Verses to Abide In
“Always be full of joy in the Lord. I say it again—rejoice! Let everyone see that you are considerate in all you do. Remember, the Lord is coming soon.”
Philippians 4:4-5 NLT
From the Heart
Three of the events we prayed for in our August lineup are past and I want to write about them now before my memories fade away.
Photo: the band at Karen's Place Outdoor Concert, August 3, 2026 with Dave Elitz on bass, Mark Hughes on keys, Matt Standeven on drums, Michael Breece on acoustic guitar, and Laura Breece on acoustic guitar…
I have said it before, my heart is full.
I believe that Philippians 4:4–5 describes well what I am feeling. I am full of joy! Below, I will go through and savor moments that God has used see his hand, to see his love, and the love of others in him. I want to soak in his work and rejoice as I do so!
Over the past some weeks we have meditated on life being temporary, wealth being temporary, and having patience in suffering as we wait for the Lord’s return. As I wait, I want to be alert and tune in to what is happening around me so that I can rejoice all the more!
This prayer below is written from my joy. I would love for you to join in, be encouraged, praise, and—if God brings to heart and mind joys from your life as you go—I would rejoice in that too!
Let's Pray
Abba,
I rejoice, looking out at the crowds and seeing brothers and sisters worshipping—getting to worship together! What joy!
I rejoice, being more physically at ease in air conditioning a week ago Saturday night inside and gorgeous weather last Monday night outside—especially after thunderstorms and flash flood warnings only hours beforehand! Then the comfort of being right at home for the online concert this past Saturday!
I rejoice, feeling all the prayers from the saints who were lifting us up and still do so. I am humbled and flowing with thanksgiving.
I rejoice, feeling God sustain my body even while experiencing the congestion, sore throat, and aches and pains the smoky air and then rainstorms have caused. Thank you, Father. We cry out to you for those who are dealing with major destruction to their homes and communities. May they draw near to you. May they see your hand at work for your purposes in a mighty way.
I rejoice, seeing our band work together to help set things up and tear things down. I count this as part of the worship we have participated in—a Romans 12:1 kind of worship—not just in the music, but in the attitude of our hearts and in loving others, thereby loving you well. We praise you for this same love you first loved us with (1 John 4:19).
I rejoice, seeing our band members go out, talk to, and connect with people who came, as well as getting to connect with those on Facebook and Zoom. Thank you, Lord, for these brothers and sisters in Christ.
I rejoice, having fellowship, good food, and connection through conversation (both fun and deep), music, and prayer with the band, especially as we prepared, but also during the events themselves. Thank you, God, also for the hours the band put in practicing and for the skills and talents you have given. May we continue to serve you well for your glory alone.
I rejoice for the blessing of gracious and kind hosts, sound technicians, and volunteers who welcomed us and worked so hard behind the scenes to make everything happen so beautifully (even welcoming us while wearing their own Child Evangelism Fellowship T-shirts!).
I rejoice for all the “calorie-free” desserts that I know took many hours to make and bake, all the know-how and commitment to making our online concert #576, as well as a pavilion with simple wooden posts transformed into an amazing outdoor stage…again, hours of work. Thank you for these talents and skills used for your glory alone.
I rejoice for those kind souls who ran our merch table and helped raise money for Battle4Children Charities and Child Evangelism Fellowship. I rejoice for the organizations themselves and the good work they do in the name of Jesus. I rejoice for people who had it on their hearts to donate financially to those organizations as the Spirit led.
I rejoice over those who subscribed to this blog…I am so excited for you to be with us! If you are not subscribed and want to be, just scroll down to the “Join the Mailing List” option, enter your email address, and press the button. You will receive an email from Bandzoogle asking you to confirm that you want to subscribe—just tap that you do, and we will be all set. You should then receive an email from me each Monday morning, Lord willing! Here is my website link if this blog post was forwarded to you via email.
I rejoice in sharing the bond, love, and joy in Jesus that causes us to become fast friends and heaven-bound siblings, no matter if we only just met.
I rejoice in getting to connect with people and hear them open up about their trials, their stories, and how God is working in and through it all.
My joy is full!
I rejoice!
Thank you, Father of lights, giver of all good and perfect gifts that come down from above (James 1:17 ESV).
In the name of Jesus, the vine (John 15:5).
Through the Holy Spirit, the Advocate (John 15:26).
Amen!
May the God of hope fill you with all joy and peace as you trust in him, so that you may overflow with hope by the power of the Holy Spirit (Romans 15:13),
Laura
P.S. I would appreciate your prayers for grace—God’s strength—to go on vacation with my family as I still deal with chronic illness. We are going to Disney! I think I may be more excited than my granddaughters about it at this point 🤩. Michael and I plan to celebrate our upcoming wedding anniversary with our tribe in this way, Lord willing. Praise God for almost 30 years together now!
Photo: the band at Acts of Grace Community Church, Saturday, August 1, 2026
Photo: the band singing at Karen's Place Outdoor Concert, August 3, 2026 joined by Liz Collins for “Free”. Liz also opened for us and let me sing harmonies with her. Love you, sister Lizzy!
Photo: the band doing sound check for Karen's Place Outdoor Concert, August 3, 2026 with Staphanie Grant. We were delighted to have Stephanie sing and worship with us!
Photo: Laura and Michael Breece at home playing acoustic guitars with Laura singing online at Red Entertainment's Online Concert on Facebook Live
Photo: Laura and Michael Breece at home online at Red Entertainment's Online Concert on Facebook Live
chatting with great producer, Red Stainbrook and lovely host for the evening, Cat Leigh