Happy 1st Birthday!

~~ Exodus 15:26 (NIV84) ~~  He said, “If you listen carefully to the voice of the Lord your God and do what is right in his eyes... I will not bring on you any of the diseases I brought on the Egyptians, for I am the Lord, who heals you.”



by Carley Cooper

Free Source Photo - No Copyrights Claimed
We’re having a birthday!  Worship Melodies is one year old.  To celebrate the occasion of our birthday today, I thought it would be fun to share with you, the story behind how Worship Melodies was born.  You see, it really wasn’t my idea in the first place to do this.  Here’s how it all happened...

One day last year in 2011, somewhere between mid to late April, I was sitting on my couch with my laptop in front of me; working on one of, at least, a dozen big projects that I have on my desktop at any given time.  That issue, of too much work at hand, is another whole blog by itself.  It stems from a problem that lies somewhere between insufficient time management skills and racing Bipolar mania-episode thoughts.  Anyway, as if someone flipped a switch, my mind suddenly went from my task at hand to “I have to start a blog site.”  Before I even realized the thought was there, I had spoken it out loud to myself.   The flipping the switch part, could be a Bipolar matter, but after I spoke those words I realized what I said.  Wow, I’m staring my own website.  Cool!  Sometimes, I think, the racing thoughts matter can be a good thing, because in the next few minutes I had come up with a basic website plan and purpose. 

First, the whole point would be so I can share my journey; the ups and downs of the lessons I’m learning on my way toward God. 

“However, if I’m going to do that”, I thought, “I absolutely have to make it so others can be helped and learn as well.  Otherwise, what’s the point?  I have to lead others to God by using my own life and talents.” 

I saw the whole concept immediately.  It would be a travel theme.  You know... my ‘journey’; like a travel log.  Then I spent the next several hours writing down the specific goals that I wanted to accomplish, and by knowing these goals I would have a title for my blog. 

“Ah ha!  That’s it”, I said.  “I absolutely love that title.  My new site will be called ‘Enlightened Expedition Diaries’.”  


I know what you’re thinking; “Huh?!”  Well, bare with me.  You’ll hear the music in a minute. 

Next I went to work on the design.  I spent the next two weeks, day and night, working on it.  I had the URL reserved, and the background shot was an old treasure map with a compass sitting on top.  The fonts were all picked out to match in designs that fit an old world, pirate-type theme.  After two weeks, I was almost done. 

“Just another day or so”, I thought “and I’ll be finished the design and ‘assembly’ work.”

Wrong! 

At that point in my website design work, one afternoon Blogger.com crashed.  People all over the internet; all over the planet, were freaking out and in a major panic looking to string someone up in a painful way.  In the end, the only way for the Blogspot team to get the site up and running again was to roll back to a past maintenance backup.  Everyone’s work for the previous week was gone.  Forever and ever, AMEN; gone!  There was a lot of very upset people in the world that day; and I was one of them. 

LESSON ONE learned in this journey: Backup as you go!  It’s not just a cute and fluffy theory.  It could actually be handy sometime.

I was back to a website that was only half finished.  “Grrrrrrr”. 

However, I got right back to work and spent the next week redoing everything I had just finished.  Then the day came.  The site is done.  I just need to write a few posts to start.  So, I went online to do some research to see what would be a good first post. 

Stop!  Wait a minute!  “It’s all wrong”, God said.  “It’s gotta be a music theme.”

Truthfully, my heart sank.  “What?  Are you serious?  Oh, but Lord, this is so awesome.  Look at it.  I got a great design and a super cool name, and a treasure map!”

“Music”, He said.

“I’m not a music person, not that I wouldn’t wanna be someday, but I don’t even know how to play any instruments.  The only thing I know about music is what I like to listen to”, I replied.


LESSON TWO: When God gives you an idea, or a command, stop and listen to Him about the details of how He wants it done!


But, there I was, back to designing it all again.  Granted, I was a little cranky about it at first, but the more I worked on it, the more it grew on me.  Some of the work, such as layout I was able to save and use, so I wasn't really back to square  one.  I just needed a new name, URL, background, fonts, email address, and other such things.  So I spent another afternoon coming up with a new name, based on the idea that we are to ‘sing’ God’s praises, even through the tuff stuff.  After another week, I was finished;  again! 

Ta... da!  “This is awesome", I thought.  "God was right.” 

LESSON THREE:  Don’t argue with God.  You won’t win.  God is always right.  Huh, funny thing... it seems that I remember learning that lesson once before. 

Well, I knew then when I finished my design, that this endeavour would be a success.  I don’t necessarily know in what form that success will come, but I know that God told me to do this.  He even picked out the theme.  I pray always, that He would use me to write messages that will touch other’s hearts.  God is leading me in this at every step. 

So, I decided on the topics for my first few articles.  I had read that one should always begin a blog site with, at least, a few posts.  The first one I called, conveniently enough, ‘The First Post.’  

I know, some would say, “for a creative person you’re not very creative.”  But, I liked it. 

Then, I came up with the next couple post ideas and I wrote all the articles.  The next step was to ask Pastor Henry to proof read everything before publishing them; to make sure my writing was good, and my theology was biblically sound.

LESSON FOUR:  Pastor Henry is a cool dude... that is, for an old guy... and especially when he likes my work!  That’s why I've since started baking him a batch of Chocolate Chip Cookies every once in a while.  My Grandma used to tell me “the way to a man’s heart is through his stomach.”  Granted, she was talking about finding a husband, but I figured I could apply the theory to any situation involving keeping a man happy.  Hmmm, that reminds me.  He might be due for another batch. 

The last step was to publish everything and announce it to the world... well, at least to everyone I know anyway.  Which I did in a mass email, and by telling all my friends on Facebook and Spark People

LESSON FIVE:  the blessings never stop when you listen to God.  So on that note, it already is a success. 

My writing has grown and improved through this venture.  My self-confidence is improving.  I am growing closer to God.  And, I am told all the time, by you, my loyal readers, how much I touch your lives with my work.  This is my own little ministry that takes place here in this little corner of the world wide web; and all I really long for is to let others know my heart, in hopes that you will be drawn closer to God just like I am.  Therefore, you too can know His wonderful love and grace through the miracle of His Son, Jesus Christ.  You tell me how much I bless you.  Thank you so much for that from the bottom of my heart and soul.  However, I feel that it is me who is blessed the most, by God through you.  I love each and every one of you.  It’s a very Happy 1st Birthday!     



~~ Dear God ~~  Thank You for the journey.  Thank You for the struggles because, without them, I would not have lessons to write about.  Thank you for the awesome site concept, and for my online friends and readers who support me with each and every post.  Thank you for bringing me into this ministry.  I look forward to seeing where it will lead.  I love You, Lord.  In Jesus name, AMEN.


~~~~ Birthday Gift Give-Away! ~~~~

~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~ GIVE-AWAY CLOSED ~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~~

See comment section below for winner announcement

Worshipers... to celebrate Worship Melodies 1st Birthday, I'm giving away a Birthday Gift!  Please leave a comment about the blog in the comment section below, and you would win a Chris Blakley prize package!  The package contains his last 3 CD’s; plus, a copy of his new book, Words of Thought......or not

Chris Blakley, based out of Clearwater, Florida (with connections to Barrie, Ontario), is a musician, singer and songwriter that preaches the gospel.  His music will thrill and inspire your heart.  He is an inspiration and encouragement to people of all ages.  His soul stirring songs draw people to Jesus.  His style of music varies from rock, contemporary and southern gospel.  

CD’s titles include:
  • Chris Blakley
  • Redemption
  • 4Given – including the song ‘I May Be Down’ from the video below. 
PLUS, if you are the winner and would like the CD’s and the book all autographed personally to you, I will personally ask him to do that before I ship the CD’s and book to you.  Note, however, it will be 3 – 4 weeks before I will see him again in order to ask him to do that. So shipping time will be 4 - 6 weeks before you receive them.  ~Carley

DEADLINE: Friday, June 1st, 2012 at 12:00 Noon (EST)  

A winner will be drawn from the names listed in the comment section below, here on this post titled 'Happy 1st Birthday' on the Worship Melodies website.  The name of the winner will be posted in the comment section here on this post 'Happy 1st Birthday' after 12:00 Noon and before  12:00 Midnight on Friday, June 1st, 2012.  So please come back to see if you’re the winner, and email me your contact details.  If the winner doesn't contact me by the following Friday on June 8th, 2012 at 12:00 Noon (EST), a new winner will be chosen.  (See the Contact page for Worship Melodies contact information).  

Chris Blakley Prize Package



Click this website title link to see Chris's website:

Chris Blakley Ministries Website


Click this website title link to see the Blakley family website, and to hear more clips of Chris's music.  If you're in the Barrie, Ontario area and would like to see Chris preach and perform, he is in town once per month.  Message me and I'll send you the deets:

Note: that Pastor Garnet Blakley, from Barrie, Ontario, passed away in January 2012 from cancer.  He was an incredible evangelist and a man who led many to Jesus.  He won't be forgotten.






~~~~ Photo Opp ~~~~


June 24, 2012 - Carley with Chris Blakley 
(Right after He autographed the CD's for winner, Ravyna)






47 comments :

  1. This is an amazing accomplishment for you and your blog..you always have something good and worthy to read and I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOo proud of you!! hugs..Brenda

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    1. Thank you so much Brenda. That really means so very much t me. HUGZzZzZzZzzzz

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    2. What you have done is not only a great accomplishment, but it shows your steadfast Faith in the Lord Jesus Christ and what wonderful things he has done in your life! It is amazing how he uses us as instruments to do his work each day, but I am never tired of doing it! I love the Lord so much! So keep up the wonderful ministry that your doing! You are truly a blessing!

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    3. Thank you Donde for your wonderful feedback. It really does mean so much to me. I keep saying that to people, but it's so very true. Blessings to you. HUGS.

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  2. Cindi PhillipsMay 27, 2012

    This is awesome Carley...Happy Birthday!! Your blogs are absolutely amazing. Sometimes it is as if you have written them just for me when I have really needed something. Thank you so much! :)

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    1. Thank you so much. That really means so very much t me. Blessings to you. HUGS

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  3. AnonymousMay 27, 2012

    How wonderful!! This is the first time I've checked into this, and I am proud of you!!! WTG and may God continue to bless you!!

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  4. Barbara MihalicMay 27, 2012

    I should have signed my name but was unsure how to do that to the above comment Barbara Mihalic

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. That really means so very much to me. Blessings to you. HUGS

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  5. AnonymousMay 27, 2012

    Hi Carley,
    Thank you for publishing this blog. I smiled to myself when I read that you should never argue with God. I have had that lesson brought home to me as well.

    You are so right that the blessings come to us when we obey God.

    How rich we are to have the Lord in our life.

    Thank you for this piece. 4kwalk aka as Stephanie I did not know how to do the comment thing below.

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    1. Thank you so much. I'm glad it spoke to you. Thank you for sharing. Blessings to you. HUGS

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  6. AnonymousMay 27, 2012

    Carley, HAPPY BIRTHDAY. "A merry heart doeth good like a medicine" As I read through this past years thoughts I was blessed with more than a chuckle or two. You have a gift of making folks feel at home. God bless you in the coming year. Kim (Restfinder from Spark People, Christian Bookworms)

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    1. Thank you so much. That really means so very much to me. I think that is probably one of the best compliments I've received. To make people feel at home is a wonderful compliment. Blessings to you. HUGS

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  7. franceshdMay 27, 2012

    PRAISES TO GOD ON HIGH !

    Congrat and THANKS
    for your ministry

    BLESSINGS !

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    Replies
    1. Thank you so much. I hope you were blessed by it. Blessings to you. HUGS

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    2. FRANCESHDJune 04, 2012

      Woo Hoo
      What a WONDERFUL ministry 1
      Thank you for sharing
      Hug Hug
      BLESSINGS !

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    3. Thank you so very much.

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    4. FRANCESHDJune 04, 2012

      Thank you
      Blakley is GREAT !
      But, No.
      I just bought a bunch of Christian CDs and will let someone else win
      these who may need them more.
      Hugs
      BLESSINGS !

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    5. Thank you for reading. I hope you were blessed by it. That's very kind of you. I've been praying that someone who could really use the blessings would end up with it. That is also Chris's request as well.

      HUGS.

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  8. Happy Birthday! Congratulations on a year of your blog. I have enjoyed reading your blog. Many of your posts have been things I needed to hear at the right time.

    May God continue blessing your writing.

    Lynne

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    1. Thank you Lynne. I love hearing how much my work touches people. It tells me that God is working through me. Many blessings to you. HUGS.

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  9. Blessings to you Carley. You are indeed a gifted writer, and may the Lord continue to use your Words. Ravyna

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    1. Thanks Ravyna. It's friends like you that help inspire me to keep going. I appreciate it so very much. Many blessings to you and your family. HUGS.

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  10. AnonymousMay 27, 2012

    I'm always up for a prize, lol.... God has a way of putting things where I need them. The song was a good one for me today. Happy birthday, however I live in Canada so usually don't qualify. The words are a great prize in themself. I'm sure your cookies are great too. Justyna from Ottawa

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    1. Thanks for reading, and the wonderful comments. I'm glad you liked it and the song. I'm in Canada too (Barrie, Ontario). Many blessings to you. HUGS.

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  11. Congrats on your blog's first birthday. Your blog has been and continues to be a great blessing to me.

    God bless you.

    Rita

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    1. Thank you so much Rita. I'm very happy that you get so much from it. Many blessings to you. HUGS.

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  12. *********************** WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT ***********************

    The winner of the Chris Blakley 3 CD's & Book Prize Package is...

    Drum-roll please................................................

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    KIM (AKA: Restfinder from Spark People, Christian Bookworms)

    Kim, Please contact me, via email, soon with your mailing address. I will ask Chris to autograph the items to you when he is in town again; which will be in about 3 weeks. Then, I will mail the items to you ASAP.


    *********************** CONGRATULATIONS KIM!!!! ***********************

    HUGS ~~~~~Carley

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  13. *********************** WINNER ANNOUNCEMENT UPDATE ***********************

    Worshipers.... Kim has gracefully declined the prize package, hoping that someone who needs the blessing more would receive it. So, I did another draw, and the new winner is Ravyna; who has accepted. The package will be in the mail to you, Ravyna, after I get the items autographed by Chris for you.

    *********************** CONGRATULATIONS RAVYNA!!!! ***********************

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  14. SUNRISE14June 04, 2012

    HAPPY BIRTHDAY MY FRIEND =GOD IS USING YOU WELL ! KEEP UP THE GOOD WORK ! Awesome! Great! Hugs

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    1. Thank you so much. I appreciate your support. Blessings to you. HUGS.

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  15. Awesome. Thank you for sharing

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    1. Thanks so much. I'm glad you liked it. I hope you were blessed by it. Blessings to you. HUGS.

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  16. DAWNDMOORE40June 04, 2012

    Awesome accomplishment! Thank you for sharing your story! Hugs :-D

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    1. Thanks so much Dawn... I'm glad you enjoyed it. Blessings to you. HUGS.

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  17. ANGELREJOICES54June 04, 2012

    Good for you and God is so good! thank for sharing this. Congrats. Great. Way to go.

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    1. Thank you so much Angel... I hope you enjoyed it. Blessings to you. HUGS.

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  18. Nice blog!

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    1. Thanks. I'm glad you liked it. Blessings to you. HUGS.

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  19. BELLACUDDLESJune 04, 2012

    very cool!!! CONGRATS!!!

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    1. Thank you very much. Blessings to you. HUGS.

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    2. BELLACUDDLESJune 04, 2012

      Hugs and all the best to you! God IS blessing YOU!!

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  20. I hadn't realized it had been a year! congrats!

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  21. Happy Birthday!

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    1. Thanks. I hope you were blessed by it. Blessings to you. HUGS.

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