http://www.betsywalker.com Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:58:00 CST Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:58:00 CST http://www.osmek.com/ Betsy Walker - News/Journal Tue, 04 Nov 2008 12:58:00 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
In one of the recent lessons Beth said "God is wise not only in what He reveals, but in what He doesn't."

I don't think i have ever thought of it that way. In fact, i have often been frustrated by the questions that go unanswered and the situations that don't make sense. But sometimes God is silent, and i am learning that He is good even then.

Here are some words He gave me this week:

You are good for what you say and what you don't
You are good in what you will and what you won't
You are good, Lord, when you give and you withold
You are always good.
You are always good.

You are good in what you hide and what you show
You are good when you say yes and you say no
You are good for stepping in and letting go
You are always good
You are always good.

For wisdom belongs to the Lamb on the Throne
His ways are higher than my own
Someday the mysteries will be made known
And we'll worship you
You are always good.
]]> Fri, 26 Sep 2008 10:58:00 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Now, when you break your pinky toe there's no medical emergency. You basically just continue on - life as usual. My empathetic husband was quick to remind me that the pinky toe is the appendix of the foot. He was basically saying that even if my toe had been ripped off this morning there's really no reason to get upset. (I suppose I won't be inviting him to my pity party.)

It's true, I can still walk...but it hurts. I can still work out at the gym...but I've adjusted which exercises I do. So, I'm functioning, but I'm limping.

This morning the Lord woke me up with this thought: how many people think they are pinky toes? It seems like in church every time the verse is read about how there are many parts but one body that someone pipes up and says "I'm just the pinky toe." (or was that just my church?)

Maybe you are a pinky toe in the body of Christ. Maybe the church can go on without you but it will be running with a limp.

I have found that my big toe (which is strong and healthy) has been trying to compensate for my gimp pinky and as a result my whole foot is starting to hurt. The big toe isn't supposed to carry such a heavy burden. And if my whole foot is damaged as a result, that is a medical emergency! I would have to make some serious changes in my lifestyle.

I see a lot of people sitting in their seats on Sunday morning, and that is the extent of their participation.
But don't you see?
When you don't participate -it hurts
When you don't give - it hurts
When you don't serve - it hurts
When you don't love - it hurts

Maybe you're role on this earth seems behind the scenes or small...maybe you're never going to do anything earth shattering...maybe your main job is to be a support for Big Toes, but even then your role is huge. You enable us, the church, to run the race in the manner we were meant to run.

1 Corinthians 12:12-31a (NIV)
12 The body is a unit, though it is made up of many parts; and though all its parts are many, they form one body. So it is with Christ. 13 For we were all baptised by one Spirit into one body - whether Jews or Greeks, slave or free - and we were all given the one Spirit to drink.

14 Now the body is not made up of one part but of many. 15 If the foot should say, "Because I am not a hand, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 16 And if the ear should say, "Because I am not an eye, I do not belong to the body," it would not for that reason cease to be part of the body. 17 If the whole body were an eye, where would the sense of hearing be? If the whole body were an ear, where would the sense of smell be? 18 But in fact God has arranged the parts in the body, every one of them, just as he wanted them to be. 19 If they were all one part, where would the body be? 20 As it is, there are many parts, but one body.

21 The eye cannot say to the hand, "I don't need you!" And the head cannot say to the feet, "I don't need you!" 22 On the contrary, those parts of the body that seem to be weaker are indispensable, 23 and the parts that we think are less honourable we treat with special honour. And the parts that are unpresentable are treated with special modesty, 24 while our presentable parts need no special treatment. But God has combined the members of the body and has given greater honour to the parts that lacked it, 25 so that there should be no division in the body, but that its parts should have equal concern for each other.

26 If one part suffers, every part suffers with it; if one part is honoured, every part rejoices with it.


]]> Tue, 02 Sep 2008 11:46:00 CST http://www.betsywalker.com May I never own furniture that keeps me from inviting children over
May I never have towels that are too nice for my husbands hands
May I never buy clothes that I wouldn't share
May I never own a home that binds my feet
May I never be so comfortable that it becomes my goal
May I never pick up anything that I can not put down
May I never cling to anything but You.
Amen

]]> Tue, 26 Aug 2008 11:59:00 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Isn't that what we all desire? To have people enjoy us? To have God enjoy us? And yet, even as i received that beautiful statement, the Accuser already began to sour it for me. "If he really knew me he wouldn't say i was a joy." Most of the time i feel like a nuisance or a nag. But i think God wanted to drive the point home because He spoke those same words to me a couple hours later.

We were having lunch at Chili's and having a lovely time until my impatient spirit got the best of me. For whatever reason i behaved rudely and Ben proceeded to tell me so. (i suppose we all need people who care for us enough to point out the things we'd rather not see.) Well, i received that comment too and soon began to panic and spiral in my mind. "I AM rude! It almost defines my personality! How can Ben even stand to live with me?!?...etc.etc." And into that fluster of emotion God spoke.

"No. You are a joy. We'll work on it."

I don't think i made that up...I think God really spoke those words into my spirit, and as He did i felt a wave of relief sweep over me. Sure i have some rough edges that need to be smoothed...God knows that, but He enjoys me right now! He will not only delight in me when i am polished and pretty...He enjoys the rough and ragged work in progress. Isn't that wonderful?

It truly is His loving kindness that leads us to repentance.
He has been so kind to me.]]> Tue, 19 Aug 2008 12:52:00 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
But God is stingy when it comes to our suffering. He doesn't waste a drop...not a single tear...not a single hurt. He redeems them all. Because He knows the price of our suffering, He doesn't throw them out...He finds new uses for them...and if anyone can refashion a broken heart into a masterpeice it is our crazy creative God.

I just finished reading "the shack" and one of my favorite quotes from the book is when the main character asks God how He can justify allowing bad things to happen. God responds by saying, "I'm not justifying them, I'm redeeming them."

One of my favorite names for God is "Redeemer of all Things." He is so good. He doesn't waste a drop.]]> Tue, 17 Jun 2008 05:55:00 CST http://www.betsywalker.com I am simply a child who has been given the ability to hear the whisperings of God;
And out of His generosity He whispers poetry and melody and loveliness.
I simply have the sense to write it down.

What does He whisper to you?]]> Thu, 22 May 2008 09:39:00 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Family is not the only "God concept" that has permeated our culture...the gospel itself is told every day in our movies and books and magazines. It is the ultimate story of good versus evil, of villain and savior, of redemption and change...it is the only story we know how to tell...we simply write variations. Our saviors take the form of Prince Charmings, or super heroes or lieutenants but they all do the same thing. They come just at the moment when the situation looks bleak and they offer hope...a way out...a second chance.

I think that's part of what the verse means that says "He writes eternity on their hearts". We can't get enough before and after make-overs because our hearts understand the beauty of life transformation. We celebrate when good triumphs, when justice is done because it is written on our hearts.

I'm not suggesting that we should over-spiritualize everything...i'm suggesting that it may be impossible to un-spiritualize things. it's deep within us.

Pay attention to the stories that are told as you enjoy the next movie at the theater. Note the struggle, the climax, the decisions, and the savior and thank the Lord for the beautiful story that He has so lovingly penned.
]]> Thu, 03 Apr 2008 15:19:46 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
My husband really wanted a dog and has been so happy to have one. what is it about men and their dogs? They have a very strange bond that is beyond my womanly comprehension. anyway, because i love my husband and he was so happy with this dog i felt that i would probably be stuck with the burden of caring for it for the next 12 years. There is really no joy in carrying around a burden...it just makes you bitter.

But my husband, being the fabulous man that he is, realized that our dog was making me quite unhappy and so even though it was a great sacrifice for him, he gave me the choice to give our puppy away if i wanted. Ben said he loved me more than the dog (thank goodness) and that he would leave the choice up to me.

And a funny thing happened after that. I suddenly loved the dog and couldn't bear to part with him. Suddenly his messes and annoyances and needs didn't feel so heavy in light of the great joy that he brought to our little family. And that's when i loved him...and that love covered a multitude of sins...and believe me...there are a multitude of stains to prove it :)

I wonder if it is possible to love something that is forced upon you? I think there may be some sort of magic in the act of choosing that makes love possible and meaningful. I guess God knew what He was doing when He dreamed up free will. It's better.

]]> Tue, 04 Mar 2008 15:09:29 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I started reading Matthew today. Some of you know that i've been attempting to read the Bible straight through...but because it has been taking me an embarrassingly long time to do that i have been starving for the gospel and have decided to jump ahead for a brief glimpse of hope:)

Anyway, i was reading the familiar passages about how Mary and Joseph went down to Bethlehem and how Jesus was born and then they fled to Egypt and then to Nazareth and how all these moves fulfilled prophesies about the Messiah, and yet, i don't think that's what Mary and Joseph were trying to do. It seems to me that they were just living their lives and obeying the Lord and the government and trusting their instincts and they just "happened" to go all the right places. Sometimes God used the government, sometimes threats, sometimes a bad feeling, sometimes God spoke with them directly and through all of these different promptings the Lord led them in the path that was destined for them and the King they carried.

I find that truth very comforting. I try to take time and pray about decisions i make, but there have only been a few times in my life where i felt the Lord actually "communicate" an answer to me. Mostly i go where it "makes sense" or where my desire or my needs take me. I need money so i take on an extra job. And it's exciting and comforting to think that the Lord is using that "need" to guide me to something new and/or away from something else.

My good friend, jen, sent me this verse today and i found it quite fitting with this train of thought.

Isaiah 30:21 "Whether you turn to the right or to the left, your ears will hear a voice behind you saying,
'This is the way, walk in it.'"

happy travels

]]> Mon, 11 Feb 2008 14:08:28 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
some of these people come once or even twice a day and i am beginning to know them, not by their name, but by their drink. and i wonder, what's the story behind the woman who orders a carmel frappacino twice a day? And who is this woman who specifies how hot her drink needs to be? Are they lonely? tired? stressed? My path crosses theirs for a few minutes everyday and i am beginning to wonder about their lives. And when someone isn't especially nice or patient i try to remember one of my favorite quotes. "be kind for everyone you meet is fighting a great battle." what battle are they off to today? I will offer them a smile and a cup of joe and pray that they will find more at starbucks then a caffeine high...is it possible to share the love of Christ from a drive through window? i'm not sure, but i'm going to try.]]> Sat, 26 Jan 2008 21:41:27 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I fear that i am being brainwashed in the privacy of my own home, and do you know what the culprit is?...
My TV!

Beyond all of the blatant garbage that's on now a days, there exists a plethora of small lies and distortions and temptations. For example:

If i didn't see the commercial that advertised the latest technology in skin care, i wonder if i would desire a new lotion or if i would be perfectly content with the one i have? My TV is breeding discontent.

When i watch married couples on sitcoms today, i "learn" that i am supposed to "train" my husband, i learn that it is okay to complain about men with my girlfriends, i learn to make witty and biting remarks as a means of getting my point across...but i don't find any of these strategies in the Bible.

Without sounding too paranoid, i believe we are being brainwashed. The media is breeding fear, discontent, and immorality and we willingly invite them to speak to us and our family on a daily basis through our seemingly harmless TV programs.

I'm not saying that everything on TV is bad, but i want to challenge us to take a closer look at some of the more subtle worldly thoughts we are being fed. And i would also challenge you to turn the tube off for a few days and give your mind a chance to be renewed.


]]> Sat, 19 Jan 2008 15:09:34 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Hope you can tune in!]]> Wed, 02 Jan 2008 19:22:09 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
So far 2008 is looking good!]]> Thu, 13 Dec 2007 08:52:23 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Go to betsywalker.com/freemusic and enter "lovebird" and you will receive a free download from our new cd which will be available for purchase in January!

We hope you enjoy the song and have a joyous time with friends and family as we celebrate the many blessings we have been given...above all...the gift of hope, which we call Jesus.]]> Wed, 05 Dec 2007 03:48:44 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I feel this very deeply at night. For as long as i can remember i have felt a heaviness at night. A sadness that is bigger than my own grief...it is more of a grieving for the whole world. My husband has noticed that when i'm crying at night i tend to make big statements such as "we were not meant to be mortal." I said that on a particularly heavy evening and Ben pointed out to me that perhaps i was feeling some sort of godly sorrow. Surely the Lord must grieve over everything that is broken and not as it was meant to be.

I am painfully aware that "all creation groans" and i am not sure what to do with this reality. Perhaps most people have numbed themselves to these thoughts or perhaps they are not meant to be carried by everyone. It may be that God has chosen certain people to feel the tension between eternity and mortality...and pained by their extremes are forced to grieve. It's as if i need to grieve. I that need is something i don' t understand. i put a lot of value on efficiency and accomplishment and i'm not sure what this "grieving" is accomplishing...and yet i do it many nights...and i have for many years.

Perhaps if i didn't feel this sorrow i would get too comfortable here. Perhaps i need the reminder that there is more...that this is not my home. That this world and this body and this clock cannot hold my soul...it is too big. We were not meant to know pain and fear and death, we were not meant to withstand pollution and perversion. And it is kind of the Lord to still allow us to experience love and beauty and a certain amount of peace even in a place so broken...but i am always aware that there is more. And i pray that this reality will effect not only my future, but that it will wash over every area of my life. i wonder how i might spend my day differently in light of eternity. how would you?

]]> Tue, 04 Dec 2007 11:07:02 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
First of all, our newest CD "All of my Love Songs" is almost done! It is in the process of being duplicated and we expect to receive the shipment right before Christmas. (it probably won't make it in time for gifts this year but they will be available for order by Jan for sure!)

Second, Ben and i are going to be playing at "The Living Christmas Tree" this Friday and Saturday evening at Cross and Crown Church. (the corner of Allisonville and 79th i think) Friday night the show is at 7pm and Saturday it starts at 5pm. It's really a fun idea to jumpstart the holiday season. Imagine this...sitting in your car watching twenty something people sing from a man-made, giant Christmas tree! and yours truly will be smack dab in the middle of them belting out some classics. then afterwards you can come inside for cider and cookies and hear ben and i play some holiday favorites. We hope you can come...bring everyone you know!

And now for the bad news, our beloved puppy "dude" broke his leg yesterday. It was a very traumatic accident (at least for me) involving a treadmill. i can't get into the details because i cry every time i think about it. He is currently having surgery and will be taking it easy for the next few weeks. and then once he recovers he will be getting a job to help pay for his many expenses :) just kidding.

They say dogs live in the present...which means he is not holding a grudge or replaying that terrible incident...if only i were so lucky.

It seems a bit strange to ask people to pray for our dog, but we would appreciate it, if you feel so inclined. I think the entire incident was extra traumatic for me because i think it was the first time that i really wanted to turn to my mom and say "what do i do?" only to realize i was the mom and i had no idea what to do. Hopefully i'll figure that out before i have kids.

Life is very strange and twists and turns in ways we could never predict, but God never gives us more than we can bare, and for that i am very grateful.]]> Tue, 20 Nov 2007 08:49:06 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I often lead the song "Blessed be Your name" and i secretly wonder if i really have the ability to bless the Lord even in hard times...times that do not seem very blessed.

Yesterday i took my puppy to the vet to get his second round of shots. We went through the drill...he gets excited about the car ride, he continues to be excited about all of the new smells and people, then they take him from me, give him a shot which hurts him...he yelps and is no longer excited about our little adventure. He lets me know this by giving my finger a hard bite when they deliver him back to me.

How do i explain to him that these shots...this temporary and lite pain will save him from much more severe sickness in the future. I can't explain this to him because he is a dog and he doesn't reason like i do. all i can do is pat his head and hold him and tell him to trust me.

There is a verse in the bible that says something to the extent of "He has wounded us but He will heal us." and that has never equated to goodness in my mind...until today.

May we give thanks in all things knowing that the hand that filters circumstance is very, very good.]]> Wed, 07 Nov 2007 07:26:37 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I have always been a bit of a control freak. Even my voice teacher in college told me that I needed to loosen up. She said I couldn't even breathe properly because I couldn't relax my diaphragm?just one symptom of my sickness. I think control freaks are often mistaken for power freaks, but it is not the hunger for power that urges me to hold on tighter?it is my fear of loss, and ultimately my fear of pain.

I rediscovered this problem when we bought our puppy. Most people would just enjoy falling in love with their new little ball of fur, but one of my first reactions to my growing attachment is "oh no, he will be another thing that I will love and eventually lose." I immediately have to begin strategizing?how can I hold, or control, or protect this thing so that it can't hurt me?

It's strange that I have this sentiment because I actually have not suffered a lot of loss in my life. I have a very good and very full life?and the downside to so much love and so many blessings, is that you have a lot to lose.

And so I am learning how to cling with open hands. How is this possible? It doesn?t seem very secure.

Perhaps God designed it this way on purpose. Perhaps He longs for the day that we realize He is the only thing we can really dig our fingers into?the only love that we can cling to with the assurance that it will not be taken from us.

Hmm?these are the thoughts and questions rolling around in my head today.
]]> Thu, 01 Nov 2007 11:19:05 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Wed, 24 Oct 2007 11:31:21 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
so we got a puppy last weekend because we thought, "hmm...what could we do to make our lives harder?"

so we got a puppy last weekend and i think it might be a little like having a new baby...except no one brings you meals or gives you time off work.

so we got a puppy last weekend and i think he is probably the cutest puppy ever...i'm going to post pics on this site so you can see for yourself. I think God knew that He needed to make babies and puppies cute or else no one would want one...and if they got one, they wouldn't keep it. But dude has already melted my heart with his fluffiness and desire to cuddle and so we will probably keep him until the day we die.

so we got a puppy last weekend and we also took some personality tests...it was a busy weekend. we found out that i love order and plans....chaos makes me ill...ben on the other hand loves random stuff...even if it's a hassle...it's like he sees it as an adventure. so as you can imagine he is loving this puppy business...even when dude is barking in the middle of the night or peeing on our new rugs, i think ben is loving the challenge and is throwing a party in his head. i on the other hand have felt very grumpy about the whole situation. I have been tempted to get my business cards changed from singer/songwriter to professional pooper scooper. i suppose this whole event hasn't fit well into my "plans".

so we got a puppy last weekend and in the midst of one of my grumpy moments i felt the Lord teach me something about myself. He showed me that whenever i am in a bad place or a hard time or a strained relationship i grieve as if i believe it will be that way forever. and i think that's really true about me. i think i really really believe that if something isn't right, it will never be right. and i realized that i have not allowed hope in my heart. no wonder i can get so bent out of shape about things...other people view them as a bump in the road, but in my mind and heart that bump is a permanent hurdle! i know the Lord wants me to be a person of hope because i know Him...and He brings hope to every situation that we invite Him into. I am reminded of that verse that says "we grieve, but not as those who have no hope." It's okay to be mourn the loss of freedom, or the loss of a loved one, or a painful situation, but we always leave a place in our hearts and minds for hope...and the power that hope brings with it.

so we got a puppy last weekend...and i think by next weekend he'll probably be potty trained.
]]> Fri, 12 Oct 2007 10:18:21 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Sun, 30 Sep 2007 22:06:54 CST http://www.betsywalker.com

23"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you tithe mint and dill and cummin, and have neglected the weightier provisions of the law: justice and mercy and faithfulness; but these are the things you should have done without neglecting the others.

24"You blind guides, who strain out a gnat and swallow a camel!

25"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you clean the outside of the cup and of the dish, but inside they are full of robbery and self-indulgence.

26"You blind Pharisee, first clean the inside of the cup and of the dish, so that the outside of it may become clean also.

27"Woe to you, scribes and Pharisees, hypocrites! For you are like whitewashed tombs which on the outside appear beautiful, but inside they are full of dead men's bones and all uncleanness. ]]> Thu, 06 Sep 2007 11:53:00 CST http://www.betsywalker.com

i don't just want Jesus to save me, i want Him to transform me. I don't just want to behave...i want to be different..not just do the right things, but have a right heart.

And because i am a person of action, i feel that thoughts are no good without action steps.
so...here is what i'm thinking.
I'm going to make a list of things that i feel need some serious transformation in my life. for example...i no longer want to be:
selfish
fearful
prideful
depressed

So i was thinking...what's the opposite of these things...?
Instead of being selfish, i want to be generous..with my possessions, with my time, with my preferences. Instead of being prideful, i want to be humble and gracious. Instead of fear i want trust and faith. (i think the opposite of fear is love...but i can't quite understand that in my mind...any thoughts? the bible says perfect love casts out fear...but i wonder what love has to do with fear?) And instead of depression i want to be filled with joy and gratitude and hope.

So, i'm thinking that since it takes approximately 30 days to develop a habit, that i will choose one of these areas each month and really try to focus on learning a better way. I will memorize scripture, and pray for this specific attribute...i will ask for accountability and hopefully by the end of the month, this new way of thinking/living will become a bit more natural.

now, i'm not suggesting that i will never struggle with these things again, but i do believe that by the end of the year, with the Lord's help, i could be a very different person.

Want to take this journey with me? Make your own list and let me know how it goes!]]> Mon, 13 Aug 2007 09:34:11 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
My husband and I (married two weeks ago!!!) are currently brushing up on some old classics and other holiday favorites and would love to add some pizazz to whatever holiday gathering you're planning...work parties, church gatherings, store appearances...etc.

Who can say no to a man on a saxophone?...i sure couldn't...i married him :) ]]> Mon, 04 Jun 2007 20:31:04 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Seriously though, i think we take our friends and loved ones for granted too often. So today is the day that we must stand up and say "I appreciate you! Please let me take you out to dinner and celebrate the fact that you are alive and part of my life!"

Let's redefine what it means to be human! Let's start valuing our relationships! Let's declare more National holidays!

Party on!]]> Fri, 04 May 2007 10:33:28 CST http://www.betsywalker.com I feel as if all the forces of the universe are against me
Gravity pulls on my soul
Sleep tugs on my eyelids

I finally understand the metaphor of swimming against the tide
Simply maintaining my current position requires a constant trying
And gaining ground is painful, and hard, and lonely

I am tempted to give up
Content to know You as a person knows their landlord
Exchanging pleasantries, paying rent, and calling when there's a problem

I desire more of You
But i know that requires more from me
My spirit is wiling
But we are both mindful that my flesh is but dust

What is the answer to this dilemna?

I think i must love You more than i love myself.
I must desire Your happiness above my own.

I'm not there yet...but i'll keep trying.
]]> Fri, 16 Mar 2007 10:30:41 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
One such gem was found in 1 Chronicles 20:4-8. Allow me to summarize. Basically a war broke out with the Philistines and one of David's servants killed this guy named Sippai who was a descendant of the giants. It goes on to say that another one of David's servants killed Lahmi who was the brother of the legendary Goliath. Furthermore, David's own brother Jonathan, killed this monster of a man who reportedly had 6 fingers on each hand and 6 toes on each foot!

What is so stunning about these short verses is that these same men, a few chapters back were paralized with fear over one giant...Goliath. When David killed him in the name of the Lord, it showed everyone that it was possible...that they didn't need to be subject to these men simply because they seemed so large and unstoppable. David's act of faith empowered his men to do the same.

Perhaps there is a giant in your life...something that seems too large to ever conquer. I pray that you find hope in knowing that giants fall with a little faith and a little stone. And perhaps your victory will empower those around you to slay the giants in their lives as well.]]> Fri, 23 Feb 2007 12:39:52 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I'm currently reading through 2 Kings and am learning a lot from the predictable patterns that i find there. First of all...i am learning that a good number of these kings did not obey the Lord and and as a result, the kingdom fell apart under their reign. And as i read about them and their foolish decisions i say to myself, "serves them right."

My next observation is that there are a very small number of kings (i could probably count them on one hand) that do follow the Lord fully...David, Hezekiah, and Josiah are the ones i remember off the top of my head. In fact, in 2 Kings 18:5 referring to king Hezekiah it says "He trusted in the Lord, the God of Israel, so that after him there was none like him among all the kings of Judah, nor among those who were before him. For he clung to the Lord..." And as i read that i say to myself, "what a wonderful way to be remembered...as someone who clung to the Lord."

My final observation is that there are a great number of kings that fall somewhere in the middle. They fear the Lord and obey Him except for in a certain area or two. There are many, many accounts that read "They feared the Lord...only the high places they did not tear down." The high places were locations where people sacrificed to other gods. They were removed from everyday life and perhaps did not seem like a big deal...or perhaps the kings wanted to compromise a little so the people wouldn't get too upset. either way, time and time again, that partial obedience marks the difference between kings who were good and kings who were great.

2 Kings 17 says "They feared the Lord and served their own gods according to the custom." And when i read that i say to myself "how is it possible to fear the Lord and still serve other gods?" And then i look at my own life and i know the answer to that question. Other gods can take the form of money, possessions, pleasure, self etc. And even those of us who are really trying to obey the Lord, if we are honest, we may admit that there are a couple "high places" that have not yet been torn down.

Consider these words, "So while these nations feared the Lord, they also served their idols; their children likewise and their grandchildren, as their fathers did, so they do to this day." 2 Kings 17:41

Want to be someone who makes a difference in the kingdom? It's not rocket science...but it does take work. According to the patterns i find in this book, i'd say we are wise to cling to the Lord and obey Him fully. Not just for our own sake, but for the generations to come.]]> Wed, 17 Jan 2007 17:09:18 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Now don't get me wrong, I believe we should be able to go boldy before His throne with our requests...He wants us to ask Him for help and guidance etc. But like any relationship, it can seem a little out of balance if one person only calls when they need a favor.

So for the past couple of days I have made a conscious effort to begin most of my prayers with the word "Thank you." And let me tell you...it is rocking my world!

I am so much happier...I guess it's true when they say "A grateful heart is a happy heart." I find that even on a bad day i have so many things i can give thanks for. Scripture says we are to give thanks in all circumstances and i am now realizing that this command may be mostly for our benefit.

Instead of saying "Please keep my loved ones safe while they're on the road," I say "Thank you Lord that You are with them as they travel...that You go before them...that You never leave us or forsake us."

Instead of praying "Lord, please show me what your will is for my life!" I say, "Thank you Lord that You have a plan for my life. Thank you that I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Thank you that You will guide me as I continue to draw near to You."


And it leads to more peace...it leads to praying more scripture...it leads to claiming more promises...it leads to more smiling throughout the day.

Try it out and let me know how it goes.]]> Mon, 08 Jan 2007 09:20:42 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Sat, 06 Jan 2007 10:23:52 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Please don't hate me for cancelling! Believe me, i am doing you a favor...you do not want to hear me sing in this condition...there would be weeping and gnashing of teeth.

Look for the rescheduled date soon!

]]> Fri, 29 Dec 2006 00:20:21 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I'm into preventative methods. If it weren't so hard on my organs, i would take Advil first thing in the morning everyday just to deter any headaches that might be planning on coming. And if i ever have the option of being numb for any kind of medical procedure...i'm all about it. Being numb is better than being in pain...unless you start chewing your tongue.

I think this anit-pain sentiment is spilling over into my emotional life as well. Even if i am perfectly comfortable at the moment i find myself worrying about all of the things that could go wrong and possibly hurt really bad. what if something happens to someone in my family? what if i'm in a car accident? what if what if what if...And i find myself going to God asking for morphine just in case...

But what kind of doctor hands out morphine to people who have no need of something that strong? (the kind of doctors who go to jail.) The medication has to fit the situation.

I think God's grace is a bit like that. I think He measures out exactly the amount we need to face what the moment holds...not a drop more...not a drop less. And the only times i get panicked about the future are when I start envisioning someone cutting my leg off and only giving me a baby tylenol for the pain...i think to myself "i could never handle that!" well of course not. God says He won't give us more than we can handle and that His grace will always be sufficient for us.

So whether you need a spoonful of grace or an emergency I.V., i pray that you will rest peacefully in the knowledge that it will be enough.

He is good.]]> Tue, 12 Dec 2006 12:09:26 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Anyway, i'm currently reading through 2 Samuel and while i agree that King David is the bomb, i find myself thinking "well, i would be the bomb too if God talked to me like He talked with David." I mean, their conversations are so productive...David asks "should i go fight these guys" and God says "yes, you're going to win." Pretty clear cut. I mean, if i asked God if i should go full time with my ministry and He said "yes, you'll make lots of money and will bring about world peace," i'm pretty sure i would take that step of faith.

but then i read this story in 2 Samuel 5 where David is getting ready to go into battle and God says to him "It shall be, when you hear the sound of marching in the tops of the balsam trees, then you shall act promptly, for then the Lord will have gone out before you to strike the army of the Philistines."

And i started really trying to put myself in David's shoes...i am envisioning myself hiding in a forest, looking out to see the hillsides covered with scary looking men...i feel the weight of responsibility for the thousands of men who are waiting for my signal to charge into this war...perhaps to their deaths...and i hear the marching in the trees but instead of "acting promptly" i clean out my ears to make sure that's what i'm hearing...i ask God "is that You?" I turn to the men..."does anyone else hear the Lord's army marching right now?" And then it is too late...i have missed the battle...i have talked myself out of God's voice because it was too quiet...too irrational...too scary...

So what i have learned is that God does in fact talk to us, but we don't always listen or obey quickly enough...and also, i have learned that King David, inspite of his weakness in the area of women, really was the bomb.]]> Thu, 07 Dec 2006 15:28:09 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Hope is a lighthouse, a seedling, an open door, a second chance.

And those who hope in the Lord will not be disappointed...they will renew their strength. They will soar on wings like eagles; they will run and not grow weary, they will walk and not be faint.
]]> Fri, 01 Dec 2006 17:19:39 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Wed, 15 Nov 2006 14:10:09 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
This is my paraphrase of 1 Cor. 13:4-8. This is obviously not "inspired" but the exercise of putting it in my own words has certainly "inspired" me to want to love people better.

yeah for love.]]> Thu, 02 Nov 2006 10:28:18 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
-Philo of Alexandria]]> Mon, 23 Oct 2006 17:19:27 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I like to see progress..I like to be productive...I like to have a plan...i'm efficient, i'm driven, and probably no fun to hang out with ;)

I hear the first step is admitting that you have a problem, and so now that i've done that I will begin working on it.

I realize that if i am constantly running towards a destination that i will basically be running my entire life...and while that may lead to great calves, i wouldn't choose that life for myself. Because, do we really ever "arrive"? I mean it's always something more...we could always be better, go farther, aim higher...i don't think as humans we should ever get to a place where we are perfectly content with everything. There is always work to be done...be it internal or external.

So in summary, i really long to have a different outlook on life. I desire to understand that God is not waiting for me to get a record deal, or get married, or make money, or grow up...God wants to use me right now..in this moment. And i think once i really grasp that concept, i will be able to relax, and be present, and enjoy the ride.

]]> Tue, 10 Oct 2006 11:12:55 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
"Everybody thinks of changing humanity and nobody thinks of changing himself." - Leo Tolstoy

"The desperate need today is not for a greater number of intelligent people, or gifted people, but for deep people." - Richard Foster]]> Thu, 05 Oct 2006 12:02:28 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
They are merciful.

They sift the world and its sorrows, only allowing what we can handle and not a drop more.

They measure out the grace we will need to make it through the day.

They close doors that we weren?t meant to walk through.

They pick us up, and dust us off, and point us toward a future and a hope.
]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2006 12:24:57 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
-Martin Luther King, Jr.]]> Mon, 25 Sep 2006 10:00:43 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I kept waiting for Him to give me a simple "yes" or "no" but instead what i felt Him speaking into my spirit was that i was focusing on the wrong issue. I felt Him saying to me "Betsy, Betsy, you are busy and bothered by many things...Mary has chosen the good thing and it will not be taken from her."

Hmmm...not exactly the answer i was looking for but as He continued to speak and work with me this weekend it became clear that the issue was my heart...it had grown hard and dirty and angry and distant and in His loving, gentle way He brought me to repentance.

You see, i have been stressing over whether or not i should sign a particular contract that would have a significant impact on my life...but in those quiet moments in the woods, God offered me a contract with pretty extreme terms: all of me, forever. And i signed it. I traced my signature on the surface of a picnic table and transfered ownership of my life and ministry to a God who can take much better care of it than i can.

Even though I gave my life to the Lord over 20 years ago, I find myself on occassion still trying to pick it back up...and this symbolic contract of sorts has been very good for my perspective and peace.

Do not worry then, saying 'what will we eat?' or 'what will we drink?' or 'what will we wear for clothing?' For the gentiles eagerly seek all these things; for your heavenly Father knows that you need all these things. But seek first His kingdom and His righteousness and all of these things will be added You"
Matt. 6: 31-33]]> Thu, 21 Sep 2006 13:55:08 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I love everything about fall...the change in wardrobe, the smell, the activities...

you may have noticed that with my changed website, these journal entries are now interactive...so...take a moment to sign in and let us know what you love about fall...or if you don't love fall...why the heck not;)]]> Sun, 17 Sep 2006 20:45:02 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Both saints and poets take the time to reflect and dig deeper and dream of more...and i believe they have the ability to experience abundant life...life to the fullest.

There's obviously a difference between being alive and really living...you know? I've decided to compile a list of some of the things that make me feel most alive (just in case you are neither a saint or a poet and you need some help getting started;)

I feel alive when...

I try something new
It smells like fall outside
When i'm dancing
When I create
When I write something true
When i'm laughing
When i'm making someone else laugh
When I see a sunrise
When I view a city at night
At Dusk
When I hear jazz music

These are just some of the things that remind me that even in a fallen world, God in His goodness gives us little tastes of heaven...little glimpses of what it feels like to really be alive...

what about you...what makes your eyes light up?]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2006 19:31:32 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
It seems to me that almost everyone is fed up with the church but nobody knows how to "fix it". As I was sitting in the front row Sunday getting ready to lead worship for the gazillionth time I felt dissapointed with myself. I guess I had really believed that if I only had a chance to make decisions in a church I could really turn it around and start pumping out passionate Jesus followers and start a revolution or something...and yet week after week i look out into a complacent congregation and every week i feel a little older, a little more cynical, a little more dead.

How would Jesus do Church? I mean when you get down to the logistics of it...how would he run an elders meeting? How would he preach/teach? How would he hold up a standard for leadership while still being open-minded and open-armed?

The problem with the church is that it's made up of people...people who are selfish and stubborn and misinformed and short sighted...of which i am one.

But every time i get to a point where i want to abandon the church I remember that it's the bride of Christ. Now, what Christ sees in that dog of a woman i will never understand, but He loves her and He is sticking with her and to speak badly of her is to hurt Him. And that thought makes me want to try again. It makes me want to see her with His eyes...to see the pain and fear that drives the angry man...to see the shame that propells the woman who gossips...and most of all, to see the potential in her. To believe that Christ can redeem her in the same way that He is redeeming me.

And I want to beg my generation to stick it out...don't give up on the church. Keep bringing the Holy Spirit with you...keep thinking and revising and praying...because worse than failing is to have never tried.

And don't think you can talk bad about His woman and still be cool with Him.]]> Sun, 10 Sep 2006 19:29:47 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
It seems to me that almost everyone is fed up with the church but nobody knows how to "fix it". As I was sitting in the front row Sunday getting ready to lead worship for the gazillionth time I felt dissapointed with myself. I guess I had really believed that if I only had a chance to make decisions in a church I could really turn it around and start pumping out passionate Jesus followers and start a revolution or something...and yet week after week i look out into a complacent congregation and every week i feel a little older, a little more cynical, a little more dead.

How would Jesus do Church? I mean when you get down to the logistics of it...how would he run a elders meeting? How would he preach/teach? How would he hold up a standard for leadership while still being open-minded and open-armed?

The problem with the church is that it's made up of people...people who are selfish and stubborn and misinformed and short sighted...of which i am one.

But every time i get to a point where i want to abandon the church I remember that it's the bride of Christ. Now, what Christ sees in that dog of a woman i will never understand, but He loves her and He is sticking with her and to speak badly of her is to hurt Him. And that thought makes me want to try again. It makes me want to see her with His eyes...to see the pain and fear hides below the angry man...to see the shame that propells the woman who gossips...and most of all, to see the potential in her. To believe that Christ can redeem her in the same way that He is redeeming me.

And I want to beg my generation to stick it out...don't give up on the church. Keep bringing the Holy Spirit with you...keep thinking and revising and praying...because worse than failing is to have never tried.

And don't think you can talk bad about His woman and still be cool with Him.]]> Fri, 01 Sep 2006 14:18:38 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Also, please pray for my grandpa. He's in the hospital...i just got back from giving him a little bedside music, and it was very hard to see him so sick. Hopefully the music brightened his day!]]> Mon, 21 Aug 2006 14:55:44 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
]]> Sun, 13 Aug 2006 22:56:59 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I'm currently working on filming a documentary type dvd that i can include in my press kits...my friend jeff is doing it and i think it's going to be pretty fun. ]]> Wed, 02 Aug 2006 03:41:53 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Thu, 27 Jul 2006 11:03:08 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Sat, 15 Jul 2006 21:16:56 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
i love the feeling of lugging in a few days worth of baggage, laying them on my bedroom floor and flopping down in my favorite chair. I inevitably let out a big sigh...as if i've been holding my breath ever since i left and hadn't noticed until now. There's something about your own bed, your own shower, your own little peice of the world...

And let's not forget the familiar faces that usually meet me at the door. depending on how long i've been gone, I may get a round of hugs, a meal, and an update on everything that's gone on in my absense.

The last time i returned home from a trip and that wave of relief was beginning to sweep over me, i wondered, maybe this is what it will be like when i get to heaven.

maybe when i walk through those pearly gates and i lay down my burdens and i'm greeted by familiar faces...maybe i will sigh, as if i'd been holding my breath until then...as if my entire life had been one long journey and now i had finally come home.

that doesn't sound so scary...in fact, it sounds sort of nice...perhaps crossing over jordon will be a lot like pulling into the driveway...perhaps...]]> Thu, 06 Jul 2006 22:48:45 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Abraham's life was not very exciting when you think about it. I mean, except for the occassional dramatic moment...old wife gives birth, almost sacrifice your son...it was really pretty mundane. God told him to move (and was pretty vague about the reason or destination if i might add) and for the majority of Abraham's life, he sojourned and tended his flocks and cleaned the tent and probably spent a few thursday afternoons wondering what the heck God was doing with his life.

But as we look back on Abraham's life, we recognize that he was the start of this beautiful lineage...this beautiful story of redemption that God was putting into place. And we honor Abraham, not for the great feats that he accomplished but for the fact that he was faithful.

Those thoughts have helped to put my life back in perspective. perhaps my life isn't only about me. perhaps God is at work even when things seem to be at a stand still. Perhaps in hind-sight i will see the purpose of my waiting. And perhaps all of our heroes of the faith have spent a thursday feeling stuck and bored and wanting more.

They that wait on the Lord will renew their strength...]]> Thu, 29 Jun 2006 22:31:25 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
For example, the "I'll scratch your back if you scratch mine" philosophy works for business, but when that spills over into my personal life it gets a little awkward. It's the kind of philosophy that makes me feel like I owe the guy a kiss at the end of a date if he took me somewhere fancy...the kind of thinking that makes me not want to ask anyone for help because i hate the feeling of being in debt.

On paper the philosophy seems to work, but isn't business at it's core relational? Two people working together to accomplish a task. But as a business woman, do i have the right to fire someone that i don't like even if that might hurt their feelings...or hurt their walk with God, or cause tension between family friends?

These are all questions i deal with on a daily basis, because as a Christian musician relationships and bottom lines go hand in hand.
It can be a sticky business.]]> Tue, 13 Jun 2006 01:13:59 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
so far my favorite quote from the michigan road trip is "shut your mouth when you're talking to me!" Steve Byroad gets the credit for that one...haha]]> Mon, 05 Jun 2006 22:05:37 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Another bit of good news is that my producer, Mark Pay, and I are now a force to reckon with at the foozball table...while in Nashville we spent our free time training and competing and we saw great improvement...just in case music doesn't work out...

Hope to see you at one of my upcoming shows!]]> Sun, 28 May 2006 22:56:55 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
It occurred to me that it's easy to talk about heaven when it seems a long way off, but somehow it seems harder to believe in when it feels like at any moment you could be going there...you know?

I mean, how does it really work...does Jesus come to escort us there? Is it scary going from one world to the next?

I was really getting myself worked up about the whole thing, so I started asking the Lord to give me a vision of what heaven would be like so that I wouldn't be so scared of death...I closed my eyes but no shimmering vision came...instead I found myself turning in my Bible to Rev. 21-22
I cried when I read the "title" of that chapter..."The New Jeruselem." I devoured every word and felt that it had been written all those years ago just for me...just for that moment...

The word of God is alive. and as i read these chapters i drank deeply from it.

I was going to type the highlights of the chapter for you, but every verse is so good that i couldn't decide. You should definately give it a read, it puts this life in perspective.

]]> Thu, 25 May 2006 00:24:39 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Or maybe I like trees because they are such a ridiculous idea. I mean...something so tall and thin should not be able to withstand the wind...it seems like a crazy design. God was showing off.

But i think what i like most about trees is the fact that they take so long to grow. They remind me of God's patience, and how beautiful things take time. I always want results right away...we want change and we want it now! But God's ways are not our ways...that is the truth the trees remind me of...His ways our not my ways...they are higher.]]> Thu, 04 May 2006 15:09:16 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Tonight i'm headed back to Gaither's to finish up some basic tracking and then tomorrow morning i'm flying out to Cali! whoo hoo! I hope it's sunny because i need a tan in a serious way;)

]]> Sun, 23 Apr 2006 23:03:11 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
But that is not what i want this entry to be about. I want to dedicate this entry to two people who have been a part of my life who have died over the last couple of days/weeks. I wrote a song in their honor and hope to play it for their families one day. May you find comfort in these words and may you give thanks for every day that the Lord gives you.

To Die is Gain
In Memory of Amy Sweeny and Zachary Novak
c.betsywalker2006


You made a melody for me
It laid the perfect harmony
When I played the notes, You ordained for me

I grew stronger over time
And as I played my final line
You said it was enough
Said it was well done

I played my part with all my heart
Until You bid me rest

Death where is your victory
Death where is you hold on me
You take this body, but my soul remains
To live is Christ, To live is Christ
To die is gain

I don?t pretend to understand,
The mighty hand that keeps the time
In this symphony playing to the King

But like the rising of the sun
Once the first has come and gone
There?s a new song for me
A more lovely melody

I?ll play my part with all my heart
Until He bids me rest

Death where is your victory
Death where is you hold on me
You take this body, but my soul remains
To live is Christ, To live is Christ
To die is gain

May my song, Lord, linger on, Lord
Inspire someone else to play
May my song, Lord, linger on, Lord
Put a smile on Your face

Death where is your victory
Death where is you hold on me
You take this body, but my soul remains
To live is Christ, To live is Christ
To die is gain
]]> Tue, 18 Apr 2006 22:39:54 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
This is how i feel right now. I feel as if God continues to open doors for me and with excitement i walk through, only to find that i am standing in a hallway looking at many different options...none of which are open to me.
But, i am learning what it means to "consider it all joy"...even the trials. let me explain.

the other night i was thinking about how ironic it is that in America we have to read books about how to trust God, when if we would simply take a trip to another country we could learn first hand. Somehow the book route seems safer, but probably less effective than actually being forced to rely on God for our everyday needs.

anyhow, i was giving thanks for all of the material possessions i have been blessed with and the comfortable life that has been handed to me and i was overcome with gratefulness. then i went a step farther than i have ever previously gone, and proceeded to thank God for the fact that i do not have enough time or money to effectively take my ministry to the next level. i thanked Him for this need because it provides an opportunity for me to have to pray and trust and rely on Him to provide. And you know what? He has. He has provided people who have volunteered to help me with some of the business aspects that are a distraction and time consuming for me. And He has provided a wonderful, generous woman who is helping me financially with my new album! And if i was independently wealthy i would have missed out on seeing how creatively He provides for me.

It is so interesting to me how our lives all intersect. How if we are faithful to our callings then my strengths will cover your weaknesses, and your abundance will cover my need.

So consider it joy when you come up short...consider it an opportunity for your faith to increase. i know mine has.]]> Sun, 09 Apr 2006 20:29:01 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
here's the story in a nutshell:

thursday morning i woke up with a headache that slowly got worse as the day progressed. but even though i wasn't feeling good i went ahead and helped my parent's clean out the garage like the good daughter that i am. (they were feeling pretty guilty about that when i was laying on a gurney that night;)

well anyway, bad went to worse and soon i felt like there was a knife behind my right eye, and my neck was pretty stiff, and i was throwing up (too much information?) so in a moment of desperation i decided that i needed to go to the emergency room. i don't know what compelled me to want to go there...i guess i thought it was a happy place where they did things to make you feel better....but that my friends is false. the emergency room is a scary place of needles and bright lights and strange moaning sounds coming out of the rooms next to yours.

but i didn't know this so my lovely mother drove me to the emergency room to see if someone could remove the knife from behind my eye (i didn't really have a knife behind my eye for those of you who didn't read the first paragraph carefully and are now freaking out)

so i answer a long string of questions and end up with an IV in my arm (after quite a struggle because evidently i have "rolling veins"...lucky me) and because i answered enough of the questions "correctly" i won a trip to the cat scan machine. they were concerned that i might have a leaking anurism (sp?) and while i was content to pray about it and go home...the doctor and my dad insisted that i get a spinal tap just to make sure that there wasn't any blood in my brain. the real clincher for me was when the doctor said, and i quote "well if you don't get the spinal tap then you'll have to sign this release that says if you go home and die tonight it's not our fault." so i got tapped.

right before the doctor's about to stick this foot long needle in my spine she says "you're going to feel some pressure." now, everyone knows that "pressure" is hospital code for "pain" so i don't know why they don't just call it was it is and say "you're about to wish you were dead so you might want to brace yourself"

so all in all it was an interesting night. i would have to say the cat scan was the highlight of the trip...everything else was pretty scary.

in celebration of the fact that there are no leaks in my brain, you should probably buy my cd to help me pay for my hospital bills;)

It's good to be alive!]]> Thu, 06 Apr 2006 15:16:58 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
the other day i was standing at the gas pump grimacing over how much i was spending to fill up. i was beginning to mumble and get discouraged until the Holy Spirit changed my attitude. Instead of feeling discouraged over how much i was spending, i felt grateful and encouraged that i had enough money in my bank account to pay for it.

because of my change in attitude i left the gas station thanking the Lord for supplying all of my needs.

i have decided to experiment with this new concept in all areas of my life. Instead of getting depressed about the fact that i still live with my parents, i can give thanks that i have parents who love me and are willing to help support me as i try and build a career. Instead of throwing a pity party for myself when i have a headache, i thank Him that i am healthy enough to get out of bed.

And i am trying to be more specifice in my giving thanks. I used to thank God for the food when i sat down to eat, but now i thank Him that i live in a country where i have options...that i can eat what i want, when i want and that i have the option of eating food that is good for my body. By expanding my prayers i have found that i am increasingly grateful, and with a grateful heart comes generosity, and love, and a lot more joy. give it a try]]> Mon, 20 Mar 2006 15:50:01 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
That may be true but let me tell you that i hate the re-writing process! It's so hard for me. It's like building a beautiful home that you're really proud of. It's functional and pretty but someone tells you that it would have more mass appeal if you kept the foundation and the driveway but totally rebuilt everything else. and you're like, "what?!? that would be so much extra work!" and then you have to decided if it's worth the extra work...and most likely it is.

So that's what i've been up to these past couple days/weeks. i'm rebuilding. But God is totally blessing this new project and this ministry and i am hopeful that at the end of this reconstruction period it will have all been worth it.]]> Tue, 07 Mar 2006 21:14:47 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Fri, 24 Feb 2006 16:37:33 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I'll leave you with a quote that a friend of mine sent to me.

"We know what we are, but know not what we may be."
-Shakespeare

Until next time...
]]> Mon, 06 Feb 2006 11:20:34 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
nothing?!? really? not even the fact that i need to drive 6 hours through what they are predicting to be a bad snow storm? nothing? not even my future? nothing? not even whether or not i'm going to forget the words as i'm playing for a pretty influencial crowd?

The Holy Spirit has been bringing this verse to my mind multiple times a day. as something comes up and i feel my body begin to tense and stress over it, that verse pops into my mind and lately, once i remember i can simply exhale and shake off the would-be stressful situation.

The Bible says that "He will accomplish what concerns me". do you believe that? I was over in Canton Ohio yesterday and i heard a pastor say "you only believe what you behave." beautifully put. It's true isn't it? our lives and actions will prove what we really believe about God and ourselves.

So i am trying to believe that i don't need to be anxious about anything...i simply need to take it to the Lord in prayer.

Are we weak and heavy laden,
Cumbered with a load of care?
Precious Savior, still our refuge,
Take it to the Lord in Prayer.

Do you believe prayer works? you only believe what you behave...]]> Sun, 22 Jan 2006 22:27:59 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
amen]]> Wed, 18 Jan 2006 12:55:19 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I am currently reading through Romans and i came across this verse in chapter 13 verse 14. It reminds me of an analogy i just heard and would like to share with you.

We have within us two dogs...the spirit dog and the flesh dog. Every time we are faced with a situation or decision that causes us to choose between our spirit and our flesh these two dogs fight and the victor gets his way.

We feed these dogs everday by our thought lives, the kind of entertainment we view, or read, or listen to. And it is only logical to assume that the dog who is getting fed the most will be the strongest and therefore the victor everytime.

I like this analogy because lately i have been feeling like a victim to this corrupted body and world and all of its sinful ways, but this analogy puts me back in a position to do something about it. What if i starve my flesh dog by controlling my thought life, and setting boundaries and at the same time i feed my spirit dog by getting in the Word everyday, and praying, and meditating on things that are pure? i think i will see a lot more victory in my life.

I love this because i'm the kind of girl that likes to hear that ocassionaly A plus B equals C...it seems to obvious and simple not to try.
]]> Tue, 17 Jan 2006 23:39:14 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I've had a little more free time over the last few weeks than i usually have and as a result i have learned to crochet. last year i tried knitting, but that was too slow for me...i got halfway through a scarf and haven't touched it since. but i'm really getting the hang of this one hook craft. thus far i have completed one scarf and a matching hat (although the hat is not quite right...i've never been much for reading directions or following patterns, and i guess when you free hand stuff then occassionally it's going to turn out "not quite right")

i have found that crocheting has really added enjoyment to whatever i'm doing. If i'm working on something as a watch a movie, i don't feel guilty for sitting still. When i'm waiting on someone, i feel calm and productive, and when i'm praying i am able to focus better. Do i sound like an info-mercial or what? I'm becoming so domestic i barely recognize myself!

For those of you who couldn't care less about arts and crafts and stuff...here's a quote for you.

"The world is a tragedy to those who feel, but a comedy to those who think." Horace Walpole

so true...so true...]]> Fri, 06 Jan 2006 14:25:30 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Even apart from winning the competition, the week was well worth the trip. i had the opportunity to hear many industry professionals speak about their craft and i have come away with new contacts and new ideas for how to take this ministry/business to the next level.

Probably my favorite part of the experience was the many new friends and contacts i made. There were so many kind and talented artists and i am looking forward to following their careers. (check under "pictures" as i will be posting some soon).

Thanks to Darwin Moody and Embassy Music for an awesome start to what i feel is going to be a big year!
]]> Tue, 27 Dec 2005 17:50:36 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
i was reading through Ecclesiastes last week and this verse seemed to jump off the page at me. it stuck out at me because it scares me that something as seemingly harmless as a "dead fly" could be "weightier" than whatever wisdom and honor i posess.

i want my life to be a pleasing aroma to the Lord, and yet i have to admit that there are still a few dead flies that i can't seem to throw out. and what makes it worse, is that i have no excuse. i know they are there, i smell them, God smells them and yet day after day they remain because i am either too lazy, or rebellious, or calloused to remove them.

and it makes me terribly grieved to think that this "perfume" that i have spent years preparing and refining may be spoiled by a little seemingly harmless foolishness.

Father, in 2006, whatever You do...don't leave me the same...

"I want to be different than i am now,
i want to be better at life somehow
i want to be beautiful, but i don't know how
i want to be Yours, i want to be Yours, Lord."

]]> Thu, 15 Dec 2005 19:57:13 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
one day last week while i was driving with my broken blinker a piece of snow/ice thumped against my car and my blinker started working again. I responded to this strange event by proclaiming to the other person in the vehical that God had fixed my turn signal by throwing a piece of ice against my car. Praise the Lord!

For the record, my signal has gone back to it's broken state...but that is not the point either.

The point my friends, is that i don't know if the piece of ice really had any effect on my blinker or if God had a hand in it at all. I mean, does God really care about the tiny little details of our lives? I think so.

I am the kind of person that thanks God when i find a good parking spot. There, i said it...i am out of the closet. i know that many of you are laughing at me right now...or perhaps some of you are wondering how you can get God to start reserving good parking spots for you;)

The truth is that i don't really know how many of the small blessings in my day are a direct result of God or an indirect result, but i do know that every good and perfect gift comes from above. that is the truth. If there is any good in the world at all...if you have any reason to smile, if you are at all healthy or comfortable, if there is anything pure, anything lovely, anything admirable in your life then that is reason enough to give thanks.

Paul tells us to give thanks in all circumstances. So whether God is responsible for me getting a prime parking spot or not, i'm going to thank Him, and you can't stop me.]]> Tue, 06 Dec 2005 18:00:45 CST http://www.betsywalker.com But it sure takes a lot longer than that to clean the inside.

Now i don't consider myself a slob by any means, but my car, which doubles as my office, lunch box, cd stand, first aid kit, and tour bus has a tendency to accumulate a lot of items. And because i spend so much time in my car, it also has a tendency to accumulate a lot of trash.

For a few weeks i have been telling myself that i'm going to take the time to clean it, but i find that i am too busy or too lazy to make it a priority. So... earlier this week i had the brilliant idea of simply keeping a garbage bag in the back seat of my car so that instead of having to take my trash to the garbage can, i can bring the garbage can to me. so convenient...so beautiful.

It's not really smelly garbage and by organizing it in a bag it rarely interferes with my life. I have also found that it is a lot more socially acceptable to hide all your garbage in a white sack then to stuff it under the seats etc. (of course there are still little crumbs and shreds of paper and leaves...but those are too little to mention right now...we've got larger problems to deal with).

So it would seem that i had my trash problem under control...accept today when i was driving to an appointment, i came to the sad realization that while i had compartamentalized/organized my trash, at the end of the day, i still have the same amount of garbage in my car...
and then it hit me like a ton of bricks...perhaps i still have the same amount of garbage in my heart...perhaps i am good at making myself look shiny on the outside, and rearranging my trash so that it isn't really bothering anyone...not even myself...but it's still there taking up space. Hmm...it's just a thought.

"He who wants to keep his garden tidy, doesn't reserve a plot for weeds." - dag hammarskjold]]> Sun, 04 Dec 2005 20:28:34 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Topic: Love

have you ever been asked to describe or explain why you love someone? I feel like i have been getting asked this a lot lately and even when it's a person that i truly do love, i find that it's hard to explain why. Is it really possible, or healthy, to break a person down into little pieces which we label "things i love about you", "things i hate about you", "things i've learned to tolerate about you" etc.? Do we really love a person because they're funny, or they're kind? I think the answer to that question is "no". i think when you love a person, it is because of, and in spite of, every piece of them. Therefore, we can point to things that we like about a person but the sum of the parts will never equall the love of the whole.
Do we love God because He's just? Do we love Him because He's crazy creative, or because He always comes through in a jam? Sure, we love these things about Him, but at the end of the day we have to love more than a list of attributes, we have to love a God, a person, a being, a total package.
I know of no other way.]]> Thu, 17 Nov 2005 17:12:13 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
i am currently reading a book called "soul survivor: how my faith survived the church" by Philip Yancey. I am enjoying it because instead of focusing my attention on everything that is going wrong in the world and how all the Christians are screwing everything up, it focuses me on all that is right and pure and good and points to beautiful examples of people who "get it". and by "get it" i mean people who love God and have come to understand how that love can take on tangable forms in our everyday lives.

This book is changing the way i view life. For instance, instead of shaking my fist at a God who allows sickness and disease, i can marvel in the scientific and miraculous fact that anyone is at all healthy with the complexities of our bodies and the abuse that we subject them to.

Sometimes i find myself placing my hand over my heart and simply feeling it's beat. In that moment i feel so frail...so fragile...how amazing that this tiny organ can be the difference between life and death.

And i am beginning to notice all the beautiful things that God has put in my day and in this world. Could it be possible that He hand paints the sky every morning? Here is a quote that i particularly like because it makes me think of God differently.

"It is possible that God says every morning 'Do it again' to the sun; and every evening, 'Do it again' to the moon. It may not be automatic necessity that makes all daisies alike; it may be that God makes every daisy separately, but has never got tired of making them. It may be that He has the eternal appetite of infancy; for we have sinned and grown old, and our Father is younger than we." - G.K. Chesterton from "Soul Survivor"

May you focus on that which is pure and lovely and admirable and good
betsy]]> Mon, 07 Nov 2005 18:39:58 CST http://www.betsywalker.com this sunday in church one of the pastors shared this statement which has caused me to do a lot of soul searching.

"your love for God is as great as but no greater than your love for the person you love the least."

Ouch. Scripture says that whatever we have done for the least of these we have done for Him and vice versa, but i have never thought about it quite like this before. i like to believe that i love God a great deal, and yet if i measure my love for Him by the way i treat and interact with the unlovely people in my life, i'm in trouble. could it be that i love Him so poorly?

it makes me want to try harder...to love better...to pour myself out for those who are undeserving and ungrateful, knowing that i am ultimately pouring myself out for the One who is more than worthy of my deepest love.]]> Wed, 02 Nov 2005 21:50:09 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
i wonder how many of us as little children dreamt of dawning tights and flying around town to save the city from evil villains? okay, so maybe i only dreamt of dawning tights to be a ballerina, but what i'm trying to say is that i think as children we have this innate sense of justice and we want to save the world.

But somewhere along the line we learn that we cannot. perhaps it is the bully at school that tells us we are too small, perhaps the event that we plan that no one shows up to, perhaps the prof who points out the flaws in our most basic beliefs. Our experiences are different, but it seems to me that by the time we are twenty something we see a very small person in the mirror, and a very large world with very large needs and we feel frustrated and sad by our inability to change things.

I think God is looking for people who realize their own limitations but are willing to jump with the faith that He will either teach them to fly or carry them. I think God is looking for people who long for justice and love mercy and walk humbly with Him. Because i think God really does want to use us to change the world...and i believe that we can make more of a difference than we realize. Is there still a part of you that rises up for the underdog? A piece of you that cries for the scrawny kid that is picked last for kickball and picked on in the hall? I believe that ache is from the Lord and i believe it should compell us to action.

Ask the Lord to show you how you can change your world and the world of those around you.

"if you want to view paradise,
simply look around and view it
anything you want to...do it
want to change the world?...
there's nothing to it."]]> Sun, 23 Oct 2005 20:02:39 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
also, i recently released four performance tracks that are available for $5 a piece on my merch page. If you have ever been interested in singing one of my songs at your church or event the performance tracks are now available for kereoke fun;)

there has been a lot going on in my life recently and i will be sure to fill you in on it soon. but for now...be blessed
]]> Wed, 12 Oct 2005 10:59:46 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
Once upon a time there was a father who had a little girl. Every day when he got home from work she would meet him at the door and throw her arms around him and spend the rest of the evening following him around and telling him about her day.

One day after playing with her friend's kitten the little girl decided that she wanted a cat of her own. her father, like any normal thinking adult did not like cats, but he loved his daughter very much and because she persisted in asking for one, he agreed.

The daughter was thrilled and he delighted in her happiness.

The next day when he came home from work she was not waiting at the door for him. Concerned, he started to search the house. Much to his dismay he found her too distracted by her cat to greet him.

This pattern continued for several weeks before the father, broken hearted and jealous for her love, gave the cat away.

This story is always convicting to me because it makes me think about the gifts that my heavenly father has given me. Beautiful relationships and activities and things that He has blessed me with...and yet it hurts me to admit that i sometimes love the gift more than the Giver of good gifts.

So the moral of this story is...you should not buy a cat;) but if you do you should not love it more than you love God...or maybe that's not quite the moral...hmm...]]> Fri, 07 Oct 2005 11:48:26 CST http://www.betsywalker.com It empties today of it's strength."
- Corrie Ten Boom]]> Mon, 03 Oct 2005 19:22:48 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Here's to hoping.]]> Mon, 03 Oct 2005 09:42:50 CST http://www.betsywalker.com A very cool person that i met there told me the following analogy for the different ways of confrontation/dealing with situations.

The Shark - All truth. No Love.

The Teddy Bear - All love. No Truth.

The Turtle - No Love. No Truth. (avoids confrontation)

The Fox - Half Truth. Half Love.

The Owl - 100% Truth. 100% Love.

I know i have a tendancy to be a shark. I'm so passionate about truth and justice that i forget to season it with love. i'll have to work on that...what animal are you?

"Speak the truth in love..." Eph. 4:15

"Let no unwholesome word proceed from your mouth, but only such a word as is good for edification according to the need of the moment, so that it will give grace to those who hear." Eph. 4:29]]> Sat, 24 Sep 2005 12:07:19 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Thu, 22 Sep 2005 00:41:41 CST http://www.betsywalker.com I have been wrestling with these ideas lately because there is a part of me that feels that God is wasting me...and i don't mean that in a conceited way, it is just how i honestly feel at times. (I heard on the Today Show that these feelings of dissillusionment are a normal part of the quarter life crisis...guess we all thought we'd be someone by the time we were 23) But perhaps it is not our job to determin what our use is...how can the pot say to the potter, why did you make me this way? perhaps our job is to simply pour out what God has poured into us. And whether that be into the hearts of the multitudes or the walls of my living room, or straight into the ground.. that is for Him to decide. nothing poured out unto the Lord is wasted. But even as i write that truth, i don't believe it. Thank you Lord that You are patient with me.]]> Mon, 12 Sep 2005 22:27:57 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Just wanted to say a public "Thank you, Lord!"
He's so good to me]]> Thu, 08 Sep 2005 00:18:05 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Perfect Your strength in me
Fill me with courage to speak in Your name

Wisdom of foolishness,
Wanderings and wilderness
Bind me to You with strands of Your grace

Lord of consistency,
Counter the change in me
Anchor my mind with the hope of Your truth

Lover of humble things,
Take up these humble means,
Trade them for riches, Come with Your riches

For when i consider my Jesus
When i consider my King
When i consider my Jesus
I must sing...

Glory, glory, glory!
Holy, holy, holy!
Glory, glory, glory!
When i consider my King.
I must sing...

Lovely, lovely, lovely!
Worthy, worthy, worthy,
Lovely, lovely, lovely!
When i consider my King.]]> Sat, 27 Aug 2005 17:31:12 CST http://www.betsywalker.com yeah, so anyway, my left side is probably about an inch taller than my right by now and it's starting to bother me.
so i'm in Goodwill the other day (shocker) and i see the answer to all of my problems. I glance over to the purse isle and i see this light from heaven shining down on none other than a fanny pack! except i didn't buy the fanny pack because it was kind of gross, but i did buy a purse with an adjustable strap that i have decided to wear around my waist like the always fashionable fanny pack.
it just so happened that evening i had plans to go to the Art Museum and so i thought, what better time to bring back a classic than at a museum of art. i mean if anyone can appreciate the beauty and balance of a pack it's going to be this crowd. so i walk in (and let's be honest, i'm feeling a little uncomfortable with my newest fashion statement...but i figure it's good for me, it makes me stronger...and it's way more comfortable) so i proceed to look at the paintings. and wouldn't you know it, but a security guard approaches me and asks me if i will please wear my fanny pack on the front because purses worn on the back are against the rules! can you believe it!?! i wanted to tell him that if my fanny pack wasn't allowed than he should probably ask some of the other ladies to leave because their behinds were taking up way more room than my pack! but instead i just resigned myself to the fact that some people have no sense of fashion and they are out to harrass those of us who do.
So i say, "long live the fanny pack!"...just not at the museum.]]> Sun, 21 Aug 2005 20:49:38 CST http://www.betsywalker.com Do you ever get the feeling, when your listening to music, that you're actually listening to your own soundtrack and you are in fact playing out a certain role in some grand theatrical performance called life? the record that i'm currently listening to, with all of it's cracking and popping, makes me feel like my life is far more dramatic and romantic than it actually is...it makes me smile. or maybe i'm the only one who feels this way and right now, you the reader, are thinking that i have started to use the drugs that the bank thinks i sell (see previous entry) and you are saying a little prayer for me:) well, think what you like...Dean's waiting for me so i need to get back to my dancing;)
here's to beautiful moments...]]> Thu, 18 Aug 2005 13:16:30 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
1. I'm pretty sure the people at the bank think i'm a drug dealer...and i can't blame them. I'll go for weeks without making a deposit and then i'll bring in mostly cash...this thought makes me smile everytime i go into the bank (and yes, i always go in to the bank now...ever sinse i had that terribly unjust experience at the suction pumps...see past entry for explaination)

2. i was a very strange and somewhat morbid child. we just recently moved into a new house and so i am unpacking boxes and sorting through old journals and essays and it makes me smile to read some of the thoughts that came out of my 15 year old mind. Talk about dramatic! It makes me want to start keeping a journal again so that next time i move i will be able to laugh about the things that have me so stressed out right now;)

3. another thing i found while sorting through the boxes was a little quote that i really like and thought i would share with you.

"You are writing a gospel, a chapter each day,
By the deeds that you do and the words that you say. Men read what you write - distorted or true.
What is the gospel according to you?"

Well, i'm back to the boxes. Until next time...
]]> Mon, 08 Aug 2005 22:59:03 CST http://www.betsywalker.com
I will arise and go to Jesus
He will embrace me with His arms
In the