Francesca's blog

Have you ever been wrong about someone? I mean really wrong? Maybe you assume they act (or don't act) in a certain way because of deficiencies in their character, personality, etc. Maybe you treat them with contempt, internally judging them, externally putting them down. Gosh, I know I've done it. Time and again, I continue to scrutinize my brothers and sisters. Then there comes a moment like today, where the noise all around me suddenly disappeared, and I was left with the words someone told me hanging thick in the air like tree branches. I couldn't cut them down without watching them fall.

"Melikalikimaka is the thing to say on a bright Hawaiian Christmas day. That's the island greeting that we send to you from the land where palm trees sway."

I cried when I left Hawaii. Honestly. All flights into Honolulu should be one-way, because by the time you get there you don¹t want to leave--not ever. Speaking of not leaving, our server, Courtney, at one of the restaurants in Waikiki beach came to Hawaii on vacation a few years ago from the mainland and NEVER LEFT! Can you imagine? Smart girl...

"Our deepest fear is not that we are inadequate. Our deepest fear is that we are powerful beyond measure. It is our light, not our darkness, that most

I never would have thought a year ago in January when I filled in for a WinterJam date in Orlando that in 2009 I'd be an actual part of the tour! God is so cool when He surprises us like that. Needless to say, I'm thrilled to be part of such an incredible tour with artists of this caliber. TobyMac? Hawk Nelson? Brandon Heath? Seriously!! And of course who could forget my old buddies from NewSong, newcomer Stephanie Smith, and my pals pureNRG! This tour is going to be a

It's funny sometimes, the things that speak to our hearts. Al Andrews calls them "windows to the soul." You might laugh when you hear what

Have you listened to Sara Groves? I can’t get enough of her music lately. I know she’s been around for years, but somehow I missed the boat. I only knew her singles and hadn’t paid much attention beyond that until a few weeks ago when I went to see her live in Nashville at the Art*Music*Justice tour (also featuring Nashville favorites Derek Webb, Sandra McCracken, Charlie Peacock, and Brandon Heath--talk about a great show). I was blown away by her unpretentious voice, her honest lyrics, and her poignant melodies. But I was even more moved by her heart for the oppressed.

I think it’s probably bad form to quote your own song in a blog. I’m sure it is. But nonetheless, I’m reminded today how unpredictable God can be. When I think I know everything that’s coming, when I think I can put my life into a perfect little box, scheduling every moment to a “t,” that’s when God steps in to remind me that His plan is above my plan. His thoughts are higher than my thoughts, and His ways are higher than my ways. My plan is not infallible, not indestructible. God can change anything at any moment. Lord, let me never get too proud to forget that. I love You.

This time of year makes me excited--I start pulling out scarves and hats and sweaters and boots, and everything seems like more of an adventure because of the colder weather. I grew up in Florida, where fall means 79 degrees instead of 99. Ha! So temperatures in the 50s really mean something to me. I mean, I like the cold...most of the time. Eek!

God’s been teaching me a lot lately, showing me His handprint in small places. Songs are gateways to the soul, so I thought I’d share some records
and artists I’ve been listening to lately. Here are a few:

Yesterday, on a plane, I decided it was time. Time to learn how to sew. Actually, I’ve always wanted to learn, but what’s always stopped me from pursuing it has been the fact that I’m not any good at it...yet. What a foolish, self-imposed obstacle! Why let inexperience keep me from learning a new skill?

I don’t know how to keep track of what day it is lately. Starting my work
week when everyone else is clocking out puts me in a strange place. I always
feel like Friday is Monday, and Saturday is Tuesday, and Sunday is Friday.
Then Mondays through Thursdays all feel like Saturdays. Weird, I know. Such
is the life of a traveling artist! Ah, but it’s wonderful. Honestly, I’m not
sure I could do the whole 9-5 thing. So, thank you, God for creating a job
for me.

This was a particularly good weekend. I can look back on every day of the