A Worshipful Heart

Steps of Faith

While we were in Guatemala I did something I'd never done before. Well, actually I did several things I've never done before. I'd never help build a latrine, or a stove, or played soccer and I did all three! But I am actually referring to going ziplining. We've talked about it but we've never done it. So when Todd, our fearless leader on this trip, suggested we do a "canopy tour" I thought," okay, I'll just do the little ones so if I fall maybe I'll just break a leg and not actually die." But peer pressure won out! I mean, if my MOM can do the big ones then how can I hesitate to do the same? So off we went! And the entire day was an exercise in faith for me. I felt like I was physically experiencing what it feels like when God calls us to take a true "leap of faith". 

I know we were strapped in with double safety harnesses and all that and the actual "zipping" along didn't bother me in the least. What I had the hardest time with was stepping off the platform into the unknown. This is what I struggle with spiritually as well. I hate the unknown. I don't like change. I enjoy knowing what is around the next bend. I want a map - or better yet - a GPS for the journey of life. And yet we all know that life is not that way. We cannot see into the future. We really don't have any guarantees. And many times we can't see the next "platform". 

I thought of this on one particular zipline we did. It's in the video you'll see. I literally had to step off the platform into the foggy unknown and I had no idea where the next platform was - but I knew I was 300+ feet in the air. And so I did what I knew I had to do. I closed my eyes and took a running jump off the platform, hurtling into the unknown, trusting completely in my harness and the lines and the expertise of those helping me. I will confess however that I did alot of praying as well. Watch and you'll see. (and there is one part where the camera fell down on my wrist. I did not fall or anything!) 

Steps of Faith from Jan Owen on Vimeo.

There have been several major "leaps of faith" in my life - getting married at the age of 18, choosing to enter vocational ministry, and then choosing to quit my staff position and start the Give Worship Project. There have been many small steps of faith along the way as well. Alot of those decisions made no sense to others, yet I knew what God was calling me to do. And just like in ziplining, I had to take that step of faith and lean back and TRUST in the arms and wisdom of my Heavenly Father who cares for me, just like I trusted in my harness and safety gear. 

I still feel like that is where I am right now - zipping along suspended between two platforms. I've left the past behind and I'm zooming towards what God has called me to do, but I still don't totally see the platform. My feet are not yet on solid ground. I feel like I'm on that zipline course, going from platform to platform, taking one step of faith after another, knowing only that I am saying "yes" to God, but not having arrived at the next "true" destination. 

And it's scary. And exhilerating. And fearsome. And wondrous. And breath-taking. All at the same time. 

God does not desire for us to live a life centered on safety, centered on only taking a step forward when we feel we can totally control and know the outcome. He desires that we use our one life for Him! And that we step out in faith to do so.....

What step of faith is God calling you take today?

Praises from Guatemala!

 We had a great week in Guatemala! Whether I was walking along the dirt roads of El Yalu, or sitting in a yard and coloring with kids, or helping with construction, or dishing up food at the Feeding  Center, or training worship leaders at Los Olivos Christian Center, I felt the presence of God working in our midst. We know that He not only worked in the hearts of the people of Guatemala that we encountered, but also in our hearts as well. 

I learned alot about faith and servanthood.on this trip. Everywhere we turned we had to dive in or step out in faith and say "yes" to God to obey Him. Many times we were uncomfortable. Many times we felt unprepared. Some times we were doing jobs that we did not enjoy or even understand. We got sick and felt tired and even a bit useless. Not all projects or days turned out as expected. And there were many moments where we were forced to face our own ineptness and weakness when we'd rather be strong and courageous!

In the midst of serving on this trip to Guatemala I realized in a fresh way how much FAITH obedience really requires. I realized once again that if we have all the answers, and everything is guaranteed, then it's not really faith. 

Getting on a plane and going to another country to serve in ways that may be challenging for us is always a step into the unknown. But we all face "steps into the unknown" in our lives as we seek to say "yes" to God with our entire being. When God calls, we must answer.

What is God calling you to? How can you say "yes" to Him in this moment?

A Poem for the Journey

As you read this I will be traveling, making my way to Guatemala. I'm always aware that when I travel in obedience to God's calling it is indeed a holy moment. And so I want to share a poem with you today written by my very favorite poet (besides David!), Ted Loder. These are poem/prayers from his book, "Guerrillas of Grace".

Breathe Restlessness In Me

Thank you for all I forget are gifts, not rights.

Forgive me for all the grievances I remember too well. 

Save me from the self-pity, the self seeking, the fat-heartedness which is true poverty.

Guide me, if I'm willing (drive me if I'm not)

into the hard ways of sacrifice which are just and loving.

Make me wide-eyed for beauty, and for my neighbor's need and goodness;

Wide-willed for peace-making, and for the confronting power with the call to compassion; 

Wide-hearted for love and for the unloved, who are the hardest to touch and need it the most.

Dull the envy in me which criticizes and complains life into a thousand ugly bits.

Keep me honest and tender enough to heal, tough enough to be healed of my hypocrisies.

Match my appetite for privilege with the stomach for commitment.

Teach me the great cost of paying attention that, naked to the dazzle of your back as you pass, 

I may know I am always on holy ground.

Breathe into me the restlessness and courage 

To make something new, something saving, and something true

That I may understand what it is to rejoice.

An excerpt from "Teach Me Your Ways"

Teach me your ways, Lord,

That I may be swept up in worship with the saints,

which surges in wonder, gratitude and obedience,

and shapes my life into an irrepressible YES to you,

to all my sisters and brothers,

and to the presence of the Kingdom among us......

Won't you pray these prayers with me today?

How You Can Pray!

My first prayer for the day is to simply say "thank you Jesus". So many things had to fall into place for us to make this trip to Guatemala. Money had to be raised, supplies had to be bought, and we needed supporters who would faithfully pray. God provided everything we needed in abundance. I praise Him and thank Him for that today!

I also want to say "thank you" to so many of YOU who donated supplies, books, a guitar, strings, cables, printers, money, etc. to enable much of the ministry we will be privileged to do on this trip. You have worked with us and we are so grateful! I also want to say thank you to so many of you (16!) who have signed up to pray for us on a particular day while we are traveling. (It's not too late. If you'd like to sign up, just go to the post below this one and sign up!) On any mission ministry trip I take I think of all of you constantly. I feel like I carry you with me in my heart! Your hard work, care and interest and love for others (and me) are a blessing. So I thank you and I thank God for providing so faithfully. 

Many times I'm asked how people can specifically pray for me on ministry trips. I'm posting a detailed, daily list below so on any given day you can refer back to this post and see what we're doing and how you can specifically pray. I'm also including a general prayer list. I hope you'll refer to these lists and LET US KNOW YOU'RE PRAYING! It always encourages me to hear from you! (I will have internet on this trip so it will be easier to keep in touch!)

Please pray:

 - for the hearts of men and women and children to be soft and open to the Good News about Jesus Christ.

 - for the safety of our team as we travel, and as we work each day.

 - for wisdom and insight from the Holy Spirit as we attempt to show love in a different culture from our own.

 - for a harvest of souls and many seeds of love and care to be planted for those who will come along behind us and reap a continuing harvest! (we're only there one week. They minister there all year!) 

 - for clear communication and understanding despite the language barriers we will face. 

 - for success as we do new (to us) construction projects - building latrines and installing chimney stoves.

 - for discernment and unity as we pray and plan for  a long term working relationship with Los Olivos Christian Church in the Yalu area.

 - for strength and health and rest for our team members.

 - against the wiles of Satan! NO disunity, NO complaining, NO fear, NO worries to plague this team! 

 - for a spirit of unity and peace to be with our group.

 - For anointing from the Lord and clear communication as I teach at the worship conference. Pray that the Spirit of God moves in mighty ways as we learn more about worshiping Him! Pray against any misunderstandings that might occur via differences in culture or language. 

Specific Daily Requests:

Thursday, July 15 - Travel day! Please pray for safety and peace for all team members as they travel to Atlanta.

Friday, July 16 - Travel day and Worship Conference Begins. We will fly from Atlanta to Guatemala City, then travel on to Antigua where the rest of the team will settle in and explore Antigua. I will be going almost immediately to Sumpango to Los Olivos Christian Church to begin the worship conference. Please pray for the pastors, elders and 48 team members that will attend. Tonight's topic: Biblical Foundations of Worship.

Saturday, July 17 - This is our "off day". We will spend most of the day doing some sight-seeing and preparing for the week. I will again teach at the worship conference that evening. Tonight's topic is: Technical Skills for the Worship Leader.

Sunday, July 18 - We will attend a church in Antigua and then that afternoon I'll continue with the Worship Conference. We will continue with the Technical Skills and discuss some Relational Ministry topics as well. That evening I will attend Los Olivos Church while the rest of the group prepares for construction and children's ministry to begin on Monday.

Monday, July 19 - Work in Yalu begins! This is a Mayan Village deep in the mountainside of Guatemala. We will begin work on latrines and stoves and then we will also work with the Feeding Center and the Children's Learning Center that afternoon. That evening I will finish up the Worship Conference with teaching on "The Spiritual Journey of a Worship Leader". Pray specifically for this evening's discussions - that the leaders will be challenged and encouraged. Pray also that we will clearly see and be in agreement about future work together in training worship leaders. 

Tuesday, July 20 - Work in Yalu continues! We will mainly do construction work this day. A small group will go to a school nearby and help work there, carrying supplies to them as well. 

Wednesday, July 21  - Work in Yalu continues as before. We will also work again in the Feeding Center at lunchtime. We will also begin a Sports Camp with the children of Yalu. Pray for many children to come to know Christ!

Thursday, July 22 - Construction work in Yalu continues. This morning our goal is to work with the women of Yalu, doing some scrapbooking and sharing with them how much Jesus loves them. This has been really difficult to plan so pray that it comes together well. The Sports Camp for the children in Yalu continues this afternoon. 

Friday, July 23 - Construction work in Yalu continues. The Sports Camp concludes this afternoon. Tonight we will debrief with our team and celebrate a hard week's work. Pray for people to be able to process well and to hear from God as they consider how to go back home and live in light of all they have seen. 

Saturday, July 24 - We all head home. Some will drive back to Huntsville, some will stay in Atlanta for the night. Pray for safe travel, alert minds, and that God will continue to speak to us all!

Sunday, July 25 - Some will be finishing up their travel. (I will be home by this time) Please continue to pray for us on this day as "the day after" can be the most emotionally difficult day of all. Pray for people to be able to "re-enter" daily life well - taking with them the lessons they have learned in the last 9 days. 

Thank you for praying with us - a true labor of love! God bless you!

Daily Prayers Needed

Well, I'm off again! I leave Thursday to begin my journey to Guatemala. There are 13 in our group and we'll be mainly working in Yalu, a mountain Mayan village. I will be conducting a worship ministry workshop for the members of the worship teams at Los Olivos Christian Church (all 48 of them!) in Sumpango as well. 

I pack alot of things when I travel internationally. Stomach meds, wipes, my Bible and - of course - my prayer partner list. It's one of the things I definitely don't leave home without. I know that Satan hates what I do. He hates that we share the gospel. He hates that the church is grown and equipped. He hates that people gain hope.  And he fights us all the way. So knowing who is praying each and every day is a big comfort and help to me as I minister. 

When I stand up and teach, I know someone is praying.

When I go to bed each night, I know someone is praying.

When I eat that meal in a local home I know someone is praying.

When I share the gospel with a mother, I know someone is praying.

When I'm working on a home, I know someone is praying.

When I'm flying and traveling, I know someone is praying. 

When I'm not feeling my best but I have to work anyway, I know someone is praying.

Love is spelled C-O-O-K-I-E-S

In our family, many of us have the love language of baked goods. Homemade cobblers, pies, cakes and cookies all rank high in how we express love for one another. Is it a holiday? Everyone wants Grandmama's Peach Cobbler. Phil's birthday? His aunt's Carrot Cake with Cream Cheese Frosting is the first recipe I reach for. Daniel's birthday? I make Granny's Chocolate Pie or Bill Mc's Buttermilk Pie. Everyone has their favorites. And one thing that they've all always loved are my Chewy Oatmeal Sugar Cookies. These are always a sure hit. In fact I made them tonight to take down to Tuscaloosa for my boys tomorrow. I've been making these cookies for 26 years from a recipe I discovered as a newlywed in an old Home Ec cookbook. They are easy, cheap, simple and full of delicious goodness!

I've used these cookies to bribe teenagers, to show appreciation for band members, or just to say "I love you" on many occasions. They are the comfort food of cookies!

If you've ever loved my cookies and wanted to make them yourself, here is the recipe. I didn't create it. The recipe was created by Judy Womack, from Jackson County Technical School in Hollywood, Alabama. Enjoy!

CHEWY OATMEAL SUGAR COOKIES (makes about 36-40 cookies)

2 Cups flour 1 Cup shortening

1 Cup sugar 2 eggs

1 Cup brown sugar 1 teaspoon vanilla

1 teaspoon baking powder 1 Cup quick cooking oats

1 teaspoon baking soda granulated sugar

1/2 teaspoon salt

1) In mixing bowl, stir together first six ingredients.

2) Add shortening, egg and vanilla; beat well.

3) Stir in oats, and if you'd like to add chopped nuts do so now.

4) Form into small balls.

5) Roll balls in granulated sugar.

6) Place on lightly greased cookie sheet.

7) Bake at 375 degrees for 10 minutes.

8) Let cool for 2-3 minutes and then put on wire racks to finish cooling.

Enjoy! I hope you love them as much as we do!

What is your favorite baked good - cookies, pie, cake, etc?

A View From the Pew

I have the honor of periodically writing articles that appear on The Worship Community, a website devoted to all things worship. Here's an excerpt from my latest one.

I had spent the last fifteen years of my life on staff as a worship pastor. Until November 8, 2009. At that time I resigned my staff position in order to start a mission organization aimed at equipping worship leaders around the world. And for the first time in 26 years I went to church each weekend and did nothing. I sat in a chair just like everyone else. I visited churches and felt out of place. And I struggled. As I sat “in the pew” each weekend I would often think of things that all worship leaders do – “that speaker has a hiss” or “Hmmm….that transition should have been tighter” or “oops, that cue was off”. It was hard to worship from an entirely new place – the place of an average church attendee.

Oh, I’d taken a sabbatical for three months. I even trained a group of worship leaders and had them lead regularly. I purposefully sat under other worship leaders so that I could be filled and have a chance to “just worship”. And as much as I wanted to learn from each of these experiences, while I was a worship pastor I could never experience worship from the perspective of your average church attendee and learn what it might be like for them.

A few weeks ago I was having coffee with a friend at Starbucks. I was sharing some of this with him – how I hated visiting churches, and how awkward everything felt for me, and how vastly different it was to come to church to worship and instead to cry the entire time because it made me so homesick for my team, for my old church, and for everything else I said good-bye to on that day. Church became a painful reminder of all I had lost and so every time of worship felt filled with grief. Harry, who is a fellow worship leader, sat forward and said “But Jan, have you realized how much God is teaching you about leading worship during this time?”.

I realized he was right. I’m learning things right now that I would have never learned if I had stayed where I was.

To read the top things I learned about leading worship from NOT leading worship, hop on over to The Worship Community, where my article appears in it's entirety!  

Thanks for reading. I hope you'll take the time to leave a comment!

We Need Your Help

 On July 15th we are headed back to Guatemala. We will be doing most of our work in El Yalu, a Mayan village in the mountains of Guatemala. This year we are working with Los Olivos Christian Center in the work they do every day in this village. We will be doing a sports camp for the children, teaching Bible lessons, building latrines, and installing chimney stoves in some homes. We will also be working with the women to make mini-scrapbooks and share with them that God has a purpose for their life! 

I will also be conducting a worship conference while I'm there to help train the worship teams at Los Olivos. I'll work with the pastors and elders to determine what their greatest needs are and we'll spend four evenings learning together. 

We have some things we need to take with us. If you feel moved to do so, we could use your help. If you live near me, you can drop these things off at my house. If you do not, you are welcome to give a donation to the Give Worship Project (donate button on left hand side of blog) and email me at janowen@knology.net to let me know how you'd like your gift used. 

Here's what we need: 

For the children: 

 - white shirts, blue pants and shoes in children's sizes. (used is fine)

 - underwear and socks in children's sizes (not used) 

- crayons and coloring books (no English activity books)

 - candy - individually wrapped

 - play-doh

 - inflatable balls

  - toothpaste

 - toothbrushes

For the women: 

We are letting the women in the village make scrapbooks. This will be a prized possession for them. 

 - we need to BORROW a Kodak easy share camera and printer to take with us.

 - Or we need to borrow a small picture printer to take with us.

  We need donations of picture paper (to print pics on), ink cartridges for the printer (we will use alot)

 - small scissors for them to use to make the scrapbooks

 - glue sticks for them to use to make the scrapbooks.

 - pens for the women to use in their mini scrapbooks

 - If you have appropriate scrapbooking stickers we can use them as well! (nothing in English)

For the worship conference we need:

 - Donation of printing the handouts. (1000-1300 sheets) I spend alot of money on printing materials for each worship conference I do. If any of you have access to a larger printer/copier and would be interested in donating this for us it would be appreciated. 

 - small legal pads for the attendees to take notes (70)

 - name tags for the attendees to wear so I can remember people's names! (70) (this is SO DIFFICULT in other languages!)

 - pens for the attendees to use (70)

If you'd like to help just email me:

janowen@knology.net 

And let me know what you'd like to contribute!