Here

So about a month ago, Josh came to my church to play bass on the worship team, and we did Here by Kari Jobe as the offertory song. The loud bangs in the beginning are people dropping change into a box (for the building fund). The sound quality isn't great, but it was so wonderful singing/worshiping with him!

Post by Maria Juliana Rhoads.

Minister's Retreat 2014

Even though money is tight sometimes, I treated myself this year to minister's retreat in Monterey, and I'm so glad I did! I went with Char and Faby, and we had a blast!! The weather was perfect, and it was so nice to reconnect with other ministers in the district. 

Our main speaker was John Bevere, an amazing spirit-filled speaker and author. He had some tough/convicting things to share with us. I understand why some people would be a little put-off by his delivery (often very direct), but I truly do believe he was speaking from the heart of God. The topics ranged from the person of the Holy Spirit, taking care of our bodies, leadership principles, growing our faith for God to provide, and how to change our method but not our message in churches. 

I'm the type of person that will glean what I know is meant for me, and let the rest "fall away" so-to-speak. I don't like to get caught up in what was offensive or semantics that were technically wrong or not apart of our doctrine, etc. Because if you do that, you miss out on the bottom line message of what the Holy Spirit wants to say. I will admit, he is definitely not Assemblies of God, and he spoke on some things that we do not agree with, but there were some universal principles/truths I definitely agreed with and I know many of us needed to be reminded of.

I like how my pastor put it: "The truth will either set you free, or piss you off." And there were a lot of pissed off people haha.. If there are any fellow ministers reading this blog, I encourage you to not discount his and his wife's whole ministry based on your offenses. Take the good, leave the bad, and don't dwell in the negative. I walked away completely re-filled with His Spirit and challenged to lead a more empowered life. It's all in your perspective!

Dating a Musician

I love that Josh speaks the language of music and that he has the same passion as me for music and worship. I've so greatly enjoyed going out and supporting him as he plays for numerous bands. He is such an amazing talent! And he is equally supportive of me and my ventures. I've recently been invited to do the worship for 2 different conferences in different denominations (Baptist and Church of God in Christ). I'm so nervous, but I know this is from God to stretch me beyond my comfort zone. And Josh is right there, helping me and supporting me. God knew I needed someone like him in my life!!

Here are pics from a couple recent shows/practices Josh had:

AND, we both have a love for the band, Emery. We went to a living room podcast/live show, and I was completely star struck. Although I didn't squeal, which I was proud of. There was an authentic, respectful dialogue between Christians and Atheists that was quite refreshing. 

(Am I really THAT short?!)

Recently we went to the Mather Air show and saw Bill Cosby live. SO good!!!

Ok, this next one warrants an explanation and should show how serious I am about this man haha!

I was born in SF, but I don't believe you have to pick a team based on where you were born. I chose the Steelers when I was little and have stuck by them ever since. BUT, I will root for the 49ners when they're not playing us... sometimes. SO, he asked me to wear a jersey cause we were going to a niner watching party at a friend's house. I'm STILL getting made fun of!!! Only for you babe... but never again! I think my body was rejecting it because I broke out in hives ;)

This next pic has gotten over 100 likes, which was amusing to us (not that it matters how many likes you get haha), and it isn't even a profile pic! I think it's because we look so perfectly matched and content. I'm definitely in love with this man, if it isn't already obvious.

And here are some randoms:

Don't Lose Hope

I was told by someone who was going through a similar "dark night" of the soul that these posts helped her as much as they helped me. So I'm sharing them in the hopes there's someone out there reading who needs these reminders:

His Love is My Song

Whelp, I finally got my 3rd tattoo that I've wanted for SO long! I love it :)