Hot New Product!!!!!!!

I have been a bit quiet around these parts, which shouldn't be seeing as I have finished work and should have plenty of time up my sleeve for rambling. But, contrary to what my old boss things, I am not exactly a "Lady of Leisure" - I keep finding or being given plenty of things to do. It constantly amazes me how busy all my friends, family and acquaintances and yet how there is always so much more to be done! One of those things about life I suppose.

Anyhow, I do have exciting news to share with you. Eastward's very first Music Camp DVD is fresh off the press and now available for you to purchase! I am so excited about this and the fact that they only became available this morning should back up that statement. I haven't yet watched the DVD, although I have watched and rematched every single video that is on it. They are all my favourites...ok...not quite but I do love them all.

The DVD includes all the music videos from Music Camp 2014 and Music Camp 2015 as well as videos featuring the Eastward Choir and special features which I am absolutely not going to tell you what they are because, you really need to purchase the DVD. We hundreds of DVDs there so there is plenty for you but you should get in quick and get your own copy as they will go quickly. Oh and before I forget, there is a special discount available on the DVD to celebrate it's release but it is only available for a short period and then full price will have to be paid. So that's another good reason to get in quick and get your copy now.

How do I get my copy then? I am so glad you asked! It's a simple process - simply head over to https://mus.camp/Shop/ and it's right there, ready to go! What's not to love about how easy that is?


Do I have to pick it up? No way! At checkout, simply enter your address and select your preferred shipping method and the Eastward Music Camp will post you out your DVD so you can just sit at home and wait for it to arrive!

Don't forget to visit https://mus.camp/Shop/ TODAY to order your copy of this exciting production!

To view concert videos from Music Camp 2016 please click here: https://www.youtube.com/user/EastwardCollege

What is your favorite song that Music Camp has done so far? What songs would you like to see arranged in the future?

Eastward Music Camp 2015 - An Invitation

Do you remember these smiling faces from music camp last year? (Eastward Music Camp) Did you get to watch all the fun that we had learning about music and producing three high-quality music video featuring a small ensemble and a choir made up solely of young people? (Behind The Scenes - 2014 Music Camp) Did you watch the videos we created or attend the concert we presented at the end of our two weeks together?

Well, Music Camp is back. Eastward Music Camp will be held June 28th - July 11th. If you enjoy playing or singing to the glory of God and would love to be part of an exciting video production then come! Not only will we be creating a masterpiece to share with others but we will receive quality musical training from young people who have given their musical talents to God and have received blessings in knowledge and abilities from Him. You don't need to have any special musical knowledge; you don't even need to play and instrument! There are just two prerequisites: 1. A desire to do all to the Glory of God, and 2. A willingness to sing in the camp choir. That's it! 

For more information visit: http://mus.camp 

Music Camp 2014 Videos

Behind the Scenes - Eastward Music Camp 2014 

For more Eastward Productions visit: http://eastward.tv

What if we could give music to those who need it most?

What if we could give music to those who need it most? What if, instead of giving toys, we gave melody? What if young people all around the world could share in the richness of talent encouraged? What if squalor and want could be brightened with music?

Making God Proud

Have you ever stopped to think how blessed you are? Have you ever wondered 'why me'? Did the thought ever cross your mind that you could have been an orphan in Africa, starving and sick? Do you ever pour out your heart in thankfulness to God?

I have been meditating on all the incredible ways that God has blessed me during my life that have shaped who I am. A godly, service-centered family, wonderful parents, wonderful grandparents, the best friends, experiences, the people I've met they've all combined to make me who I am. I was thinking on these things and pondering why I have been able to have access to all these blessings. Why did I receive the knowledge and experience which, combined with the mighty workings of the Holy Spirit have given me a relationship with my Heavenly Father which is the greatest gift of my whole life. Why me? 

Then, God spoke to my heart. His words were simple but the meaning profound. (Just for the record I think that's probably how God always speaks.) He said, "You don't deserve it but you can make me proud."

I did nothing to deserve the blessings and position I have been placed in. I was placed here by God to fulfil a work but He had no proof that I would do it. I couldn't choose to be privileged but I can choose to make the most of it. I can make God proud that He put me here. I can bring glory to Him through my life and I can spread sunshine to the people I come in contact with. I can praise Him with my voice and worship Him with my actions. I can make God proud.

The Wisdom of Age

Yesterday I roamed the two local shopping centres handing in my resume at shops that I thought I might like to work. I'm in the market for a job. I'd finished one shopping centre and had just done two shops on the next when I was stopped by a friendly-looking old man.
"Are you handing out resumes?" He asked, arresting my attention.
"Yes."
"I am so proud of you!" I was taken back, but pleasantly. I could feel something coming of this.
He went on to encourage me to keep it up and then, "Have you heard the saying that's made up of ten, two-letter words?" I hadn't. "If it is to be it is up to me." He said, bending down so his mouth was close to my ear. Then, like the father he was he made me repeat it aloud to him.
"If it is to be it is up to me."
"Good. Keep going and you'll make it in life." He said. Then went to find his daughter who he'd lost in the process of our conversation.

I am so thankful for his advice. I wasn't discouraged but almost every shop that I'd been to had said, "I'm sorry but it's the slow time." or "We'll keep it on file but we don't have any positions at the moment." This kindly old man gave me that boost of confidence to keep going and, even though he didn't realise it, the reminder that I was doing my part and the rest was up to God.
While I don't think his quote is complete in it's sentiments, it's a powerful reminder for me to step through the cracks in the doors and when God calls me, go. If it is to be, it is up to me to take the first step.

I'll never forget that old man in the shopping centre. It's almost like he was sent from God.

A Strong Confidence

It's one of those quiet, drizzly days when you feel the urge to curl up in front of a fire with a book. My sisters have succumbed to that temptation - minus the fire. I'm sitting beside them reflecting on 2015 so far and speculating about the future. There is so much scope for speculation and imagination at this stage in life. I'm young, I'm free, I'm facing the world with a fresh perspective the energy of youth. There is so much out there that I could do - there is so much potential.

So far, I must confess, 2015 has probably been my favourite year. It has flown by in a flurry of service, work, beautiful friendships and answered prayer. Do & Dare has already blessed my soul with it's atmosphere of genuine searching to know Christ personally and deeply. God did a mighty work at camp this year of which I will be eternally grateful. There is nothing like a week when you pushed out of your comfort zone and stretched to your limits to draw you closer to Christ. When they truth hits you that God is the only one who can sustain you, there is nothing you can do but throw yourself completely into His arms and trust Him to carry you through.

While I'm here, I just want to share with you a few verses that have helped bring me through the last few weeks. While they have been beautiful and blessed, they have not been easy and these verses have always been dropped in my lap just when I needed them. I hope they bless and encourage you as much as they did me.

"God is our refuge and strength, a very present help in trouble. Therefore will not we fear, though the earth be removed, and though the mountains be carried into the midst of the sea…the LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge. Come, behold the works of the LORD…Be still, and know that I am God: I will be exalted among the heathen, I will be exalted in the earth. The LORD of hosts is with us; the God of Jacob is our refuge." Ps 46:1-2,7,8,10-11

"Counsel is mine, and sound wisdom: I am understanding; I have strength." Proverbs 8:14

"In the fear of the Lord is strong confidence: and His children shall have a place of refuge." Proverbs 14:26