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Libby got to hang with some future leaders – some inspiring young women – some GIRL SCOUTS!

These girls want to invite you to Cookies for a Cause, this Saturday (June 21) from 10 AM – 6 PM at the Cox Store in Metairie (4852 Veterans Memorial Blvd).

For each box/case of cookies sold, another will be donated to Second Harvest. It’s also our last chance to stock up on cookies to use as Hurricane snacks later in the season… just saying.

I believe that both the best and worst decisions made during my life were done with great influence from the community around me. This is why it’s vitally important to be careful and intentional about the people we invite into our lives and the influence in which we receive from them.

Influence is a powerful thing and the people of our city are being influenced by an overwhelming amount of things that are heaping more lies– hopelessness – division – death –and confusion across our city. People are seeking hope wherever advertised. Anything to get hope for the next moment. I think of the words in Scripture, that we should not find ourselves like the world, but we are told to live commissioned in the world–representing the love of Christ, inviting others to find the hope that they can not find anywhere else.

I don’t know about you but I have a burden for our city. When I really sit down and think about those that are lost and broken just within blocks of where I live, it makes me really sad. I want us all to ask the Lord for sensitivity from the Holy Spirit for our city and a driven heart to do what must be done to cover every heart and street in our community with the hope and love of Jesus. Just thinking of the transformative power of Jesus changing New Orleans through the Gospel gets me so PUMPED.

One problem–this will cost all of us. If we live fully surrendered to Gospel efforts it will absolutely cost us our comfort. The comfort of living for ourselves, thinking thoughts, spending time and money that help cushion our way of living so that we can put the things of God first.

I think about the paralytic in the Gospels. I imagine the friends could have been using their time and energy to do anything else, but they were racking their brains trying to figure out how to get their sick friend to Jesus to the point of lowering him through a roof so he could meet the everlasting source of healing and hope.

That’s what we asked the listeners of LifeSongs to do with the also very sick city of New Orleans these last couple of days during Friendraiser – inconvenience yourself so that others may see that they have a God that knows them AND Y’ALL DELIVERED. Because of the friends that chose to invest their money in the provision and hope of others–over ONE THOUSAND people lacking basic needs like food will have meals provided for them for A MONTH. How awesome is that—That’s the miracle working power of God moving through each of you.

Thank you for your love for Jesus, South East Louisiana, and allowing that love to move you to GIVE.

Summer is here! We hope this season brings you moments of rest, joy, and new experiences. As things slow down a bit, we’re excited to try something new at LifeSongs—our first-ever Summer Friendraiser!

Mark your calendars: Wednesday, June 11th – Friday, June 13th. During these three days, we’re inviting 100 friends to give $100 each to help raise $10,000 for the ministry of LifeSongs. Every dollar goes towards sharing God’s love through uplifting music, encouragement, and hope across Southeast Louisiana.

We know this season hasn’t been easy financially. Families, churches, businesses, and nonprofits alike are navigating tighter budgets—and LifeSongs is no exception. That’s why this summer, your generosity will go even further.

During LifeSongs Summer Friendraiser, your gift will also help support our friends at Giving Hope NOLA—a nonprofit that serves communities locally and around the world with food, clothing, shelter, and spiritual encouragement.

When you give to LifeSongs during our Summer Friendraiser, you’re doing 2 incredible things:

Together we’re feeding the helpless with Giving Hope NOLA and feeding the hopeless through LifeSongs!

Thank you for prayerfully considering a Summer Friendraiser gift of $100—or whatever amount God places on your heart. We’re grateful for you.

Are you a thrill-seeker? The type of person who loves the extreme? Or are you more of a play-it-safe kind of person? There’s probably a spectrum between those two, and maybe we all fall a bit more in the middle, but I know I definitely lean more toward the familiar and comfortable range.

Climbing a mountain, riding the most extreme roller coaster, eating the spiciest food on the Scoville Scale – those don’t really draw me in. Even simply trying something new can trigger a sense of anxiety deep inside. But what about the times we feel that nudge to do something “scary?” The times we feel like we might be called to move into some sort of transition, despite the nerves, the concern, the uncertainty?

We recently traveled to visit family across the country, and my 8-year-old had plenty of opportunities to try new things. He ran head first into the waves of the Pacific Ocean. He worked up his courage to ride a log flume. He took a hike through the Redwoods. He met new people and tried new foods. And while these things may seem small, I could feel God working on my own heart as I watched Gus “be brave.”

When we seek a sense of calm or peace in our circumstances or in the controlled environment we’ve created for ourselves, it may feel like the more comfortable option. But the truth is, we’re not really the ones in control.

I’m still nervous about the idea of change, especially when it’s on a bigger scale than a log flume, but I know that obedience to what God’s calling us to leads to far more true and lasting peace than trying on our own. Imagine how terrifying it must have been for Peter, Andrew, James and John to fully leave their careers as fishermen and follow Jesus! It required risk, sacrifice and trust.

The unknown can be scary no matter what. Wisdom and worry can be difficult to distinguish for those of us who tend to make decisions based on worst case scenarios. But if God is calling you to it, He will be in it! He is working for our good. We simply have to trust Him.

Is He calling you to take a (big or small) leap of faith? Because of Jesus, we can leap without fear because every step He tells us to make will turn out for our good.

I love Summertime. It’s not my favorite season – that’s Fall – but the relaxed attitude, the delicious watermelon and the sunshine are all calling my name! That also means I need to add an extra 10-15 minutes to the beginning of any plans we make in order to put on sunscreen.

I’m very fair skinned – but even if you soak up the sun and spit out a rich tan – you need sunscreen. I’m not a doctor, but I have a long list of them in my MyChart App – including a dermatologist (they don’t like it when you call them “skin doctors”). My dermatologist has hounded me to up the Sun Protection Factor as much as possible and so I’m passing along this plea as a public service announcement.

God painted you – wrote on your very DNA – and when we don’t care for our bodies as best as we can, it’s like we’re smudging His GOOD work. You might not feel like a masterpiece, but you are. Fearfully and wonderfully made is how the Bible describes you (Psalm 139)!

Stay hydrated – wear sunscreen (don’t forget to reapply) and live, laugh, love your way through what will be an amazing Summer of Fun!

Now, if you’ll excuse me – I need to cover myself in white goop so I can take my son to the pool with his friends, while I read a book and try not to turn into human bacon.

Happy Birthday to Me!

I’m about to celebrate my birthday at the end of this month. No, not a milestone, but a decent number on the age scale! I’ve found myself really reflective this year as I’ve had to move my mom to an assisted living facility. It’s been a whirlwind of to-do’s getting her settled in along with handling her finances. We are also in the midst of planning our daughter’s wedding coming up at the end of this year. I’m full on living the sandwich generation life!

My mom has had a few adjustments in her new life. Coming to the realization that she now has physical limitations has been hard for her. Giving up driving did not come easily for her as it truly was her last bit of independence. However In true ‘Weezie”(my mom) style, she had her little pity party and has now embraced her new adventure! Making friends and crafting and learning how to Uber ! I’m so proud of her and her resilience. She doesn’t focus on what she’s lost, but is focusing on what she’s gained . She will be the first to tell you that her new beginning is an opportunity to be used by Jesus! Wow! I remember not so long ago having a conversation with her and her being so sad for her old neighbors and now she’s overjoyed at the possibility that she can impact twice as many people !

She’s already started planning her 85th birthday which is coming up in July ! She wants a big Celebration with her old and new friends. Imagine celebrating your birthday like you’re 10 years old again. Full of joy, excited for the year ahead, doing something you love with the ones who make you smile.

Why do so many of us stop celebrating as the years pass? Birthdays come and go – maybe there’s a dinner involved, a few cards, some well wishes online. We move up one number, and it’s business as usual. What would it look like to really celebrate our years again – to begin shifting our focus from the fear of aging, to the rich, full lives God is calling us into as the years pass?

But what does God say about it all? If we listen to the One who created us, we will hear all about grace and goodness; not fear and resistance.

He reminds us more than once in His Word that growing older is an honor. “Gray hair is a glorious crown…” Proverbs 16:31 CSB.

The more years we live, the more experiences we’re given to learn from, and the more wisdom and perspective we gain to see life in new and beautiful ways. When we see someone in their later years (or when we look in the mirror and it’s us!) let’s remember what a gift that is.

Some of us also fear growing older for physical reasons. Aging is often seen as a loss of control. Maybe our bodies aren’t able to do what they once could; our memories aren’t as sharp; we begin to need more help than we used to. As the years pass, our fear of the unknown may grow stronger.

But the truth is, we’ve never been in control anyway! From the moment we were created – whether we’ve realized it or not – we’ve relied on our Creator for every breath. Growing older helps us to shed that illusion of control more and more, and to rest in the promises of our loving God. Whether we’re 9 or 90, He vows to be with us every step of the way:

“I will be the same until your old age, and I will bear you up when you turn gray. I have made you, and I will carry you; I will bear and rescue you.” (Isaiah 46:4 CSB)

Celebrate Life Every Day – Whether you’re celebrating your birthday or that of someone you love, remember that every day in every life matters. Don’t wait for a milestone to make it extra special. Look in the mirror and cherish your laugh lines; remember how they are created.

Over the last few months I have been working with a local coffee company to help bring back the LifeSongs Blend coffee. Sirincci Coffee Company in Slidell has stepped up to the plate and brought our team in for a tasting. They pulled out the red carpet for all of us!

I met Cody, the owner of Sirincci, about a year ago in a business meeting. I knew that he was a genuine guy. Over the last few months I learned that he was a Believer and he and his wife attend church on the Northshore and enjoy Christian music.

I talked to him about getting some spots on the air with us so that you guys, our listeners, could know of an inviting safe place to stop in and get your Bible reading done or study for that next lesson or even just relax. We set a meeting at the shop on Front street in Slidell. As soon as I walked in I was greeted and was made to feel like they were happy I was there.

Cody and I sat down and discussed business and Christianity. It was a great conversation and he was excited about getting on LifeSongs. The relationship built from there. We then had our tasting and now we have the NEW LifeSongs blend coffee. It will be coming out soon y’all. BE READY!

This made me think about how God put people in our lives and how his plan works out for the better of all involved. I am pleased to say LifeSongs and Sirincci Coffee Company are partners in the walk for sharing God is Good all the Time!

*If you would like to partner with LifeSongs, as a business or organization – contact Vance Hughes by email [email protected] or calling the office, 504-816-8000!

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Ever feel like you’re running on empty and can never catch up? Every month seems busier than the one before? Same! Between work, family, chauffeuring kids, errands, and whatever else life throws our way, it’s easy to get caught up in the chaos.

If you feel like you’re doing ALL the things, so did Martha. She was running around trying to be the perfect host, while her sister Mary was just chilling with Jesus. And Jesus praised Mary! Sometimes we need to stop doing all the things, like Martha. And just sit with Him, like Mary.

“Martha, Martha,” the Lord answered, “you are worried and upset about many things, but few things are needed—or indeed only one.” – Luke 10:41-42

Working hard is good! But when working hard becomes everything, it’s not so good. God wants us to trust Him enough to rest.

“It is useless for you to work so hard from early morning until late at night… for God gives rest to his loved ones.” – Psalm 127:2

God created everything in six days… and then rested. If the Creator of the universe took a break, maybe we should too!

“By the seventh day God had finished the work he had been doing; so on the seventh day he rested from all his work.” – Genesis 2:2

If you’re feeling overwhelmed, exhausted, or like you’re always behind — me too! And we’re not alone. But there is rest and peace in Jesus. So let’s start small. Take 5 minutes, or maybe 5 seconds! Breathe. Pray. Just be. God’s not asking us to do it all. He’s asking us to come to Him.