Random Notes 2009
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View Past Random Notes 2006 2007 2008
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July
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July 8, 2009
SUMMER IN THE BAKER CAMP
The summer is moving by so quickly it can make ones head spin. In May, my mom and the kids made a trek up to Michigan to
spend some time with family. In June, both kids were in and out of the house with camps, trips and notability - Camp Electric for
my daughter right here in Nashville at Trevecca Nazarene University. This kid met Toby Mac and had him leave me a message on
my cell phone! Boy do I wish I had answered that phone call. I always tease my family and tell them if Toby Mac, Kirk Franklin or
Faith Hill ever ask me to sing back-up with them I am gone. In all seriousness, I am blessed to have such God-fearing and
wonderful teen-angels. Both my kids are following in mom's footsteps and sing with me frequently. My daughter has already
written over 200 songs. A third generation songwriter! Now that makes my head spin. I am not going to mention the songs I have
yet to complete.
One of our adventures in June lead us to "Camp Meeting" were I was honored to sing on the Worship Team lead by my dear friend
Nathan Rogers. It was great to see so many friends from all over the TN District. Our Speaker, Dr. Leonard Sweet (if you ever get
the chance to hear him GO) says - we are either in a storm, coming to a storm or coming out of a storm. From his book "The
Perfect Storm" and in his presentation at Camp meeting he gave us these pointers in my paraphrased version of what to do in a
storm:
1) Pull up anchor and launch into the deep - boats that stay docked at the shore get beat up
2) Steer into the storm - when at sea ships that steer into the storm survive - the ones that try to out run the storm sink
3) Get rid of excess cargo - in a storm excess stuff is thrown overboard to lighten the load
4) Mast ourselves to the Mast of the Master - the crew will tie the Captain to the Mast of the ship so he doesn't get thrown or
knocked overboard. Jesus is our Mast and we need to tie ourselves to Him.
5) ENJOY THE RIDE - you only get one!
For the July 4th Holiday, we spent some much needed family time - all 5 of us and our 2 dogs in beautiful Chattanooga. I was yet
again reminded of how much our God loves us. Just to look at the beauty around me. To stand on top of Lookout Mountain and
look down into the valley, watching the graceful but winding flow of the Tennessee River all I can say is WOW. By the way my kids
are huge and I think my son is now taller than his dad. Well if he is not, before this e-blast is read he may very well be.
From the events in our world, I hope we all realize how short life is and in a nano-second we can be gone. If you need to make
amends with someone in your family or that you care about just do it! Look at how many celebrities we have lost reminding us that
no matter how many songs we sing, movies we make and footballs we throw, our life is mortal. "What good is it for a man to gain
the whole world, yet forfeit his soul?" Mark 8:36
JUDITH TEAMS WITH JUBILEE MUSIC ARTIST AND TLC INDIE GROUP
It is always amazing to see how God unites His people for a much greater cause. Jubilee Music Artist Group founded by Nazarene
Song Evangelist and signed Southern Gospel Recording Artists Barbara Roach has already opened many doors in ministry for
Judith. Judith met Barbara at a songwriting workshop in Nashville a few years ago. Several weeks later Judith found herself
singing back-up during one of Barbara's concerts in Nashville purely by the Hand of God. The two have formed a friendship and a
partnership that forges ahead to spread the Gospel though music. For more information about JMA click here.
After meeting Valleta Lanier at the CIA Summit in 2007, impressed by her heart and her message "Let God Be Your Manager,"
Judith commissioned Valleta's husband who is an established Christian Artist and Songwriter, Gary Lanier to score "Unshakable
Faith" one of Judith's original tunes. Little did she know just how established Gary was until she found herself rehearsing one of
Gary's songs - "Honor and Majesty," with her church choir. Gary and his wife Valleta are incredible, humble and have a huge heart
to share what they know with like minded Christian artists. Judith is looking forward to working with them more in the future. For
more information about TLC Indie Group a Division of The Lanier Company click here
My friend and now neighborhood resident, Dr. Naima Johnson is published! Her new book is "Called to Sing, 13 Mistakes to
Avoid When Starting in Music Ministry." Another very good guide is "How to" Guidebook for Indie Ministry, A God Booking," by
Valetta Lanier.
"For the wages of sin is death, but the gift of God is eternal life in Christ Jesus our Lord." Romans 6:23
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May
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May 8, 2009
Mother's Day
A wife of noble character who can find? She is worth far more than rubies. Her husband has full confidence in her and lacks
nothing of value. She brings him good, not harm, all the days of her life. She selects wool and flax and works with eager hands.
She is like the merchant ships, bringing her food from afar. She gets up while it is still dark; she provides food for her family and
portions for her servant girls.
She considers a field and buys it; out of her earnings she plants a vineyard. She sets about her work vigorously; her arms are
strong for her tasks. She sees that her trading is profitable, and her lamp does not go out at night. In her hand she holds the
distaff and grasps the spindle with her fingers.
She opens her arms to the poor and extends her hands to the needy. When it snows, she has no fear for her household; for all of
them are clothed in scarlet. She makes coverings for her bed; she is clothed in fine linen and purple. Her husband is respected
at the city gate, where he takes his seat among the elders of the land. She makes linen garments and sells them, and supplies
the merchants with sashes. She is clothed with strength and dignity; she can laugh at the days to come. She speaks with
wisdom, and faithful instruction is on her tongue. She watches over the affairs of her household and does not eat the bread of
idleness. Her children arise and call her blessed; her husband also, and he praises her. "Many women do noble things, but you
surpass them all." Charm is deceptive, and beauty is fleeting; but a woman who fears the LORD is to be praised. Give her the
reward she has earned, and let her works bring her praise at the city gate. - Proverbs 31:10-31 (NIV)
Don't forget the mom's in your life this Sunday!
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March
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March 25, 2009 Press Release
CIA Summit Songwriter Showcase
Nashville, TN
Breaking News......
I wanted to personally invite you to the Foundary in downtown Nashville. I have a 15 minute spot in the CIA Summit Songwriter
Showcase. My time is Thursday, March 26th at 12:15 PM. Would love to see you if you are in the area. For those of you that were
at Winter Ladies Breakaway I will be sharing my song "In Spirit and Truth"
For more information and directions visit this link - http://www.ciasummit.com/schedule/
I love you all!!!!! My family and I greatly appreciate your prayers for us and your continued support of this ministry! Remember God
is going to finish what he started in you! ' Judith
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March 8, 2009
Stop Doing Church and Be the Church
Think about this.......Just last week when I awoke the Lord laid this on my heart...."There is no perfect church of Christian
organization. I believe it is because Jesus meets us where we are. So can we allow ourselves to step back and let Jesus work
through us? The truth of the matter is if the church were perfect there would be no cross and no place for sinners to come in
reconciliation. The church as an institution will never be perfect but the church as the "Body of Christ" is washed in His blood and
cleansed from our sins. Through the Holy Spirit we can shine God's perfect love and be Jesus to a hurting world. Loving and
meeting people right where they are into redemption. So the challenge we face is are we going to be the body of Christ or the
church as an imperfect institution?" - Judith
Featured Artist on Jubilee Music Artists
"His Eye is on the Sparrow" is getting some serious radio play and Jubilee Music Artists has relocated to Franklin, NC. Judith is
the featured artist on the JMA website so stop by and listen to her and check out all the other fantastic Artists JMA is working with.
New Church Home
Breaking news to share with you. We are excited about this but melancholy at the same time. We have a new home church - Bell
Road Church of the Nazarene, Nashville, TN, pastored by Rev. Brian Russell. Let me clarify the change has nothing to do with
anything negative or bad. I do not want anyone to read something into this that just is not there. God is doing a mighty work at
Grace in a mighty way. I have watched Him work so powerfully and it is just going to get better so why leave now right?
Our previous Pastor, Rev Ken Dove preached a sermon on Jan 18th about being "comfortable" in Church. It led to a lot of
questions for us about our purpose at Grace vs. our purpose in our community. Bell Road Church of the Nazarene is so close to
our house we could almost walk, it is our community. That sermon really convicted our entire family. We realized we were
"comfortable" at Grace and not in a good way. God has been burdening our hearts with our community here in SE Nashville for
quite a while and we all have just been pushing it a side.
After prayer, family discussions and all the things that go along with such a life changing decision we have transferred to Bell Rd. It
wasn't an easy decision. We have had three wonderful years at Grace. We just can't be content to be comfortable. When we have
teen angels that get that! Wow! Mom has already been playing the piano and God is opening doors in ministry for all of us. We
have a burden for this church, these people and our community. We all sense God is doing something great at Bell Rd! It is
confirmation that this is where God wants us to be.
I made a video to celebrate the ministries of Grace for Pastor Dove. I came out beautiful! Check it out when you have time here is
the link - http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZQ7w4-k6Bpk
We just have to be obedient and do the work God calls us to do. God is doing great work at Grace and Bell Rd. If you are looking
for a good church home Grace or Bell road are wonderful and will welcome you with an open embrace. I believe there has never
been an urgency like there is now to be on fire and do something for God to further His kingdom! Can you feel it?
Website Updates
Judith is now on Facebook so go and become a fan if you are into Facebook. Photos for 2009 are already on the website from TN
District Ladies Breakaway and Summertown.
"You are the salt of the earth. But if the salt loses its saltiness, how can it be made salty again? It is no longer good for anything,
except to be thrown out and trampled by men."- Matthew 5:13 (NIV)
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January
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January 15, 2009
HIS EYE IS ON THE SPARROW
"Even the sparrow has found a home, and the swallow a nest for herself, where she may have her young - a place near your altar,
O LORD Almighty, my King and my God." Psalm 84:3 (NIV)
New DVD - "While the Ages Roll"
Judith has completed her second DVD under the umbrella of Barbara Roach (Jubilee Music Artists) and producer Eddie Crook.
This Gaither style DVD features wonderful talent in Southern Gospel music. Judith is covering the classic hymn "His Eye is On the
Sparrow" featuring Eddie Crook on the piano. This DVD is available exclusively from Judith's website.
Radio Release and Interview
In a partnership with Jubilee Music Artists "His Eye is on the Sparrow" has been released for radio play. Judith will be featured in
an interview on WEMM-FM 107.9, Huntington, West Virginia. The station is owned by Mortenson Broadcasting and broadcasts a
Christian radio format that includes Southern Gospel music. WEMM has Judith in rotation on their play list.
Date/Time: Jan 20 at 10:30 PM EST streaming online at wemmfm.com.
Singing News
If you are a fan of the "Singing News Magazine" pick up the January 2009 issue and turn to page 11. You just might see a familiar
face. Many thanks to Barbara Roach and Jubilee Music Artists for their love, support, and promotions for Judith.
You Tube
Judith now has a channel on You Tube. "His Eye Is on the Sparrow" is there along with her video demo. We have a whole lot
more to upload over the next few weeks. It is a blessing to use You Tube as an avenue for Jesus. The channel link is:
www.youtube.com/isingit2
TN DISTRICT CHURCH OF THE NAZARENE - LADIES BREAK AWAY, JANUARY 31, 2009
Praise and Worship Leader
Judith has been asked to lead the Praise and Worship music for this event. The featured guest is Allison Durham Speer.
If you are in TN you will not want to miss out on this incredible day of ministry, refreshing and fellowship.
- Start the day off with Judith in Praise & Worship to Jesus.
- Dr. Leonard the District's new First Lady will share a morning devotion.
- Choose from 2 workshops for the morning session.
- After lunch enjoy the ministry of Allison Durham Speer.
Allison Durham Speer is a gifted singer. She sings with the Gaithers and is an inspiring speaker, and story teller. Learn more
about her at www.allisondurhamspeer.com
The $25 registration fee deadline is January 20, 2009 and includes a continental breakfast and box lunch
The event is hosted by Judith's home church:
Grace Church of the Nazarene
2620 Pennington Bend Rd, Nashville
www.gracenaz.com
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"Giver of grace, I offer grateful thanks for everyone who enriched my life with care and helpfulness. Guide me so I know how to give
others what I have received. Amen." - Neil B. Wiseman
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