31 posts tagged “music”

There is an aspect of being in full-time ministry that is very difficult for me to swallow sometimes. Being in full-time ministry is a lot about "giving"...your time and energy, your gifts and abilities, etc. However, being called to full-time ministry is also a lot about "receiving" and that's the part that gets me sometimes. I stumble over it because I don't always know how to do it gracefully. It's one thing to give and not expect receive anything in return, but it's an entirely different thing for me to receive and not be expected to give something in return. MAN, that's hard!! I am learning though, and certainly raising support to go to Germany has helped with that learning curve.

This weekend I was given a wonderful gift that I will cherish for a long time to come. On Sunday, I was invited to give a concert at Bethany Grace Fellowship Church in East Earl, PA, and because it was one of the last opportunities I would have to give such a concert before I leave for Germany, we decided to make this my "farewell concert". Tina Lapp joined me for half of it and I can't tell you how wonderful it was for me to sing with her again. She and I sang together for about 6 years after I graduated from college in 1998, and I have to tell you, I have missed those days. But what I have found to be true whenever Tina and I sing together is that even though we haven't sang for years, it's as though we can just pick right back up where we left off...it was like that all week during rehearsals and it was like that during the concert itself. I love it! The years of singing with Tina, the recordings, the traveling (and audio logs!) and the friendship are all precious, precious gifts that I will hold near and dear to my heart as I move into this next leg of my journey.

The chance to sing with Tina was not the only gift I received, though.  There were so many people that gave so much to make this concert happen and I must take the time to give thanks and kudos to them for all that they put into this.  My one regret about the concert is that I did not thank these people publicly for their time, energy and generosity.  So I'm doing that now.

Several people who I didn't even know before this weekend, decided to take it upon themselves to begin planning the details and promoting this concert months in advance.  Tess Eby, Emily Pierce, and Mary Kate Eberly all took part in making this happen, and I am SO grateful for their efforts because the promotional aspect of giving a concert is one that I have never quite been able to get the hang of.  They did an incredible job!

Weeks before the concert I was told that Steven Courtney had agreed to record it for a possible LIVE album. For the past few years, Steven's and my paths have crossed a number of times and I have come to deeply appreciate this man, not only for his incredible skill in music, songwriting, recording and performing, but for his love of life and love of Jesus. He is an extremely gifted brother and I am so grateful for his gift of this recording.

Less than a week before the concert, I was informed that a young man and professional videographer, who I had never met before, had offered to video the whole concert. Daniel Forster came in with his crew Sunday afternoon and set up several cameras throughout the auditorium and a mixing station for live editing of the video feed during the concert. I have to admit that when I first heard that he was going to do this I was a bit freaked out, but when it finally came down to it, I barely even knew the cameras were there. He and his crew worked with such professionalism and skill and when I finally met him, I was so impressed by his heart and his desire to be used by God.

And of course, I cannot give kudos without mentioning my band mates. :)  For the past two years, I've had the privilege of playing with Diana Lusk.  She's a great percussionist and I can't tell you how many people come up to me after a concert and say "Boy, can she hit that thing!"  It's true.  She can.  I've had such a blast with her these past few years and I think the thing that I've appreciated the most about Diana is the fact that she is on board with me on a ministry level.  She's not just along to play her instrument, although she does that.  She's along because she recognizes the ministry that the Lord has given us to encourage, challenge and plant truth in people's lives who are willing to receive it.  That is what I love about her.  Well, that and the fact that she usually packs my gear and loads the car after a gig while I'm talking to people.  She has become a dear friend and I am really going to miss playing with her when I leave.

The truth is, I don't think this concert would have happened without the initiative of my bass player, Frank Portaro.  From the moment I mentioned that I was thinking about giving a reunion concert with Tina, his wheels started turning and he began the process of pulling all these people together and booking his church for the event.  I don't think it would have happened...at least not in the incredible way that it did...had it not been for Frank.  In the past year of getting to know Frank I have found him to be not only a skilled musician who is excellent at what he does, but a man with a tender heart who loves of Jesus and has been changed deeply by His grace.  It has been a privilege to work with him and minister beside him and I am going to miss playing with him as well.  Of course, I can't thank Frank without thanking his wonderful wife, Nancy, who let us crash her living room for rehearsals and brought tasty wraps and chocolate for us to eat before the concert.   What a blessing!

And for those of you who came out on Sunday, thank you for the years of support that you have given to both Tina and myself.  Your interest in our music and encouragement along the way are gifts in and of themselves and we are truly, truly grateful (of course, I'm speaking for Tina here).  The Lord has been so incredibly good...as if I would expect Him to be otherwise.  In everything that was given...and received...my only prayer is that He was glorified in every last bit of it, because in the end HE is the great Giver of all things good.

My song, Lonely Days, has been selected as one of Indieheaven's Top 20 songs for this month.  That means two things:

1.   It is on the Top 20 Radio chart at Indieheaven for the month of May.

and

2.  You go to the Radio chart and rate it...every day, if you like...so that it moves up the chart.  If it's one of the top 10 at the end of the month, then it will automatically stay on the chart for the next month.

Thanks for listening and voting.

Probably one of the coolest families ever! :)  Steven Courtney is a local performing songwriter and recording artist.  He produced my song "Everybody Needs to Sing" for the Kid's Cookie Break last year, and THIS is his family...

**Below is my Winter Newsletter that I just sent out to my email list.  If you would like to receive my regular updates and Newsletters please let me know and I'll get you on the list.  Thanks!**

Winter 08
    Well, the holidays are over, and unless you’re the type that keeps the tree up until Valentines’ Day, then all the decorations are put away and the new year is in full swing!  I can hardly believe that we are already staring at the second month of 2008!  The past year has been a whirlwind for me--I think I spent more time living away from  my apartment, than I did living in it!  However, the past year has held many, many treasured blessings for me as I recall all the places I’ve visited and more importantly, all the people with whom I’ve had the privilege of interacting.  In truth, that is what I love the most about the life and ministry to which God has called me.  I certainly love having the opportunity to share the music of my heart, but what would be the point if not for the purpose of relating and connecting to other people in order to build up the Body of Christ and enjoy the Lord together.  Relating and connecting to people in a real and personal way was at the heart of Jesus’ ministry, and I believe it is the essence of what He calls us to do in our lives as well.  Of course, the Lord was also very good about knowing when to pull away from the crowds to rest, connect more intimately with His disciples and find solitude with the Father.  I’m so grateful for His example, and for the times I’ve been able to take some space, connect with my “core people” and find refreshment after those times of travel and ministry.  Those times have also been helpful for me in planning for the months ahead which are filled with more travel, more relating and connecting, and a lot of big changes.  I’ve noticed recently as I’ve been planning, that a shift is beginning to happen for me mentally and, in many ways, emotionally.  As I’m preparing to share about the ministry in Germany and Eastern Europe and recalling events and relationships that I’ve built there, I’m becoming more and more excited about returning and building on the foundation that has been laid.  I’m also starting to think about the process of going through all my belongings and deciding what goes, what stays and what gets sold--a daunting process, but a necessary one, nonetheless. However, as I anticipate the changes that await me in the coming months, I’m daily reminded of the fact that I belong to One Who does not change, and in that truth I find such comfort and security.  While there are many changes that I am looking forward to, there are certainly many that I dread as well.  The thought of putting so much physical distance between myself and my friends, and especially my family who I enjoy so much, causes my stomach to turn upside down.  And yet, I know that the Lord’s calling on my life...and indeed, the Lord Jesus Himself...is worth it, and so I welcome these changes--as painful as they may be--for the expansion of His Kingdom and for His glory

The team...
With that said, I want to thank you in advance for your prayers for me, and your support of the ministry to which God has called me.  I am watching Him assemble a wonderful team of people and churches to partner with me in this ministry, and I look forward to watching that team continue to grow in the months ahead.  Currently, 30% of my needed monthly support and 22% of the necessary out-going expenses have been raised.  I’m also looking for people who would be willing to pray daily for me and this ministry.  If the Lord is calling you to be a part of this team in any way, please contact me and I’ll make sure you get connected!  I would also love to come and share my plans and perhaps even some music at your church or small group, so let me know if that is something that interests you as well.

Other changes...
I’m in the process of having my website (www.mindyboyd.com) rebuilt, so in the weeks ahead it will reflect not only the music aspect of my life, but now also the ministry in Germany and the process of getting there.  Please keep checking back for regular updates, prayer requests, scheduled events and other information.
 
Thank you, again, for your prayers, encouragement, and support.  I’m honored to be partnering with you in this ministry.

Held by His grace,

Mindy

A couple weeks ago, Diana (my percussionist, for those of you who've not had the extreme privilege of meeting her) and I had a gig over in the grand state of New Jersey.  Safe Haven Cafe is an incredible ministry of New Covenant Community Church in Somers Point, and was born out of a vision Ruben Valez had to reach people in his community for Christ.  It's a beautiful facility that built entirely from materials and furniture that was donated from local business.  Just ask Ruben to tell you the story...He loves sharing how God provided for them!

This was our second time at the Cafe.  We were there in October 2007 and enjoyed "Fruit of the Spirit" smoothies and other cool drinks because the weather called for it.  This time I stuck with the hot beverages, again, because of the weather.

After we did our sound check, I stood in the back of the room and struck up a conversation with a woman who came in off the street with her shopping cart.  She had a hot beverage, too.  She told me about living on the street and about some of the people she meets.  She told me about some of the things she finds and some of the things people give her.  She talked about her children and how they don't have the best of relationships right now.  She told me that someone gave her a CD player that's actually an mp3 player, but that she doesn't know how to work that part.

Then it was time for me to sing.

We played for about 1 1/2 hours, and afterward we mingled some more.  As I made my way to the back of the room again, the lady with the shopping cart motioned for me to come over to her.

"I really like your music," she said.  "You know, the other day a lady gave me a CD.  I never heard this music before, but I played it and I don't really like it.  I only played it once though.  It's a new CD, still has the wrapper and everything.  I was thinking, though, maybe I could give you that CD and you could give me one of yours.  Maybe you would like this music.  I didn't really like it, but I like yours."

"That's a great idea," I said as I picked up one of my CDs for her.  "I'd love to switch with you."

As I handed her the CD, she reached in her bag and pulled out a CD, complete with plastic wrapper that was barely hanging on.

I never thought I'd own Britney Spears, "Oops, I Did It Again", but I can't say that I mind a whole lot.

Well, I'm honored to announce that I've been nominated in three catagories for this year's Indieheaven Momentum Awards in Franklin, TN:

FEMALE VOCALIST OF THE YEAR
SONG OF THE YEAR ("Every Reason")
ALBUM OF THE YEAR ("Coming Home")

The awards will be presented at this year's IndieHeaven CIA Summit2008 conference on March 29, 2008, and are given based on votes received online between now and March 1, 2008.  So, if you are so inclined, you can click HERE and cast your vote.

You can visit www.ciasummit.com for more information about the Christian Independent Alliance Summit.

THANKS FOR VOTING!  YOU GUYS ROCK! :)

I think I want to be like Imogen Heap when I grow up.

Well, I've had some concerned readers who were waiting for a blog update email me to ask if I made it home alright.  I'm home.  I have to say, though, that it feels like I'm going to need a few days to rest up from my trip and get back into the swing of things.  I could tell on Saturday as I was driving home from North Carolina that I was about to hit "the wall"...physically, emotionally, mentally, spiritually, etc.  The past couple days of being home have left me feeling pretty drained and I'm realizing that I need some time to get away for a few days by myself and decompress. :)  So, I'm going to use this week to organize, pay bills, and prepare for a wedding that I'm singing in this weekend, and then next week I'm going to head up to the Lodge to spend a few days in non-driving solitude.   :::BIG SIGH:::  I will be honest and say that typically the transition back into normal routine after a trip is particularly difficult for me...on many levels, so in that regard, I would certainly welcome any prayers.

My trip, overall, was incredibly positive.  I loved connecting old friends and new friends, and I'm so, so thankful for the chance to share my music and life with people along the way.  The Lord was good to not only work through me on this trip, but IN me as well.  There were some difficult moments of real soul-searching, but in those times He is always so faithful to meet me where I am and teach me through the process.  I am both humbled by and grateful for those moments.

It's good to be home though.  My Maddie cat is as soft and fluffy as ever and I'm thoroughly enjoying burying my face in her fur. :)  Yesterday I had dinner with the family and I could hardly contain my excitement at seeing the kids again.  Lucas is starting to memorize Bible verses at church and when he recited Deuteronomy 31:8, " The LORD himself goes before you and will be with you; he will never leave you nor forsake you. Do not be afraid; do not be discouraged", I nearly bawled.  It's good to be home.

Thank you all for your prayers for me while I was gone.  And thank you to those of you who took time out of your schedule to meet up with me or host me along the way.  You all are such a vital part of my ministry and I do not take that for granted.  You are loved.

Well, I'm about halfway through my trip.  Right now, I'm with some friends in Jackson, MS and will be here until Wednesday morning when I leave for French Camp Academy in French Camp, MS.  So far, my trip has been WELL worth it on so many levels.  Mainly on the heart level.  I've had the opportunity of connecting with several friends along the way and I'm so, so grateful for the gifts of those meetings.  I've also had several opportunities to sing as well.  In St. Louis, I gave a house concert which turned out to be such a sweet time of fellowship with everyone who came.  From there, I drove to Oklahoma City for a few days and had the chance to lead worship and share my testimony at Living Waters (First Stone Ministries).  Then on Friday, I made the ridiculously long trek from OKC to Jackson, MS.  As a Northeast girl, I forget how far apart the cities are out here!! 

On Saturday, I was given the chance to play down in Gautier, MS (pronounced "go-shay") at a ministry called Home of Grace for Women.  It's a recovery program for women struggling with drug and alcohol addictions.  I was unprepared for how that evening would minister to my own soul.  One of the things that the Lord has been dealing with me about recently, is my need to present a well-put-together-Mindy in ministry.  Even when Mindy is not put together at all.  Even when the reality is that she is falling apart.  How does one reconcile the call to minister, and the need to be ministered to at the same time?  I'm still trying to figure it out, but I'm overwhelmed by the Lord's compassion for me to give me a space while ministering at Home of Grace to just "be" where I was.  To just be honest.  To just be real.  I needed that.  And I think they did, too. 

I got home pretty late from that concert, and when I pulled into the driveway of my friends' house, a friendly stray dog came up to my car to greet me.  He'd been hanging around there all weekend, so it wasn't the first time I had seen him.  I realized that I had a left-over sandwich in my car and instead of letting it stink up the car, I decided to feed it to the dog.  (Everyone was in bed, so I figured no one would know that I was feeding the stray dog.  Sneaky, I know).  So I fed him the sandwich and then proceeded to unload my car.  I took the guitar out and placed it on the driveway next to the car, then I leaned back in to grab my backpack.  As I stood up, I turned around just in time to watch Mr. Stray Husky Dog vomit the sandwich all over my guitar case.  Did I mention that it was late and I was tired?  I basically just stood there and stared at it for a few moments thinking, "You have got to be kidding me."  However, I have to admit that I was surprisingly very calm in that moment.  I just took the guitar over to the door of the house,  grabbed some paper towels, and cleaned up the mess in a very "this-is-a-normal-event" sort of way.  I will say this, though, that is the last time I feed anything to a stray dog ever again.

Last night, I gave a concert at Lakeland Presbyterian Church here in Jackson (but that was only after I got eaten alive by a bunch of red fire ants!!!  Not fun.  Not fun at all).  This is my third year of visiting and ministering at this congregation, and each year I am deeply encouraged by their generosity and support of my ministry.  Tomorrow I'll be at Mt. Salus Christian School for their chapel and then Wednesday I leave for French Camp...but I already told you that. :)

TODAY, however, is my day off this week.  It is raining, and it is beautiful.  All morning, I've been staring at the rain clouds rolling in across the sky, and I am convinced that they were just for me!   I've been reading and thinking about Psalm 18 a lot recently and those clouds were just the picture that I needed.

Take a moment and read it for youself.