Lifesongs.com

Libby & Jamie MacDonald are just too great together! Check out their chat and learn about Jamie’s hit song “Desperate” and why she’s spent so much time in prison! For real…

*The following is a transcript (using A.I. via Restream) of the interview between Libby & Jamie MacDonald

Hello, Libby. Hey. How are you?

I’m good. How are you?

You’re so cute.

Oh, thank you. Can I be long ways like you? Is this better? Long?

Oh, yeah. That’s awesome. Yeah. You look adorable too. I love your fit, your hair, your bangs, everything.

I look back at pictures of me with long hair, and I’m like, yeah. That there was no sass. It was just looking average. So we’ll keep the sass.

It suits you. It looks good. It looks good.

Thank you.

Well, we wanna welcome singer songwriter, artist behind the song Desperate, Jamie MacDonald to LifeSongs. I’m so excited to get to know you and for our listening family to get to know you more as well.  So let’s start with the obviously important facts. You love sardines. You’re from Michigan. Right? Anything else we need to know upfront?

I’m a dog lover.

Oh, alright. Excellent.

Yes.

How many dogs do you have?

I have one, big greyhound black lab, and she’s old and gray, and she’s so sweet. And Aw. We’re we’re pals. We’re inseparable.

Oh, awesome. So there’s only room for one in your heart right now?

Well, we have, I live with a roommate who has a dog too. So there’s a tiny little hairy dog. I forgot what it’s called. Yorkie.

Yorkie. Okay. Yeah. Sure. Yeah. It’s it’s not your dog. So, you know, whatever.

Yeah. Right. Right. Something else running around over here.

Okay. Exactly. So you love dogs. Love music? It’s clearly God’s calling on your life, but it’s been more behind the scenes until recently. Can you tell us a little bit? Share some of that journey with us?

Yeah. So, I mean, for the past five years, I kind of haven’t released any music. So this is all kinda happening very suddenly. It’s been really, really exciting, but I had a kind of a hard five years laying down music, looking after my dad who was in the final stages of dementia and Parkinson’s. Kind of reconnected with him over the pandemic after years of not having my dad in my life. So it was just an interesting, but really beautiful plot twist in my life where I just thought, okay. I never imagined I’d be living with my dad and helping look out for him.

Sometimes he didn’t know who I was. A lot of the time he didn’t know who I was, and it was just some really hard things that we walked through together in the hospital and having falls and, you know, just I didn’t have any friends or family in Georgia, so it was really just my dad and I, and I hadn’t ever cared for anyone with a mental illness, so there was just a lot happening.

Mhmm.

But God did an incredible work in my heart and, during kind of the final few months of his life, I got invited to sing in a prison, and it was kind of the first thing of me stepping back into doing music. And I thought, okay. This feels safe for me because I’m really broken and I know these women are also really broken and so I don’t have to show up with any, you know, amazing like best foot forward, I can just show up and be myself and sing and share my gift and so that changed my life. I showed up and they were, there was a choir of women who all have a life sentence, and they had rehearsed one of my songs. And so, as I was coming down the hallway to meet them, I could hear, you know, a song playing in it live, and it was my song. And so I walked into all these faces singing my song back to me with so much joy, and I just break down crying, and it was the most hope I had felt in years. And so from then it was just like, okay, I know I’m right where I’m supposed to be and, I never wanted to leave after that.

I mean, I started, we did a wonderful performance after rehearsing for about a month, right there in the prison. And then after that, it was like, well, I can’t stop coming now. I’ve been coming weekly. And so I ended up joining staff there, as a volunteer to teach songwriting weekly. And just these girls became my closest friends, and a lot of them are my age and had been in there for almost twenty years already and just completely filled with the joy of the Lord and so much strength.

So they were actually the ones who walked me through losing my dad and, you know, I thought I was showing up to give them something and they were pouring into me and carrying me this whole time. And so, when I saw, you know, the result of Christian music on them in the prison and how much they live and breathe on Christian radio and Christian music. I was like, okay. This is huge and it’s this is so important. And if I could get a song on the radio, I can reach all these prisons at one time.

And I just kinda saw this new purpose in, music, and it felt really just kind of God was breathing on it. And I thought, I don’t have to ask God if this matters. I know this matters. And so I I was like, let’s go sign a record deal and let’s get a song on the radio. And, and now, like, you got it. Let’s do this. And then now it’s not much later. And it doesn’t always happen that way, but I just kinda in my head, that’s how it happens. You sign a record deal, and then you’re on the radio. And I guess it that’s not always how it goes, but this time it was. So God was like, well, this is what she expected. And so I guess I’ll I guess I’ll do that.

Oh, it’s so beautiful. I but you’re so right. You know, the power of music, it’s it’s really it’s so healing, you know, just talking about your dad. And I bet music was able to … my mom’s in the early stages of dementia as well, and there’s something so powerful about music, reconnecting memories, and kinda restoring some relationships and firing those neurons that haven’t, those muscles that haven’t been used in a long time. And Yes. Gosh. I just think that’s so powerful to go from that with your dad to then being in the prison with these women who were having life transformation. The power of music and how God’s using you is just awesome.

Thank you so much. And I’m so sorry to hear about your mom. Oh, lovely. Do you guys do you guys ever have moments where you’re listening to music together and it’s just kinda, like, activates, like, more in her brain? It unlocks something.

It really does. Yeah. It’s incredible. And it it’s amazing to watch because it seems like how can that possibly, how can that possibly be? But it really it really does.

Yeah. Yes. I saw the same with my dad. Sometimes I couldn’t have a normal conversation with him. Most of the time, I couldn’t. And Yeah. I would put on a song, which he hadn’t heard all of his favorite music in years because he just you know, with the mental illness, he forgot about all his music. And I still remembered from when I was a kid, the songs that he liked from the eighties and, like, old Christian songs and, I don’t know, Petra and Michael W. Smith. And so I’d pull up one of his old favorites and suddenly, he’s just you know, Jimmy was back, and he could remember things. And he wanted to talk about his boxing career and then talk about, you know, being married and having us kids.

And it was just like the music unlocked those memories for him. And he knew every word to the songs too, which was cool to see. Because he hadn’t heard them in fifteen, twenty years and with his mental illness, none of that mattered. And he, all the words were still right there, and it was so beautiful. Beautiful.

Oh my gosh. So I guess Christian music, has that been a a part of your life for a long time? Like, do you have any old CCM jams that you rock out to or that you love?

I mean okay. So when Place in This World just made a comeback, that was, like, the best thing ever because I have loved that song my whole life, and my dad used to sing that when we were kids. And and the message has just always meant a lot to me because I’ve always felt that way. Like, where do I belong? Like, is there something I can call my own in this world? It’s just, like, it’s so fun to belt that song with all your heart, and it’s always been a part of my life. So for it to now be back on the radio, I just kinda feel this little wink, like, looking up to heaven and thinking about my dad.

Like, he’s up there jamming to this too because this has always been his favorite song, and now it’s back on the radio. And I don’t know. It just feels really special, but that’s definitely a a jam that’s always been alive for me and I love the new version. Yeah. It’s awesome.

And, you know, who knows what song might play next? Maybe Desperate, perhaps. You never know.

I love what you said about the song Desperate, which is connecting with so many people. And I think you described it like, the lyrics as giving language as a tool to help us in those moments when we feel so heavy, and things are out of our control. And it is just such an anthem. It is so powerful, and I can tell it came from a very deep well. Can you share with us a little bit about just how that song came to be?

I, like I said, I was living in Georgia and going through just, like, some of my hardest times. Lost my dad in August of 2023, and shortly after, I was offered a record deal. And so it was just, like, walking off the grief of losing my dad and just that whole five years, which was just so isolating and really, really tough. I was afraid to step into these writing rooms as a new artist because I couldn’t pretend I was okay at at that time, you know.  I was in the midst of heavy grief and loss and, not to mention not having done music in five years and just feeling like I don’t know what I’m doing, and it was just cool to see God kind of breathe on all of that and say, No. That’s actually why I have you here because I want you to write from that place and I have something I’m gonna give you that, you know, is gonna help a lot of people and you wouldn’t have it had you not just walked through what you walked through.

And so now I’m, you know, walking in the writing rooms and, even still I’m processing a lot and it wasn’t that long ago. So I’m still in different phases of grief and, facing some other things in my family, but I’m not afraid to write about that stuff anymore because I’m seeing the way it’s connecting to people. And I think there’s a time coming where I’m gonna get to write about this new season I’m in and there’s gonna be joyful, songs. And I do have a few on the way that are more joyful. My next single is going to be, a bit more just like upbeat in Gospel.

And I feel like that reflects my true personality more than, some of these other ballads that I’m doing, but I just love that God is using, like, my darkest time to bring light and hope to other people. And I, I’m always gonna be bringing the heartfelt ballads because I’ve just got a lot of experiences to draw from.

Yeah, yeah, if you gotta go through the tough times there may as well be a purpose, right?

Exactly. Exactly and it’s, it’s just like casting this, almost like a rainbow over all that happened. You know? It just feels like hope. Yeah. Yeah. It feels like hope.

Yes. That’s like a song title right there.

I’m just I was just thinking that.

I’m looking forward to that one. That’s gonna be a jam.

Oh, okay. Well, we’ll make sure you get your little cut since you help to highlight this moment.

Perfect.

So that’s what I’m hoping for.

Okay.

I know we only have a couple minutes left, so we’re running short on time. I just wanna do a really quick little Lifesongs Lightning Round. You can tell us which of these you might be more Desperate for, if you will. Just answer first thing comes to your mind. I was gonna say dog or cat, but I already know the answer to that one.

Yeah. Okay.

Dog. Right?

Dog.

Okay. Sure. Coffee, tea, Bone broth?

Bone broth. Yeah.

Okay. Yeah. Alright. I had a feeling.

She knows me.

What about summer or winter?

Summer. Absolutely. Summer. Yeah.

Yeah. Beach or mountains?

Woah. That one’s hard right now.

It is hard.

Mountains.

Mountains. Okay. That’s okay. It can change. It can fluctuate. I know sometimes it’d be beach. That’s alright. Okay. Early bird or night owl?

Night owl, but I’m having to change in this season, and I’m struggling.

Yeah. That’s where the bone broth comes in handy. Right? Gets you gets you going first thing.

Yeah. Yes.

What about a rainy day or a sunny day?

Sunny. Yeah.

No questions. Yes. This is a tough one. Call or text?

Oh. Text.

Text. Yeah. Okay. And do you like surprises or or no?

I think I’m growing to like surprises. In the past, probably not, but I think as I grow and heal, I’m just more open to everything. And Yeah.

That’s a great answer. Is there a surprise you can think of that you got?

Just the best? I got invited up to Capitol [Records] a couple weeks ago, and they said, we just want you to come up and high five the team, which was, like, a radio team, which is five people. And they’re like, yeah. We just wanted, come have you high five us because, something to do with your single, going to radio, Desperate. And so I show up there, and it was the whole entire staff all waiting, you know, to celebrate.

And then, you know, they let me know that Desperate made history for the most radio spins debut single of all time. And I just, there was a video of me, and you can tell I’m like, what’s going on here? Because it was just I was surprised. I wasn’t… I’m a slow processor, so I’m trying to say, like, why is everyone in this room? I thought I was high fiving five people.

I may have, like, you know, done things differently that morning. Maybe had some coffee first to be like, I’m here. I’m awake. I know what’s going on. I was like, AH.  But it was so beautiful. And, yeah, I just feel so supported and loved in this season. So I think I feel like a safe place for anything.

Yeah. I love that. That’s awesome. Well, thank you for being so vulnerable and and sharing your story with us and just being a part of what God’s doing. It’s so great to see his purpose over your life and and that he’s using you uniquely you exactly as you are in such a beautiful and powerful way. Appreciate you joining us today.

Thanks for having me, and I hope to talk to you again soon.

I’ve had so much fun chatting with you. Thank you so much.

Alright. Bye bye.

There’s a very blurry line between caring for the needs of the people God puts in your life – and taking care of yourself. And honestly, it is something I struggle with. I’m the type to give all I have to give and then collapse and fall apart – and I’m convinced that is neither healthy, nor Holy.

Maybe it was how I was raised – maybe it is a misunderstanding of masculinity – maybe I’m just busted in the head, but for as long as I can remember I’ve been a hard worker. Not that hard work – or working hard is bad. In fact it is really good. Until a point. My problem is I never can tell what that point is until I’m well past it.

Do you also take on more than you can handle because it has to get done and no one else seems to be stepping up? That could be in family relationships – household chores – tasks at work – serving at Church – any number of ways and places. For me – I tend to throw myself at tasks to keep from being still – because in the stillness I have to wrestle with my own need for grace and patience and forgiveness.

The world has put a tremendous focus on self-care in recent years, to a fault. We are not called to live a self-centered life, but rather a servant’s life for Christ. That said, Jesus modeled getting away from the crowd – even from his friends and family – to rest in the Father. For some of us, that is even more uncomfortable than doubling down on serving, working or doing anything to keep from stopping.

Especially now, during this season of Lent, building up to the celebration of Resurrection Sunday, can I encourage you – and me – to be intentional about doing the hard work of not working.

Stop. Sit still. Confess. Cry.

Let the God who loves you so much He sent His only Son for you hold you close and fill you with His Spirit.

During our recent Shareathon, there was a torrential storm threat to Southeast Louisiana and I figured I would get some outside time before we all hunkered down! The start of this years’ Shareathon was a little rough for me personally and I find walking outside very therapeutic. Little did I know that on this particular Saturday, at this particular time, God would give me the sweetest opportunity of encouragement and bless me with a new friend!

I want to tell you, I don’t even have a dog , but for some reason I stopped in the dog park that day just to watch all the little puppies play together. I often like to people watch too. I noticed a couple right outside the gate as I was walking in. They seemed to be a husband and wife in a sweet embrace right by the rainbow bridge of the dog park. I thought to myself that maybe they had just lost a beloved pet.

I noticed this teen and her little sister come in with their little brown dog just walking the path. The 2 of them chasing their dog and petting others along the way. For me, sitting on a bench soaking up the sun watching the puppies play together is such a tremendous joy . Dogs love it too, you can almost tell when a dog is smiling. One thing that I’ve noticed in observing the dogs at the dog park, they genuinely just live and lap up the moments; saying hello to strangers, humans included , tails wagging and jumping, then just going about their own business.

I observed an exchange between a strange lady and the girls. Not sure what she said, but it seemed as if she was dishing out some sort of correction, and I watched that smile disappear from the teen and her little sister’s face. Not once did the young girl say anything, she just stood and listened. In that moment my joy switched off as that woman walked by me with her dog. I didn’t even hear what she was saying, mumbling to herself, because I was looking beyond her watching the girls leave. They both looked so disappointed.

I decided to leave the park at that moment and walking out the gate, there was the older girl embracing that same woman I saw sitting with her husband as I walked in. I connected the dot – that was her mom, who upon closer inspection appeared very ill. The dad had taken the little sister back into the park with the pup. For whatever reason, I felt led to introduce myself and compliment this girl on how gracious she was to that grumpy lady. Her mom didn’t speak, but I could see she was so proud to hear about her girl. As her Dad walked up I’m sure he was taken aback by this strange woman talking. I told him my observations and he smiled sooo big.

Then, the encouragement came for me, Miley let me pray for her family.

Proverbs 11:25

Miley, oh how I wish that lady saw your heart, your dad’s heart and the fact that you guys were just enjoying a pretty day at the park with your sick mom. Living in the moment, embracing each other and just going about your day saying hello to strangers! Funny, that’s exactly how my interaction started at the dog park except it ended with humans! Miley, thank you for being so kind to me. Your gentle spirit will get you far in life. Thank you for showing that old lady grace and patience at the ripe old age of 15. You showed far more wisdom than she did, even though she has decades of experience on you! Hope to see you at the park again soon and I’ll bring the treats, for your pup and for us!

Little did I know I would make a new friend that day. A friend that challenged me to think that sometimes when you only look on the surface of a person that’s all you get and you miss out! I wanted to meet that girl who showed kindness and patience when it wasn’t being shown to her. I’m so glad I did. I’m so grateful to her for talking to me, a stranger, and letting me into her life.

1st Samuel 16:7

Well, here we are the end of yet another amazing Shareathon.

I love Shareathon because it gives me time to connect with our listeners by answering the phone and connecting with them on a whole other level. I get to pray with people and hear their stories of how GOD has moved in their lives! It also allows me to connect with some of the local businesses and the amazing volunteers that give their time and talents to LifeSongs.

Without this community LifeSongs would not be here.

These past couple of weeks were so rewarding to me. I was in the midst of people with a heart for GOD. I was able to work with businesses who gave their talents from the kitchen, providing food to feed the Shareathon team.

Bit Of Heaven Catering, Byblos, LiSal’s Catering, That’s Amore’, and Chick fill a in Slidell all provided amazing food given out of LOVE! We also had a business, Restech, who said We want to help. So they took a day during Shareathon and bought lunch for our team.

Then we had so many volunteers that gave their time to help on the phones. They came in early and stayed late to make sure LifeSongs had what it needed to continue to spread the love of GOD.

This made me step back and look at what I do, what we do here at LifeSongs; being the hands and feet and a vessel for GOD.

How amazing is that? Watching GOD work in so many people is just a blessing. I have worked so many Shareathons, however this one just seemed to be eye opening for me. I love our listeners, our volunteers and our business partners….our entire TEAM!

Thank you GOD for allowing me to be a part of this.

I encourage everyone to witness this amazing time and let GOD do his ting so you as well can have this feeling of excitement watching what GOD is doing. Why? you may ask…

Because GOD is GOOD all the TIME!

This month, LifeSongs is aiming to raise $260,000 during our Spring Share-a-thon. This ambitious goal will allow us to continue broadcasting authentic and uplifting radio to Southeast Louisiana and beyond. Your donation is absolutely crucial in helping us reach this target and maintain our vital ministry.

We’ve seen firsthand the powerful impact LifeSongs has on our community. We’ve received countless letters and calls expressing gratitude for the encouragement, spiritual guidance, and community connection this ministry provides. These stories fuel our passion to continue delivering this essential service, but we need your help to keep the music playing and the messages of hope flowing.

Your generous contribution will directly impact listeners like Ron in Metairie. Ron says,

We invite you to partner with us and help us share God’s love and spread hope through the ministry of LifeSongs. Please prayerfully consider making a monthly gift of $30, $50, $100 or any amount! You can also make a single gift of $100, $500, $1000 or any amount! Every dollar brings us closer to our $260,000 goal!

Thank you!

Mardi Gras is here, and the streets are alive—music pumping, beads flying, people laughing, king cake everywhere. And, of course, the famous Mardi Gras masks. Some are over-the-top, covered in sequins and feathers. Others are simple, just enough to blend in.

But let’s be real—most of us don’t take them off when the parade ends.

Not the ones with glitter and ribbons. The ones we wear every day.

The “I’m fine” mask when we’re anything but.

The “I’ve got it all together” mask when we feel like a mess inside.

The “I don’t care” mask when, deep down, we just want to be loved.

I know that feeling. I’ve worn those masks too—smiling, making jokes, keeping things light while feeling completely alone inside. It’s easier to pretend, to keep things surface-level, to make sure no one sees the parts of us that feel weak or broken. But you know what’s exhausting? Keeping that mask in place. Because no matter how good we get at faking it, there’s always that nagging voice whispering, Would they still love me if they really knew me?

Jesus Sees the Real You

There’s this moment in the Bible where Jesus meets a woman at a well (John 4). She wasn’t exactly living her best life. In fact, she was avoiding people altogether—hiding in plain sight. And yet, Jesus saw her. Like, really saw her. He knew everything about her—her story, her shame, her struggles—and instead of backing away, He moved closer.

And that’s exactly what He does with you.

He’s not waiting for the polished, church-friendly version of you. He’s not impressed by the false smiles or the carefully curated social media persona. He wants the real you—the messy, complicated, “still figuring it out” you. And the best part? He already knows everything about you, and He still calls you His.

So, What Do We Do?

Because let’s be honest—just saying “Take the mask off!” sounds nice, but it’s scary, right? So here’s where we start:

Real Freedom Starts Here

Mardi Gras will come and go. The beads will hit the ground, the king cake will disappear, and the masks will get tossed in a drawer until next year.

But what if you didn’t pick your mask back up?

What if you stopped pretending? What if you let yourself be seen—flaws and all—and trusted that the people who really matter (especially Jesus) will love you anyway?

The weight of pretending is heavier than you think. But the freedom of being seen and loved? That’s worth it.

And the best part? You don’t have to be anything other than exactly who you are.

Faith over Feelings – How do I have faith when I am in the feels?

If you know me, you know I have the tendency to live in the feels. Dude, I have never felt more seen by a movie than Inside Out 2. But really, I have been trying to learn how to be all the things God has called me to be, while dealing with all the challenges that come along with it. Because if you have been a Christian long enough, following the Lord wherever He is leading, you know some Ephesians 6 spiritual warfare finna TAKE PLACE!  So we have to be armed – ready to go, like your fav takeout;)

Through some pretty embarrassing and devastating moments of wrong responses, I have discovered that I can’t wing it and successfully be ready for Satan to trip me up. NOPE GIRLIE, it takes intentionality and preparation. And that is definitely a work in progress. BUT, progress over perfection always.

There are four spiritual threads I am striving to sew into the fabric of MY FEELINGS, so I can lead my feelings purposefully instead of having a tragic enemy sent situation throwing me off my day lead my entire day into the depths. If you know, you know.

Okay here’s my check list of Faith OVER Feelings game changers:

#1 – God is with me. And he knows the ins and outs of what is happening. In Psalm 139:7-8, God’s word tells us, “Where can I go to escape your Spirit? Where can I flee from your presence? If I go up to Heaven, you are there; if I make my bed in Sheol, YOU ARE THERE.” Our God is not just powerful, he’s relational, and loyal beyond our ability to understand. This verse tells us, in the highest places He’s with us and in the lowest depths, He’s there too. And we know wisdom is knowledge applied. We know He’s with us, because the Word just said.  So when LIFE HITS HARD we must remind ourselves that we aren’t alone–hit our knees in prayer–gather in community– AND GRAB HOLD of the Word.

For some reason this is the hardest step for me. My tendency is to hit my knees in tears, instead of hitting my knees IN POWER that my God is behind the scenes advocating for me, using this to grow me, catching my tears, and holding me ALL AT THE SAME TIME. (like He always is)

#2 – We’re living in Heaven-time. Earth is not our Home. Gaining anything here is not our mission. No one can explain this idea better than God through Paul in Romans 8:18, “For I consider that the sufferings of this present time are not worth comparing with the glory that is to be revealed to us.”

When hard things happen, my flesh and heart can be so selfish. GOD WHY? This is not comfortable. Please let me avoid this. Rescue me right now! But in this verse, Paul tells us that the suffering we endure in this world, can never compare to the glory in Heaven. He’s trying to encourage us to be Heaven focused– and when hardship strikes, remember that God has a purpose, to sharpen us, reveal his love to others, and receive glory that He is so worthy and deserving of.  AND THAT’S WHAT MATTERS.

Jesus asked God before He went to the cross, “please if you would allow this cup to pass from me.” He knew it would bring his body, mind, and heart so much pain, but because He was living for Heaven, He died on Earth and submitted to the Lord. This is what the Lord asks of us: to die to the desires of our flesh and follow Him into the discomfort. And COUNTING IT ALL JOY along the way because it’s not about this world, but investing what is done here into the next. Your will, not ours Lord. BRING IT ON.

#3 – Remember the victories. Remember his character. When I am having a really hard day, or facing a really hard situation that I feel super empty handed in facing, I HAVE SPIRITUAL AMNESIA. My mind races, my heart wilts and my body hurts with anxiety like I have NEVER SEEN GOD move in or from a MESS BEFORE. This step reminds me to hold my thoughts captive. After I think of a lie, I know I need to grab it before it continues to ravage my mind, and hold it up to scripture.

“You are not enough to manage this situation with obedience and grace.”  That one has a little bit of truth with the lie. I am not enough, but my God says in 2 Corinthians 12:9 that his strength is made perfect in my weakness.

“This season of my life is beyond use, God can’t use this for any good.” WRONG AGAIN, Romans 8:28 says, “and we know that all things work together for the good of God and those called according to His purpose.”

“God must have left me.” Hebrews 13:5, “I will never leave you or forsake you.” We have the power to demolish the lies of fear with scripture and Satan’s mission is to spiritually paralyze us where we are too weak to grab our weapon. Because He understands its power, so why don’t we?

#4 – And lastly; to guard our hearts and minds in seasons of struggle and weakness. I remember when I was young, my parents would pray for me to guard my heart and my mind every single night. It took me way too long to figure out why they took this so seriously.

There is only danger when we allow those who are not seeking Jesus to get close to us, when our season of struggle has us already close to the edge. These seasons are fragile and our heart is fragile. Proverbs 4:23 says, “Guard your heart for from it FLOWS EVERYTHING.” That’s serious. In scripture, we see Job was in a season that tried and tested his loyalty to the lord. We also see that he had friends and even his wife speaking things that weren’t true, to which he had to rebuke them and guard his heart in those relationships. Because preserving his heart before the Lord was far more important to him than preserving the comfort in those relationships.

Let’s be intentional with the people we choose to speak into our lives, especially in sensitive seasons. We desire a Biblical community with people that are going to encourage us, strengthen us and pray for us. Those who point us to the truth of God in his word and through the Holy Spirit–not those that seek to bring further discouragement and confusion.

Friend, I hope this is an encouragement to you. Life is hard and I am still on the extreme beginner level. However, I am starting to see that good strategies can help us navigate those hardships with more success than stress and the right relationships can ease the burdens because they help carry the load. Your LifeSongs team is here to love you, relate with you and pray for you whenever you need. We’re all in this together.

Much love,

‘Tis the season! Cold and flu season. And sometimes, no matter how many precautions you take, you get sick. And you know what? The rest of the world doesn’t stop, even if you’re not feeling well. Which is why you SHOULD.

Rest is an important factor in getting well when you’re fighting illness. (I learned this the hard way this year as my household was hit with the flu.) Rest is also an important factor in life in general. So important, in fact, that God established it into the fabric of creation. When His work was complete, He rested. He took joy in what He had made and established a healthy rhythm for us to follow.

The idea of entering God’s rest reminds us that there’s nothing we can do to earn God’s love. It doesn’t come through hard work. Instead, Jesus did the work on the cross, which means we can rest in His love and accept this incredible gift. Imagine that kind of rest! Being free from the burden of trying to do everything on our own? It’s not the same as “taking a break.” It’s letting go of our attempts at control and instead trusting in the completeness of what God has done.

As someone who loves a good nap, I didn’t think I was resisting rest. But as someone who also likes to know what’s coming and have a plan, I think I may have been carrying some things I wasn’t meant to. How about you? Is it time to stop trying to do everything on your own and instead find peace in God?

Let’s lay down our burdens. Lay down our heads and our hearts in surrender. Believe that the One who made the world (and rested!) is also taking care of you and me.

“This is a dream. This can’t be real life!?” my son Ben exclaimed over and over as we walked in half a foot of snow. And it was still coming down in near white-out conditions! This would have been perfectly reasonable if we lived in Ohio or Michigan, or really any state north of the Mason-Dixon Line. It was January. Snow is normal in those places in January.

But we live in New Orleans, Louisiana.

Perhaps your family had a similar experience when that once-in-many-generations snowfall coated Southeast Louisiana. I’ve lived most of my life in New Orleans, and I’ve seen snow here a few times – a few flurries, an inch of snow or maybe a bit of ice on the grass – but this was something completely different and wholly magical! I count it as a gift from God. Our whole world stopped for DAYS as the snow stuck. Schools were canceled, roads were shut down and only essential services could move about.

I hope you got to play in the snow. I know there were inconveniences and dangers too, but what a wonderland to simply play in! We had snowball fights, went for long walks and chatted with neighbors. We built a snowman (and snow-dog), tried our hand at snow-cream (not a fan) and made several batches of hot chocolate. We also had to do an enormous amount of laundry because everything got soaked.

A snow covered NOLA was not in my forecast for 2025. And that has me thinking – what other incredible, unheard of, spectacular things might God have in store for us? Never in my wildest dreams could I have dreamt up our #SneauxDays. I’m far too practical to even hope for something like that … and yet, God did it. What other impractical – SUPERNATURAL things is He going to do?

I can’t wait to find out.