Tomorrow IS the day!

Hi folks, the hour of interest is 8:00 am tomorrow -- bright and early. I'm a little nervous because it's early and what if my voice is cracking because I'm tired, etc. etc. but God has his hand on this. He is strong where I am weak; Luke 1:78, "Because of the tender mercy of our God, whereby the sunrise shall visit us from on high." He is God, and He is powerful even in the morning, even when I am tired! 

On another note, please be praying for my voice. I must have eaten something funky yesterday morning because I actually got sick (if you know what I mean) which was definitely taxing on the vocal chord region. Today I'm a little hoarse and am coughing a little, so I'm just praying for the health of my voice. 

It was a good thing that there was postponement from yesterday because I definitely was in no shape to be singing last night. I just hope I heal quickly and can give my best to the Lord tomorrow. Please pray that I won't be anxious about my voice and how it will sound; if I'm sick, accommodations can be made. The Lord has that power. 

Prayer Requests

1. My voice and throat/etc. Please just pray for my health tomorrow, so that I can be working on the music to the best of my physical ability, and that God will fill in the spaces. He is strong in my weakness.
2. Chris and Elise and the work they will be doing with me at the studio. I'm so grateful for these friends of mine and the example they set for me about being faithful to God's call on my life.
3. Megan and her graphic design work. Again, she is such a blessing and I'm so grateful for her help. Please just pray for time for her, etc.
4. The impact. I have no idea what God will do with this project or how he will use it or use me, etc. etc. Please just pray for his perfect plan and that this project will be completely for his glory and the growth of his kingdom. Amen!

Thanks y'all, and I look forward to updating you with good news tomorrow!

Alexandra

Tomorrow is not the day...

God likes to remind me that this world operates on His time, not mine. The recording session has been rescheduled to a day later this week instead of tomorrow. Really I have no complaints, because the recording is still going to happen; all of my excitement was not for naught. Not that it really matters, anyway. It's God's plan and God's project and I'm simply a vehicle he is using to accomplish this task. Besides, I have extra time to practice now, so I can truly be putting out my best work. Please keep praying for the studio time and for a smooth recording session with as few kinks as possible, and also that there isn't any other rescheduling. I'm eager to get this "show" on the road!

Meanwhile I had coffee with my dear friend Megan (or shall I call her my graphic designer?) It was great to catch up, and we got a chance to discuss some ideas for the album artwork and the CD design. This lovely lady is so amazing. She's talented, smart, brave and hilarious, and we have so much in common, so the time flies when I'm with her. She is going to make a few sketches or whatever they would be called and then we will discuss them further. Then, she's going to make beautiful album art! I so, so, so, so, SO appreciate the time and effort she is putting in with this project, and just her willingness and excitement about helping me! It's cool to see how God provides like that, as I am definitely not skilled in the design department.

Meanwhile, He provides in other ways, exactly the way he wants to. (Again, his timing and his plans...) I have a story for all of you about how God provides.

So. My car isn't in the best condition. I've put quite a few (thousand) miles on it over the past two years, and many of the rusty bits have needed repairs along the way. I had a bit of a scare a few weeks ago because my exhaust system was choking, and the mechanic that examined it told me he didn't even think it was safe to drive because of exhaust fumes, and the risk of the whole system just falling off while driving. That, plus the whole system was so rusted that he was reluctant to replace any single parts for fear of total destruction. (All scary things). The repair quote was EXPENSIVE, and possibly not even worth the investment given the age of my car. I'm fortunate that I have an amazing, supportive family; my folks always have my back and can spot me in crisis situations, but I still was on my knees asking (begging) God to provide.

There was a raffle going on at a church on campus, where $10 raffle tickets could yield winnings of $15,000 or a brand new car. I bought a few, knowing that the money was going to a good cause even if I didn't win. Of course I threw up a few prayers for that too: "God, it would be so perfect if I won. I could use the money to fix my car, I could pay the studio fees for recording music, etc. etc. etc. I would have so much money!"

Well, I found out today that didn't win the $15,000 or the car. But looking back, God still provided beyond what I could have hoped, and it's been amazing.

I think part of the reason God didn't have it planned for me to win the money was because of my mindset: "If I win $$$$$$ then everything will be great!" While that's very much what the world teaches us, its not how life works and it certainly isn't how God works. God doesn't need money to make things happen. He created money, He created us, and he doesn't let a single thing happen that isn't part of his perfect plan. So no, I didn't need the money to fix my car or even to "do work for his kingdom" by recording music. I just needed to trust God, and He came through just as He promised in his word (once again, Proverbs 3:5).

I'm sure you're wondering about my car...well God provided talented and caring people who were able to help me make some important decisions, fix the necessary parts and get me safely back to school for only a small fraction of the cost estimated by the mechanic I originally had seen!

And, as you already know, God provided the means for music recording: Chris and his wonderful wife, Elise. Not only did he provide what was necessary for my role in the project, but he created a beautiful opportunity for people to come together, help each other out, and serve God with a common mindset. Only the God of the universe has the power to do something like that!

My takeaways: Psalm 54:4, "The Lord is my help; the Lord is the one who sustains me," and again, John 14:13-14, "Whatever you ask in my Name, that will I do, that the Father may be glorified in the son. If you shall ask anything in my name I will do it." If anything, my life is a testimony to God's faithfulness in his promises!"

P.S. God also provides Ben and Jerry's ice cream to the world, specifically Limited Edition Half Baked with a Peanut Butter Core. Sweet Jesus, it's amazing.

Prayer Requests

1. The recording session. Please pray for smoothness and just that everything goes according to plan from here on out, especially for Chris. He has a myriad of other [very important] things on his plate right now, and the last thing I want this project to be is a source of stress. Please also pray for his leadership and expertise as he teaches me how to do all this "new stuff" (a very technical term...)
2. The album art. I mentioned Megan earlier, and she also is super busy, so it really is God's hand that is enabling her to help me with this project. Please pray that the designs she creates will be able to communicate the message of the Gospel, spark curiosity, and encourage people in relationship with Christ. Please also pray for time for her to work on it!
3. My voice (and fingers and brain). I've had a little bit of a sore throat today and yesterday, which is the LAST thing I need if I'm heading into a recording session. Please just pray for a strong and healthy voice, and that God will be speaking/singing/playing through me to communicate his message. I'm no virtuoso, and I know that without God's power in this, nothing will be accomplished; any sounds I make will be far from musical! So please just pray that his sweet voice will be what's recorded in the studio! Please pray that I will give it everything I have, that God will use all of me.
4. The impact. Please also continue to be praying for the people who will hear the gospel message through the music if and when the CD is finished, as well as the ministry that will be made possible from the funds raised. I don't know exactly what that will look like yet, but I know God already has it figured out, which is a wonderful truth!

Thank you again for your support!

Alexandra

First Post!

This project is probably the craziest thing I've ever done. But, what I've learned over the past four years of following Jesus is that we are called to do some things that seem pretty crazy in the eyes of the world. So here I am, just taking the plunge (Proverbs, 3:5). 

It's so amazing to see how God has had his hand on this project from the beginning -- from before it was an idea -- from before I was an idea. The ways that he has prepared my heart, given me the skills and the desires to do this, etc, it is all truly a miracle. I trust that this project isn't only about raising funds for mission work, but that the music itself will be able to reach people and teach them about truth. 

Today is Sunday, (don't you love Sundays?) and on Tuesday, things are really going to start cooking. We have scheduled our first studio session for recording! I am excited, terrified, eager and anxious all at the same time, so I am definitely praying for peace and trust as I'm going into this head first. I don't know the first thing about recording music, so I'm beyond grateful for my amazing friends who are helping me. God is so good! Alas I do need to remember, "God doesn't give us a spirit of fear, but of power, love and a sound mind" - 2 Timothy 1:7. I know that any nervousness I'm feeling is from the enemy so I'm praying for the promised power, love and sound mind that come from God, and the same for everyone else involved with this project. 

Prayer of course is always appreciated, and I am so grateful for your perseverance in praying for this project!

Prayer Requests

1. Time for me to practice the songs before Tuesday's recording session, and continued joy throughout the process. It's been amazing and rewarding so far, so please pray that it continues!
2. The work God is doing in me and through me as I learn to trust him with this, and as He is guiding me as I translate the testimony of my life into songs. Please pray for me and for the future listeners of this music, that they will be encouraged and inspired and be internalizing truth.
3. Funds! Of course since this is a fundraising project, the goal is to raise money. Please pray for sales when the CD is out and on the "market," and that God will multiply the meager investment that I have. He is capable of feeding thousands from only a few loaves, and I believe with all my heart that he can work just as powerfully in this project.
4. The future mission work that the funds will support. I have no idea what God has planned to do with this money. I don't have a specific mission trip planned yet, but I'm so excited to hear God's call and to follow him. Please pray not only for the people who will be reached directly by the music but also for the people who will be reached from the work made possible by the music's funds.
5. My dear friends who are helping me, specifically Chris, Elise and Megan. Please just pray for these amazing sisters (and brother) of mine who have such a heart for service and loving others, and as well as for the work that they are contributing to this project.

Thank you SO much!

Alexandra

About

My name is Alexandra, and I'm so glad that you stopped by my blog! Your support means so much to me, and this wouldn't be possible without your help.

This blog is all about a music project that God placed on my heart in February, 2015, in which I will be creating and selling a music CD of original songs. 100% of the funds raised will be used to support mission work, both locally and abroad.

Why Mission Work?

I first started to think "globally" about service to others in December of 2013, when I came across the opportunity to study abroad in Italy. The experience was amazing for a number of reasons, but one of the best aspects was my own personal growth. I had always fantasized about visiting other parts of the world, but it always seemed so surreal, and essentially impossible. That all changed in May of 2014 when I spent seven weeks in Europe, learning more about the world and myself than I ever imagined. One especially important takeaway I had was that the world isn't "off limits," so to speak. There is a wide open world of opportunity just waiting for me, and it doesn't matter that there are cultural differences between me and people of other countries. We have the same struggles, the same fears, and we have one very important thing in common: we are beloved children of the same God.

After my study abroad trip, I would have about six more weeks of summer vacation, and was struggling to find a job. The church I belong to had mission opportunities in both the Czech Republic and Sierra Leone. Since I would be traveling anyway, it seemed like a perfect opportunity. God ended up closing those doors for a number of reasons (some I'm not even aware of) and so the rest of my summer was spent in the states. That didn't suppress my desire to serve overseas, though. I felt strongly in my heart about going, and things eventually played out. I traveled to Nicaragua in March of 2015 for my first mission trip. It was amazing and life changing, and I know that God has more work for me to do.

Why Fundraising?

About a month before I left for Nicaragua (Feb 2015), I was having a cup of coffee on my university's campus and I was thinking about the whole fundraising process. I was about 50% funded for my trip at that point, and some of the people who were supporting me had given really substantial donations (upwards of $100). If God was calling me to mission work, I knew that he would provide for that to unfold, but I also knew that my friends and family wouldn't be able to dish out such hefty sums again in the future. 

At the same time, my mother in law noticed a T-shirt someone was wearing from a mission trip with my church, and she commented to me that it had a really neat design. She wished that the church was selling them so she could have one, and then they could use the funds to support the missionaries. The seed was planted.

Without even realizing the correlation, I began thinking: "What can I sell to help raise money for God's work overseas?" I don't know how to make T-shirts, I'm not a great artist or anything, I'm not super gifted technically so I can't do IT work or fix computers. What were my hobbies? Photography? Cooking? Well, bake sales can only go so far...

Why Music?

Well, I like to play music, and people like to listen to music! If I could find a way to use my music to raise money, that would be awesome! It's something I enjoy doing, it's something people enjoy hearing, and I would be able to respectfully open the support opportunities to more people. 

I started writing song lyrics around the same time that I began to learn guitar (Spring 2013). What I loved about the guitar was how creative it could be. I'd played piano growing up, but my training was all classical, so there wasn't a lot of room for creativity. (Note: that isn't to say I didn't enjoy it though!) As I had grace on myself throughout the slow journey of teaching myself a new instrument, I took a lot of risks in terms of experimentation with sound and strum patterns and such. I quickly became comfortable making "new" tunes, and didn't worry about whether they sounded good or not. This then translated to more creativity on the piano, as I learned how to arrange chord progressions and fit them to melodies. 

At the same time, I've always really enjoyed writing, and being able to outlet my thoughts/feelings/experiences that way. As I learned to express myself with music, the words seemed to come naturally with the melodies. I didn't realize that I was actually writing songs until one day I sat down to play something, and I realized that the reason I couldn't find the chords online was because I had written the song myself! So yes, the lyrics and music to all the songs in this music project are written by me -- no copyright issues, here!

I am by no means a professional musician, but I'm doing my best to use the skills I have to raise money so I can work for the Lord!

What does "Life on the Line" mean?

I firmly believe that God calls his children to give up the things of the world for the sake of pursuing eternity. Colossians 3:2 says, "Set your minds on things that are above, not on things that are on Earth," and I take this very seriously. Every day is struggle for me to set aside my worldly desires (ie fame, fashion, 'The American Dream') but God is teaching me every day the importance of seeking him first. Why? Because the other things don't last. 

Putting one's "life on the line" suggests that there is a risk for negative consequences in a particular pursuit. I know that by dedicating my life to the Lord, I run the risk of facing objections and ridicule from other people. I have already faced these things, and I've only been following God since 2011. But I know that any losses of material things and any sacrifices I have to make during my time on Earth are well worth it for the kingdom of God and for the sake of my brothers and sisters. 

Thus, the idiom "Life on the Line" signifies the risk I am taking in "putting myself out there" and being vulnerable, sharing my story and trusting that God will use it for good, despite the roadblocks. That's why I have chosen it for the name of my first album, and also for its namesake song (to be featured on the album). I am praying that this trust in the Lord will translate to other areas of my life, and also into the lives of people who purchase or listen to the music.

What can you do to help?

The most important thing that you can be doing to help this project is pray! Please pray for open doors, for the work God is doing in and through me, for him to continue to provide for this project, and for the hearts that will be reached. 

Meanwhile, stay tuned to the blog posts for further prayer requests and updates. Once the CD is finished and on the "market," if you feel that you can participate by buying a CD, that would be greatly appreciated! When the time comes, any help in spreading the word will be huge as well. 

Can I contact you?

Yes! 

My email address is: alexandra [dot] tarr [at] aol [dot] com

(Bear with me regarding the formatting of my email; I'd like to keep spam at a minimum.)