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5 Comments1/24/2012

Oh, The Impact Of A Song

It never ceases to amaze me how music impacts us. At the core it seems so simple. Nothing complicated, no studying or tests are involved. Music truly touches us at our core. I love that those little melodies and lyric phrases soak into our core and stick with us. And I do mean stick to us. Just yesterday, I was sitting at my church after a meeting and randomly an old Sunday School song was playing in my head and I started singing it. Now, this is a song I’ve known for over twenty years. It’s not a song I’ve sang in years and yet in the middle of my Monday afternoon it’s melody and it’s lyric came back to remind me of God’s truth. I know what you’re thinking….sure, Yancy but you’re really into music so it’s easy for you to remember old songs from long ago. Oh c’mon, you’re in the same boat. My husband who isn’t a musician and is no professional music database can start rapping inappropriate raps that he learned as a kid, at school, over twenty years ago. Music takes hold of us and plants itself deep within. That’s why I feel so incredibly blessed to make music not like the latter but that is filled with life, truth and promise that kids can learn now, to help them in their walk with Christ…but the cool part is the songs and truths will stay with them way into their adulthood. Ah, goosebumps!

So, as you probably (hopefully) know I’ve released a new “Little Praise Party” album named “Happy Day Everyday” for preschoolers. Just yesterday I was at a friend’s house and something came up about the CD/DVD they only got a week or so ago and immediately the child started singing one of the songs “Bye, bye, bye to fear. I don’t have to be afraid. Bye, goodbye to fear. God is always with me.” (Deuteronomy 31:6) Inside my heart was jumping because yay…the song is sinking in. The truth is sinking in. The promise that we can hold to and cling to whenever the storms of life come our way to remind us “Do not fear. God is with us” was sinking in. The Bible has promised God’s word will not return void. (Isaiah 55:11) The seed that’s planted in that child through that song is God’s word and it’s not going anywhere. Yippee! Hallelujah! Our God is so awesome and cool and the fact that I get to teach kids His word and what He’s done for us through these songs and through these videos is AMAZING!

Yesterday, I also read a message on Facebook from a preteen who was at an event I led worship at last weekend. I signed something to her and put Romans 8:31. She went home looked it up and then wrote me to say. “That’s cool. I remember that being in one of the songs we sang.” Yep, the songs can help her remember God’s word! Oh, the impact of a song + the Jesus factor is pretty wonderful I do believe.

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1 Comment1/12/2012

It’s finally here, Little Praise Party-Happy Day Everyday

Over the past couple years I’ve had what felt like non-stop requests for more preschool music in the LIttle Praise Party series. I’ve been working on the project now for some time so it’s so exciting to me that this week “Little Praise Party-Happy Day Everyday” is finally available. Check it out here at: http://yancynotnancy.com/store/ministry-resources/#left_column

There are fifteen new songs plus a bonus lullaby mix of one of the songs. I’m thrilled that there are songs to help kids celebrate some of the most special days/seasons of the year including Easter, Thanksgiving, Birthdays, and Christmas. Not to mention there’s songs that talk about not being afraid and the great commission encouraging them to “Go into all the world and teach the good news.” The DVD option will not disappoint either. There are dancing turkeys and pigs playing guitar, disco balls and of course animated Yancy with all her lil’ friends and family. So if you have preschool kids or if you have friends who do please check out this new CD and DVD. I really am excited it’s finally here and available ready to rock minivans, SUVS and living rooms. And also ready to help churches and nurseries teach kids how to worship (Psalm 8:1&2). I’d appreciate any facebook, blog and twitter posts to help me spread the word. Thanks for your help and support.

Blessings,
YANCY

P.S. When you order be sure to get free shipping with code: yancylovesme

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Comment1/6/2012

First Christmas, New Year, New Things

I hope you and yours had a fantastic Christmas and New Years. Mine was especially fun and filled with new memories made as it was Sparrow’s first Christmas. Now, ten months, he was full of smiles, hugs and had fun playing with some of his new toys. Our home was definitely with much joy this Christmas, with some extra thanks for the blessings we’ve been given this past year. Last week we had family in town and then friends from out of state. We helped with our church’s high school lock-in and then celebrated the New Year with family and friends. Time sure does fly when you’re having fun. I hope special memories were made for you and yours. I’m expecting 2012 to be an awesome year. 2011 was pretty great but I believe 2012 is gonna rock!

Next week is the official release of “Little Praise Party-Happy Day Everyday”. I’ve been working on this project for some time so it’s release finally being here is truly answered prayer. My heart is full of expectation as people, families and churches experience the new songs and videos. I can’t wait to hear testimonies of how the music makes an impact on individuals and families. Tuesday, January 10th is the official release. Help me spread the word to your family and friends that have preschool aged children. Next week, I’ll be at the Children’s Pastors Conference in Orlando. It will be a huge opportunity to get the word out to churches about this new resource. Help me pray for open doors and new relationships and connections for me and the music. It’s only January, the first month of our new year. I’m off to a great start and I hope your year is too.

More to come,
YANCY

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2 Comments12/15/2011

‘Tis The Season

I LOVE Christmas. In every way possible….I love the decorations, music, gifts, food, time with family and friends, the whole bit. Hopefully you’re having fun this Christmas season. More than anything during this season I hope you’re taking a moment to reflect and remember the amazing story that isn’t just a story but is everything I believe in. Jesus was born to be the Savior of the world. A few weeks ago I was at a meeting at my church helping plan some services and we were discussing Mary and the wonderful, Godly characteristics that her life displayed. I love that Mary’s response to finding out she would be giving birth to Jesus as a virgin, unmarried, supernaturally…was to worship God and give Him praise. Of all the human nature responses she could have had, she chose to worship God. Look at Luke 1:46-55

And Mary said: “My soul glorifies the Lord
47 and my spirit rejoices in God my Savior,
48 for he has been mindful
of the humble state of his servant.
From now on all generations will call me blessed,
49 for the Mighty One has done great things for me—
holy is his name.
50 His mercy extends to those who fear him,
from generation to generation.
51 He has performed mighty deeds with his arm;
he has scattered those who are proud in their inmost thoughts.
52 He has brought down rulers from their thrones
but has lifted up the humble.
53 He has filled the hungry with good things
but has sent the rich away empty.
54 He has helped his servant Israel,
remembering to be merciful
55 to Abraham and his descendants forever,
even as he said to our fathers.”

However you spend the next couple weeks I hope that daily you will choose to be like Mary and let your life glorify God. Take a moment and stand in awe of God’s big plan for your life. What an amazing God we serve! Jesus is Emmanuel, born for you and for me. ’tis the season!

YANCY

P.S. Sparrow is 9.5 months now…growing up so much daily. Here’s a couple new pictures!

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Comment11/23/2011

Out Of The Mouths Of Babes

So one of the treasures I’ve experienced in recent years is hearing testimonies of the positive impact my music has made on kids and families. One of the unexpected places my music has gone is through the series “Little Praise Party”. It’s one of those things along the journey that I had no idea I’d do one day and even more so had no idea what a huge impact could be made. I’m so grateful for the opportunity that I’ve been given through the ministry of “Little Praise Party”. Last week on facebook I saw two different posts that put a smile on my face and I wanted to share them with you.

Story #1
Wish I would have gotten a picture of Bella walking around Hobby Lobby, with a swaddled baby jesus (which she took from their nativity display and swaddled herself), singing Yancy’s song “Whoa I have life, whoa I have peace, whoa I have joy cause Jesus gives life to me!”

Story #2
Chloe was singing “Praise Party” when she stopped suddenly and asked: “Nay Nay when we sing to Jesus, does His heart sparkle?” You know…I think it does.

Give your child experiences which can be through music to hide God’s word in their heart. Psalm 119:11 (NIV©1984) says “I have hidden Your Word in my heart that I might not sin against you.” If you want your child to grow up in love with Jesus you need to help them get His word in their heart. I think those two stories are great examples of what Psalm 8:1&2 (MSG) tells us: God, brilliant Lord, yours is a household name. Nursing infants gurgle choruses about you; toddlers shout the songs that drown out enemy talk, and silence atheist babble.

Don’t ever underestimate the power of a child praising God. They don’t have to be twelve or older to get it. They get it from the youngest of ages because God created them. He created them to seek and desire to bring praises to God. Create opportunities for them to express that praise that they were created for. After all, I agree with little Chloe….when we sing to Jesus, His heart sparkles!

Until next time,
YANCY

P.S. This isn’t a plug just a FYI…I’m thrilled that an all new “Little Praise Party” called “Happy Day Everyday” is releasing in January. I hope you’ll check it out. http://yancynotnancy.com/store/cds/new-little-praise-party-happy-everyday/

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Comment11/8/2011

Merry CHRISTmas

OK so I know my last post included pictures at the pumpkin patch….and I know that we haven’t even made it to Thanksgiving yet. But, still I’m excited because today at my local Target I walked in to a Christmas wonderland. It surprised me at first and then I remembered oh yeah, Halloween is over (YES!) so we do get the Christmas items. As a huge fan of Christmas (which if you’ve been reading for long you know this already) I love it all and really I love it any time of year. I don’t have to wait to put my tree up post-Thanksgiving. Today, as I walked in to Target I realized in multiple places their holiday signage said two words that have been missing from a lot of retail establishments “Merry Christmas”. Yes! I love it. No more “Happy Holidays”, it’s all about what the season is all about and that is Jesus Christ, born to us, the Savior of the world. I’m sure I’ll have many more posts about Christmas in the next two months but I think this is a win for us Christ followers. Don’t you agree? Merry Christmas!

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Comment11/1/2011

Season of Thankfulness!


It’s November! Can you believe it? This year has flown by and as we are nearing the end entering the last two months of the year it’s a special time. The holidays are upon us. Extra time with family and friends to rejoice and celebrate. The month of November is a time that we most often reflect on our blessings and give thanks! I encourage you to dig in and remind yourself of the things you should be grateful for. Have a thankful heart throughout this month (and always). Psalm 9:1 says “I will give thanks to you, Lord, with all my heart. I will tell of all your wonderful deeds.” (NIV)

As I look back over this year I realize I have been so blessed. Sure, throughout all my life but even more so specifically 2011. I am so grateful for God’s goodness, faithfulness and provision in my life. Earlier this year my son Sparrow was born. He has been the gift that keeps on giving! There are many other things both big and small for which I’m so thankful I serve a God who loves me and has big plans for my life.

I am thankful for you! Because of you there are people to listen to my music. Because of you there’s people to give and support this ministry. To show you a little thanks for being in my life enjoy a 25% discount on anything you order from http://www.yancynotnancy.com through Sunday, November 6th using code: thankful

Here are a few recent fall pictures of Sparrow including him as “Charlie Daniels”. He’s 8 months now.

 

Until next time,
Yancy

 

 

 

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2 Comments10/23/2011

New Little Praise Party Will Release Soon

Over the past few months I’ve been working on a new CD and DVD for preschoolers. It’s the newest installment in the Little Praise Party series. This CD and DVD called “Happy Day Everyday” will release officially January 10th (but we’re hoping to be able to start shipping pre-orders in time for Christmas.) Stay tuned for more details over the next couple weeks. We’ll start taking pre-orders very, very soon.

We hope you’ll be as excited as we are about this new music and videos for preschoolers!

Yancy

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Comment9/20/2011

Countdown to Chicago KidMin Conference

I’ve told you about an experience in Chicago called KidMin Conference that’s coming up before. I’m excited. It’s coming up starting October 7th. I hope that you’ve made plans to attend cause I want to see you there. There’s a great list of speakers that are going to be a part of it that I’m proud to call friends of mine: Sam Luce, Gina McClain, Dale Hudson, Patrick Snow and many more. I’ll be there. My Dad, Jim Wideman, will be there. I know it will be a great time of learning, networking, laughing, growing and challenging each other. I’m excited for all the conference itself will offer (including a little mini concert by myself!) but also excited to kick back and chat with leaders like you. I love to talk about kids worship. What are your challenges, needs, successes, wins? I want to hear it. I want to learn and grow. KidMin Conference will give us all the opportunity to do just that.

You may not be registered yet….but it’s not too late. Go to: http://www.childrensministry.com/kidmin-conference Plus, if you use the code: yancy when you register you’ll get a free meal at the conference.  You’ll get your FREE meal ticket with your badge at registration)

So what are you waiting for? The clock is ticking. I hope to see you at KidMin Conference in Chicago!

Yancy

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1 Comment9/15/2011

Summer Is over! Oh My It’s Fall

Hello,

Ok so, I haven’t been super great about blogging lately. My only excuse is busyness! I had a great summer and got to be a part of some great summer events like camps and Vacation Bible Schools plus some Back to School events. I had a great time and enjoyed meeting new people and seeing some familiar faces along the way.

My sister got married back in July. It was an awesome time with family and friends celebrating my baby sister!

Sparrow is growing like crazy. He’s six months, 3 weeks. I’m completely amazed at how fast a baby goes from being totally helpless to sitting up and grabbing things. He’s so much fun. Here’s some pictures to prove it! :-)

I’ve been hard at working finishing up the next Little Praise Party for preschoolers. It will be available on CD and DVD and will release in January. (Stay tuned cause I might be able to pull some strings for you all to have it by Christmas.) I’m so excited about this new music and teaching kids to sing to their Creator!

Summer is behind us. Fall is upon us. Thanks for keeping me in your thoughts and prayers. I hope you and yours are off to a great fall! Many blessings….

YANCY