Lori Harris: News

Brandon Heath and Britt Nicole played in KC tonight, and I hit the show. Well worth my time.

A quick note: Life is full and only gets fuller. I've put my gift on a shelf for a while to get to work, earn my keep and play along...doing a show here and there but not having enough time in the day to really pursue a career of going full on to promote the music God has given. After all, I have four kids, a husband, a home, a job and 16 baby chickens.
I've been half hearted at best.

Thank you Brandon for saying something short and sweet that cut right to the quick, and gave me a note in capital letters:
WHAT IS YOUR HEART?
YOUR HEART IS PLAN A.
ARE YOU LIVING PLAN B?
THAT'S NOT YOUR HEART THEN.
AGAIN: WHAT IS YOUR HEART?

Funny how the beginning of a dream is like the innocence of Eden--shiny and promising, glistening with dew. The farthest thing from your mind in the beginning is how getting off track may feel...and how easily that can happen. Yet God is faithful; what he begins, He will complete. We may veer, but His intentions do not change. As Britt said tonight (as if only to me), "When God gives you a promise, you might have to wait a long time, but hold onto every word He speaks and don't let go."
His plans will come to fruition if you stay and do not give up.

I have been available, but only halfway. Experience has tainted me. I have allowed God's call to me to slip and become background. Who is not guilty of this from time to time? Yet tonight, in the light of Jesus Christ's cross presented by some of His fellow minstrels, I resumed my original stance of availability for His use...and sure enough, dew fell on my upturned hands.

Come on, Plan A.

In faith I sponsored a child in Uganda through Food for the Hungry (www.fh.org) as an anchor for my decision to fully engage again. Jasper is now a living, breathing reminder of God's call to me to feed His sheep...His bride, whom He loves. To honor that I must rearrange my life to schedule writing time in, rather than feel guilty spending precious time that way. I must record that new album, using the resources God reveals to me (kickstarter, etc) to raise the funds. I must prioritize actions that promote (gulp) my product--this gift of music that happens to bless me and a few others.

Over time there was an end to the innocence, but in Christ there is new life, and it never is actually the end.

Hello Eden. I am home.

Living in the country has taught me a few things. Gasoline goes really fast when you're running kids. Dogs were made to roam and roll in stuff. You can hear God better when the sky is wide open over your head. And God is the one you really want to hear most.

This is the good life, folks. The name of the game is relax and let Him do His thing through your yielded self. Let go of whatever entangles you, because when He's driving, life takes off on a faster clip. Hold onto your hat; changes come around the bend like a storm sometimes, but He's in control, brother. He's taking care of you and yours, sister. Better than you ever thought about handling it, He's got you covered.

So the news is, I'm trusting Him. He's coming through. I'll keep you posted as developments manifest. New album? Coming. Fresh wind? Guaranteed.

Our house is SOLD!

We're moving to the country, people. It's really happening.

This lady walked by four years ago and said as I worked in the yard, "If you ever sell your house, I want to buy it." Since we didn't want to move at that time, I didn't ask her name, just thought she was nice and hid that comment in my heart.

One year ago, when we found our country estate and put our home here on the market, I kept imagining she'd show up. Nope. We got cold feet and bailed in a few months. I forgot about her again. Spent the summer in peace, received unction to move again, and put the for sale sign back up.

Sure enough, this time here she came. Signed on the dotted line November 1. We accepted her offer and wrote an offer for our new homestead today. WHoo Hoo!!

Trust in the Lord. Feed on His faithfulness. Delight yourself in the Lord. He WILL give you the desires of your heart. Glory to His name!

I just returned from an writer's conference called Write About Jesus in St. Louis. The whole event is the brain child and labor of love of Sue Smith, a Nashville writer who has the heart of a teacher and nerves of steel, seemingly--talk about coordination skills. It's a place where people who have gotten miles ahead on their journey in this business come and tell secrets to those of us who are a few steps behind. Okay, lots of steps behind.

While there, i learned a ton. Tonight I'll find out just how much as I type out my notes; they're that good. Perhaps even more important, or at least as important on another level, were the connections I made, because they're relationships...actual camaraderie...with people just like me. Always picking through the world for interesting details in the story, clever lines and cool perspectives that will make great reading later. Or listening. I love them with my whole heart and cannot wait to know them forever.

I met with a publisher from the company I've always wanted to work with. If I loved her more as a person, I'd pop--she reminds me of my best friend from high school and she loves God's Word as much as I do. She seemed to really like the song I played for her, and recommended an audience with her boss. From the first time I entered his class at GMA and didn't even know who he was, I had a hunch about him (I think he's part of my destiny, but don't say that too loud because it's kind of weird). The song's been sent and it's in God's hands and I can't wait to see what will happen next.

Regardless, I trust Him. Regardless, I'll stand,
Chosen, appointed and holding his hand.

That's the chorus of this news flash. Did you catch it? Since WAJ, life is an opera, I swear. I've written three songs and there are a hundred more lined up behind them. Hallelujah! I think I caught a bug...

Just when you think you know what's going on, you find out you don't. I've heard that somewhere before...

Summer came and went, but in the meantime Paul and I drove out to the country twice. Once on the Fourth of July. Someone very adventuresome financially spends about $20,000 a year on fireworks and sets off a private show for his friends...and we found out about it. The kids were with Grandma and Grandpa, so Paul and I got last minute sushi and drove in that guys's general direction totally intending to crash his party (we did know someone there). Last minute indeed; they shut the gate just before we got there. One phone call told us we'd have to make it a private showing for ourselves from the other side of the display if we wanted to take part at all, so we pulled off the country highway into a little nook and started eating.
Boom! Sure enough, we had parked brilliantly--the display was perfectly centered in our field of vision! It was big, it was loud, it was spectacular. With the taste of sushi in my mouth, the barely beginning rain falling gently on my skin, the dramatic percussion of the explosions and the sky full of magnificent patterns of light, I stood up on the bumper of the Trooper and threw my arms in the air. I started to cry--it was all too much--and with a huge smile on my face I sobbed, "For Your glory! For Your glory!" I'm tearing up now just remembering. God set us up. It was one of the defining moments of my life, for how he played upon my senses so, and took such delight in my reaction. I honestly thought I'd burst with praise, He made Himself known so clearly in that hour.

Then again, one summer night in August, Paul and I took one of our famous midnight drives out to, you guessed it, the country highways. We turned off the engine in the middle of a road and got out. We looked up...and it was all over. Stars. Stars like headlights shining down. The Milky Way, a gigantic streak. After a while of standing still in awe, simultaneously we said, "We belong out here."

Drove past the house we had put an offer down on earlier; still for sale. Called the next day; $10,000 price cut. Interest rates lower than ever; only a couple of hundred dollars more to live on 10 acres in a larger house than to live here. We love our house, but now's the time, and there are STARS....

As of today, October 7, we're back at it. Reprise. So much for putting down roots, huh? This time I don't think we'll shrink back, though. God's mind is stayed on us wherever we are. He knows the times and places we will live...so the plot thickens! Thank God I'm a country girl....

Time to get busy! I'll keep posting in the blog, so check there to hear how it's going and such.

;)

And...sometimes you think you know what's going on, but you just don't. We surged forward into a plan we felt good about...until we didn't have peace about it at all. Like, my stomach hurt everytime I thought about it. Then Paul would help me see how wonderful it would be to see the stars in the wide open sky, hear the sounds of only wildlife all the time, send our kids to a tiny little school where they'd have lifelong friends who shared their simple, pure values...and I'd get excited again. Yeah, yeah, that's it, you're right, I'd say, and go to bed happy and gung-ho again.

The next day, Paul's stomach would be hurting. And I'd go over the list with him until he was back on board.

Then it'd be my turn to ache. Back and forth until one day I woke up and said, wait a minute. Lord, are you trying to tell me something?

He will keep in perfect peace those whose minds are stayed on Him. Maybe His mind wasn't stayed on moving us to the country...

So we slipped out of the contract before anyone got hurt. In one day, we undid what we'd been heading toward for the rest of our lives, probably. And the stomach aches stopped.

I've never loved where I am more than I do right now. The Lord totally tricked us, because we'd done an epic amount of home improvement to get our house ready to sell. I typed up a quick facts sheet about all the special things about this house, ending it with the line "Great home lovingly maintained and updated just for YOU!" Glory be, I was talking to myself! How wonderful to be able to enjoy the fruits of our labor instead of passing them onto the next guy, which so often happens. I'm so happy to be in a place that's been customized and kept tip-top for ME.

That's just like God. He sweetened the deal of our staying by upgrading lots of things around here; He knew the task was so daunting that we'd never have tackled it just for our own sakes. Maybe that's the point. Maybe He's saying it's okay to take the time and spend the money to improve the big things that matter to you in life...that you're worth it. That being content where you are, and finding Him in the middle of it, is really what will satisfy us best in the long run anyway. Maybe the ideal and the real can coincide after all.

I'll take it. And I'll see you outside as I sit on my front porch this summer, having officially put down some roots.

Happy New Year, 2010! I hope you're somewhere good in your life, perched on the edge of this fresh start. So many dials are going to be set this year that will determine the path of the decade to come. The Harris family will soon be relocating to a house on a hill near Lone Jack, Missouri...that's our big news around here. We joined a new church and they're commissioning me soon. I'm also excited about recording the new album in months ahead. Called Lifted, it's full of tunes that depict higher, better, happier and more glorious ways of looking at things. (Don't know about you, but I find myself needing songs like that often!) All told, the air is full of possibility. Are you ready to DREAM WITH GOD? I am. Let's see where that leads us.

I love my job. The mother-daughter brunch at Grace Methodist Church this morning came off beautifully. Leaving the details like the songlist and what to say up to the Lord is turning into my favorite thing to do; I'm pleased to no end by how all elements of the show fit together when I move over and let him drive. The Holy Spirit is absolutely brilliant. I'm glad He's my best friend other than Jesus:)

In thirty minutes I get to return to my stage at Lee's Summit Community Church to sing with some more good friends, the band from Open Range Fellowship. An outreaching country church extraordinaire--these people are throwing rodeos, horse training clinics, riding events for at-risk kids, traveling to native American hotspots to serve and preach God's loving truth...They truly live to seek and save the lost. Outsiders, get ready to come in--the posse is coming to love on ya! This weekend is Open Range's opportunity to tell it on the mountain and ask for support to keep telling it in the valley of the shadow, if you know what I mean. Man, I love partnering with people who mean business.... Souls saved...that's what I'm talking about. Praise God for the open range--freedom in Christ!

Check out the blog I'm about to write for more info, but in a nutshell: I'm alive. That's more than I should be after the head on collision me and my two girls just had on the highway. Everyone's okay, but the Lexus gave his life for his friends today...
I hydroplaned coming up a ramp into morning traffic. Angels let my car spin in the middle of the wet highway for a 360* turn and a half, then stopped it completely, perfectly, facing the oncoming two lanes of traffic. Wait...wait...BOOM. Airbag. Strong push to the side. Smoke. Head shake. Bones hurt. "Mama...." Dread to look over, afraid of what I'll see. Beautiful Olivia, grimacing at the smell of the airbag stench. Precious Chloe in the backseat, totally fine, opening the door to get out.
And that's all. The other driver was unhurt, the crews were lightning fast to get us out of the way...it was all over in thirty minutes. And we're alive.
Never have I felt more purpose. It's all because of Jesus I'm alive...in more ways than one. Grace time, that's what this is.

There have been a few pivotal moments in my life that served as rudders to steer me toward my destiny.

This first trip I just took to Nashville is in that category. I have seen the Holy Spirit radiate through great talent like Michael W. Smith, Leeland, Chris Sligh and heard many new artists you will surely soon know too. I have perched on the edge of my seat listening to writers like Tony Wood, Joy Williams and Dave Clark tell of their journeys toward number one hits, and I've written their insights till my pens ran dry... I've been blessed and I've been changed.

A season of great learning blows in upon the breeze. With all my soul holds, I hold my breath to quantum leap! I hope you know this kind of challenge, this courage, resolution--this kind of certainty in your life, because it's causing revolution...

I love Nashville!

Only hours from getting to breathe cleansing breaths on the early flight to Nashville for the Gospel Music Association's annual industry event called "Immerse." It'll be my first time to go by myself to Music City with musical intentions, and I am expectant! I hate to go to conferences with expectations that can be dashed if they don't come true, so I usually make it my policy to stay hopeful but not married to an outcome.
I want to keep my eyes peeled and not miss a thing. God arranged things in funny ways to get me there, and there are a million songwriting courses that may teach me new things and keep me happy and for a long time. Oh, and those songs I entered in the little contest, they may do something, too. Who knows? See you when I come back up for air...

As the family and I were driving back from Florida a couple of weeks ago, it was all I could do not to stop in Nashville for the night. Being only 9:30 pm, it was too early and would've made an epic trip the next day, so I kept on keeping on until Paducah, but boy was it hard. I belong in Nashville, and I've never been.

Well, the Lord heard my cry, because He's arranged a trip at the end of the month! Gospel Music Association's event called Immerse is the industry's standard place to meet people, compete for awards and generally get your music heard. I put down as one of my yearly goals to go this year, then sort of lost track of it and didn't follow through...but due to a fortuitous meeting in the dentist's office last week, I'm now on my way!!!

A friend's invitation is sometimes all it takes to get the ball rolling. Now I've submitted three songs (New Thing, Fly and Delight) for review and consideration to be the Song of the Year 2009...an honor that would open a lot of doors for the rest of my songs to come marching through into the world at large.

Pray, if you will, for favor, technical perfection and God's timing. These are His songs; it's just my job to get them out where people can hear them. I'm so excited for this opportunity! Not to mention the songwriting classes and tours of Music Row and divine appointments galore that await...

trust in the Lord and do good/ dwell in the land/ feed on His faithfulness/ delight yourself also in the Lord/ and he will give you the desires of your heart
Psalm 37:3-4

Wow! It's been a week since my return from amazing California, and as the saying goes, there's no rest for the weary. The last week of school means field trips to the Missouri state capital, Worlds of Fun, sixth grade graduation, packing teacher gifts...the list goes on and on, but there's no place like home!

Actually, I"m energized.

Some wonderful things happened there at the retreat that have stuck with me. Our worship truly flowed to God from our deepest hearts; there was a connection and openness I have not experienced before. So honest and free. There in that atmosphere where heaven mingled with earth, people let go of some stuff that needed to go...some healings came inside that reset some dials...I'll even grin and say some futures got rearranged to the glory of God. He totally showed up--He let His royal court extend into our earthly room--and we will never be the same.

I loved the Redwoods, the Bay area, the mountains of Redding...but oh, the ladies I met were my favorite part. In particular, one intelligent lady named Leigh gave her life in exchange for Jesus'. It's my favorite story of all, because I could see for myself the new light in her eyes. Coming out of one kingdom into another is a very real, extremely brave transition, and the transformation has physical attributes if you know what to look for... and I do, for I manifested the differences myself twelve years ago. When true courage entered my heart, it reflected in my eyes, as it now gleams out from Leigh's. So beautiful.

My takeaway from the whole experience is that the Presence of God brings life and peace, and most importantly, TRUTH. His honest reality cuts through the questions and messy business of life here on earth, whether religious or secular. He is good, His words are good, His plan is good, His justice is good...and we do well to focus on Him when the going gets tough or busy or unexplainable. Lots of deception clouds our lives, but the glory of God shines above it all forever.

Choosing to do what it takes to come into His presence even in the midst of our lives, we can sit with Him and enjoy things from His perspective, understand with His wisdom, be energized...so we can run and not grow weary, walk and never faint.

Oh, this is what it means to wait, to wait upon the Lord! Blessings on you all, ladies of Calvary Temple! Ladies in waiting!

Olivia and Chloe just finished up a full show week (which means I'm still panting, too) -- the play was HONK Jr., a precious poultry tale starring the ugly duckling. This production beat out Mamma Mia and The Lion King for some awards recently, and it's easy to see why. Great script, songs and characters. Another overall great experience with CYT! (That's Christian Youth Theater. Maybe there's one in your area! Check it out; it's an awesome organization! We are becoming big fans:)

Thursday I'm off to the Redwood Forest for some quality time with Jesus. I'll be leading some ladies in worship too, and that means coordinating details, so pray all you want:) While I'm out that way, I'll be visiting a church called Bethel in Redding, a place where the people are inviting God to come in and heal the sick and boy, is He ever! I've wanted to go for months just to see for myself what's happening, and the Lord has totally made a way.

Can't wait to see what's in store!

Whoo-hoo! Last weekend we kicked up some dust for Easter in the barn--Ransomed Heart Ranch, to be exact, where Open Range Fellowship meets weekly for cowboy church. Special to this particular event was Lew Sterritt, a preacher/horse trainer/counselor who lays truth out so clearly...because he's simultaneously breaking a green horse right before your very eyes. You're the horse in this 3-D example, and he plays the part of God.
Amazing insights that you'll never forget come out of scenes like that one. Glory to be part of presentations like this! Many hearts were touched and led to know God more than ever before.

This Saturday, the 18th, I will have the privilege of clearing the way for a dear woman to tell her story of coming into who she really is inside. Meribeth Goddard glows with the light of Jesus like few do; her story will inspire and bless all who end up at the Women of Worth event at LSCC. Come if you can! The food is incredible and the time to engage is now!

Seven minutes to say in a nutshell: it's almost time to record another album....and this one's starting off so cool! Since I love to perform live and love to record in the studio, why not do both at the same time?

The first step is always capturing the songs in their essence, just vocals and piano. My first album, Life in the Fire, was simply that...it's all I could afford at the time, yet it's the one most people love the most. Raw. Mistakes! Simple and heartfelt. No wonder.

I believe the Lord blesses synergy--when people of like mind get together and celebrate Him--so I'm going to invite people who are blessed by my music to come experience what studio work is like. A live show, recorded on the studio piano! Telling the stories behind the songs! So fun! In that place of soupy glory, I want to capture the songs that will be heard for reference later by musicians, etc. Who knows? They may turn out so we don't have to add much.

Two minutes til I have to pick up the girls from Christian Youth Theater rehearsal. Just wanted to let you all know there's another project beginning, that there'll be some different elements involved, and I am SUPER EXCITED ABOUT IT ALL! I love my job!!!!!

Thanks for being on this journey with me, reading this here and sharing the ride. I love you madly. You are a blessing to me :)x

Something wacky happened at the 7-11 tonight--something totally out of the ordinary. Read about it on my blog, found in the links tab up above.

Last night I shared the stage with Phil Keaggy and Paul Clark. What?! That is, like, so cool. The musicianship on that stage was so phenomenal that I just hoped and prayed not to be lame...and God answered. For an unrehearsed jam session in front of a packed house...so many smiles...so fun! Thanks to Paul C. for inviting me to the party!! It gets into the favorite moments category, for sure.

I'm in from the Carolinas where I spent a magical week with friends, lots of like-minded people and the Lord God Himself.

Tonight, March 26: I'm singing with Paul Clark and Phil Keaggy and a stellar band. Come join us at Emmanuel Baptist at 101st and Metcalf in Overland Park, KS. 6:00pm!

I'm flying out to Charlotte North Carolina tomorrow for a conference ALL BY MYSELF. This may not seem like a big deal to some of you fancy travelers, but this is a first for me. And I'm excited! I love adventures!

I'm not really alone, anyway. I've got better than GPS in my corner, baby. Jesus on the mainline/ tell Him what you want...

Good to know He's there, especially when you need a traveling buddy. He knows all the good places to eat.

New wine needs new wineskin...and I'm bursting at the seams.

The website is undergoing some changes, if you haven't noticed. It's all about me being able to get in and update everything all by myself...from my kitchen desk in my pajamas. No webmaster to call. No procrastinating. It's so easy just to make little tweaks here and there so I can better keep in touch with you, my dear friend.

Keep the living water flowing!