 ladies were drawn, the minute "H" came out of that pile I knew, in the Spirit she was going to win. If I remember correctly she was the third lady to pick a prize and you got it, she won the WOF ticket. I knew God is at work here! Her comment on winning was "my mother jinxed me." Hmmm... I wouldn't call a free ride to Women of Faith a jinx and it clued me in spiritually that this lady was not where she needed to be. She is one of my "Broken Souls"

Our banquet was God blessed and God breathed. We closed it out as we all joined together singing Amazing Grace as Mom took the lead. Yet returning home I still had "H" on my heart. When Sharon, the Women's Ministry director e-mailed me to thank me and follow-up on some other close out issues I e�mailed back and told her this lady had been heavily on my heart and moms heart. Sharon e-mailed me back to tell me it turns out even though "H" was raised as a Christian; she has chosen a darker path. She may still be mixed up in drugs, satanic worship and her husband committed suicide a few years ago leaving her to raise her two young boys alone. She also was very thin and struggles with anorexia or some eating disorder. They have given "H's" mom a free/paid trip to Women of Faith. Sharon urged me to pray like I have never prayed before that "H" and her mother go! Sharon is just so worried that "H" will not go. I in my heart feel like she will go and God will deliver her. That is our prayer!

The very next weekend I find myself as an extra, on the set of the "Billy Graham" movie, produced by Robby Benson, and I am getting my makeup touched up after eating. The grandfather of the young man who is playing Young Billy in the movie and I began talking. We both quickly discovered we share the same passion for our Lord and Savior Jesus Christ. He introduced me to one of the other actors, another grandson I think, and we started talking about his work in LA and all he is doing with the homeless (the grandson). "H" popped into my mind. I asked them if they would remember "H" in their prayers and gave them a little background. Next thing I knew, on the set of a movie, there was a group of Christians, actors, hair dressers, make-up artist, holding hands as I prayed for "H" and they all prayed with me. Wow! Is God good or what! One of the other extras came in while we were praying and when we were done commented on how great it is to see prayer on a movie set. It was INCREDIBLE! I have urged our SS class and the choir to pray for "H" and will continue to do so as long as God lays her on my heart.

Now I know why April was such a hard month. If I had been focused on finances like the devil wanted me to be I would have never been sensitive to God laying "H" on my heart. So PRAY FOR HER! Pray that she and her mom go to Women of Faith. Pray that God will deliver, heal and restore her! God will do it because "God Still Makes a Way"

I write this with transparency and details to let people know that many times when you experience an encounter with one of us, who make music for God or proclaim the Gospel, you are getting a finished product. But we have lives, circumstance, events that burden us just as much as any other person. I am confident the tragic death in the family of "Steven Curtis Chapman" drives that home. In our individual transparency, when we allow others to see what we are experiencing and at what depth � we allow others to "taste and see that the Lord is good." We allow God to show the next person that in our trials, un-planned expenses and just the daily living of our lives � He will meet our needs right on time. We just have to stand in our Armor and remember the battle is not ours, it is the Lords!

Have a blessed day!
Judith

Studio's and Straight Hair - All in God's Timing

Judith Baker — Tue, 25 Mar 2008 18:58:39 +0100

Last night I spent an amazing hour and a half with one of our IH members recording vocals for her on two very beautiful original songs. The producer we worked with said a prayer before we started and God was there! I could really feel His Spirit as I sang. How many times have I knocked on the doors of studios to have them not even open. Letting go and letting God - He brought this opportunity to me in His Time from out of the recesses of the internet through Indieheaven!

Switch gears with me if you will. I have naturally curly hair and at this moment in time it is very long. What does hair have to do with God? Everything! All my life I wanted straight hair, I envied straight hair, coveted straight hair. I tried perms, irons, blow dryers, creams, gels, till I finally gave up and accepted what God gave me. Just a few weeks ago my dear "Ya Ya" sister introduced me to a flat iron that is uses a certain ionic technology. Being a doubting skeptic I agreed to try it and to my surprise it worked. At this moment in time when I could care less about straight hair and have fallen in love with my own curly locks.

Vainly looking at my long straight hair in the mirror on Easter morning it dawned on me � how much our walk with Christ is like me and my battle with the hair. You see we become Christians, but what are we trying to change that God has given us for our good? My straight hair takes almost 3 hours to complete when my curly hair I can walk out of the house with it wet. That's 3 hours I could spend in prayer, in my bible, with my doting husband, with my kids, my mom, a hurting friend. I learned even more how when we are ready He will give us the desires of our heart. Just like one of my true desires is to be a studio/session singer. He didn't let me have straight hair until I was ready, He didn't let me work in a studio until He was ready. Why? I think because if we get everything we want when we want then what do we need Him for and do we give Him the Glory when things go our way.

I also know our steps are ordered. If I never went to my church, I never would have met my "Ya, Ya" sister, I never would have been blessed by her friendship, blessed by her loving heart and willingness to share her flat iron. Not to mention joining Indieheaven! Psalm 37:23 says "The steps of a good man are ordered by the Lord: and he delighteth in his way." (KJV) So as I wash the straightness out of my hair, grateful to have options but more grateful that my steps are ordered and in Christ � because I surrender to Him and let Him live in me thereby it is He that orders my step for this moment in time. He brings us to it and through it. I continue to be humbled, amazed and stupefied in my humanness when he gives me another desire of my heart � no matter how simple, silly or unimportant it is in the grand scheme of things. All Glory be to God � for studios and straight hair.

Judith Baker nominated for Momentum Award

Judith Baker — Thu, 17 Jan 2008 01:25:59 +0100

Praise the Lord!

Let's get her in the finals! Please Vote for Judith in these recommended categories:

� Female Vocalist of the Year;
� Contemporary Artist of the Year
� Inspirational Artist of the Year
� Southern Gospel Artist Of The Year
� Album Of The Year � "In Spirit and Truth"

(And don't forget all the other great artists in the running.)
You have until JAN 31, 2008 to cast votes. So VOTE!!!!!! Vote once a day per computer, like at work and home; or as often as you can. We really need you to vote, and get all your friends to vote as well.
Go to this link to vote: http://www.indieheaven.com/momentum_awards.php

Special thanks to the person that nominate Judith. Your support of her ministry is greatly appreciated. Please keep her in your prayers

Christmas Concert

Judith Baker — Sat, 08 Dec 2007 02:37:37 +0100

JOIN us for "We Believe"
Tennessee District Church of the Nazarene Worship Ministries - Featuring voices and musicians from: Nashville Grace (my home church), Trevecca Community, Old Hickory, Columbia Grace, Donelson, Nashville Bethel, Memphis Calvary, Whispering Hills and Gallatin...churches of the Nazarene

TN DISTRICT NAZARENE WORSHIP MINISTRIES PRESENTS .......
"WE BELIEVE" at the

ACUFF THEATRE

This Sunday.....

December 9, 2007 at 6:00PM

GENERAL ADMISSION SEATING

Price: $ 10.00
Door Price: $12:00

Tickets are available at any of the participating churches, at the door and at Ticketmaster

I am humbled to be a part of this historic concert. There will be over 200 voices and a full orchestra. You will not want to miss this one! Hope to see you there. Please bathe this event and all the people involved in your prayers.