He’s Singing Over Us – Time for Us to Sing over Him

A dear friend who is an accomplished vocalist and guitarist recently tripped going up deck stairs and broke her wrist. Surgery was required and thanks be to God the surgery was a success but a hard cast plus therapy is in store for her. This precious woman has been an incredibly faithful music leader for several faith-based organizations and her church. Can we imagine losing the ability (even temporarily) of a talent and ability that has been such a blessing to so many?

I pray she hears God singing over her as she has sung and played for Him so faithfully. Zephaniah 3:17 says: "The Lord your God is among you, a warrior who saves. He will rejoice over you with gladness. He will be quiet in his love. He will delight in you with singing.”

Here’s the thing about my friend and you and me. God is always aware of what is going on in our lives at every moment. And, even when we become children of God and are obedient to Him, honoring and serving Him, troubles may still come our way and our sunshine-filled days turn into rainy days, and even storm-filled days. This is where scripture tells us to “offer the sacrifice” of praise. We don’t always feel like praising the Lord in joyful singing. Sometimes we're down, depressed and hurting closing the shades, staying in bed and pulling the covers over our head, just makes sense.

But, don't go there. Instead, offer a sacrifice of praise! A sacrifice is something not easy to give. It costs something. It takes more effort than we can put out. Why bother? Surely God will understand. Yes, He might understand, but He knows praise defeats the enemy who is trying to get the best of us. That's why there are many scriptures that urge us to praise!

It is often called “a sacrifice of praise” in scripture. Hebrews 13:15-16 says: “Through Him, let us continually offer up a sacrifice of praise to God, that is, the fruit of our lips that acknowledge His name. Do not neglect to do good and to share what you have, for such sacrifices are pleasing to God.” What? Doing good and sharing what we have are considered sacrifices of praise to God.

In our country, it’s almost impossible to not hear negativity – hurting people hurt people and things (i.e, lost lives, properties and beloved sites destroyed, and distraught and hurting people). Too often we are waiting on God to do something when He is waiting on us to make the first move. He has already made the first move by all that Jesus did on the cross. He has provided liberally for our salvation, our healing, our provision as well as other things too numerous to count.

It’s time for us to hit the ground running each day – with sacrifices of praise and thanksgiving. Sometimes we don’t know where to start or what to say because we haven’t been used to doing it. But, let’s try it. Be specific. For example: “I praise you, God, for keeping my family safe from the C-Virus. I thank you that I’ve still been able to work. I praise you for my home, my car, my food, my clothes.”

It may not be easy to utter those words – but that’s what a sacrifice is. Praise changes us, as well as the atmosphere around us. It lifts the down feeling that settles in on us. Someone said, “You have to make your own sunshine.” Praise to God has a way of moving the clouds out and bringing the sunshine in. So, today, "God, we enter into your gates with thanksgiving and into your courts with praise!" That's the least we can do for He Who sings over us daily.

Road Warrior Widow Tips for Living with No Regrets

Phew! I gasp even as I type this blog today. My sweet ride (my trusty 2010 Buick Enclave – now at 130,000 miles) has been road tested to the nth degree over the last few weeks. Up to Tulsa for a funeral, back to Tulsa for another funeral, down to South Texas for two funerals, down to Austin to catch my grandson’s football game, back to Dallas for the Red River Rivalry of Texas vs Oklahoma and back to Frisco for a few days only to go back to Austin next week. People are amazed at my adventurous take-to-the-road spirit. I call myself a road warrior. I refuse to be bound by fear or concern. Goodness, how stale I could get if I just hung out at home all the time.

I was amused when my best friend called and asked “Where are you now?” I have to even ask myself that question when I wake up some mornings and I have to double-check to see what bed I’m in now. Some of my friends express amazement that I could be so brave to travel like I do – but it’s common-place for me. Just in case you may want to venture out and take to the road and be a road warrior, too, here are some of my “road warrior” tips.

~ #1 – I make sure my car is road worthy – tires’ air pressure where they need to be; being sure my car is serviced properly (oil changes and other fluids intact); being sure my AAA road service is up to date just in case of a towing need (I pray for my sweet ride and thank God for it every time I get behind the wheel!)
~ #2 -- I pack up my little food basket with all kinds of munchies -- nuts, fruits, pop-corn, crackers, and a big mug of iced water or tea, plus another mug of coffee. All of that “fuel” intake for the road helps keep me wide awake. I even make a plan for a little treat along the way – like a small, chocolate dipped ice cream cone from Dairy Queen or a pit stop at a rest area or truck stop to stretch or to grab my pillow and shut my eyes for 10 minutes or so. That’s all it takes to refresh and keep going.
~ #3 – I make sure I have great music to praise the Lord to or tap my fingers to and sing along with. Another road warrior stay-awake tip is listening to audiobooks – my favs are fiction Christian romance (I’m a hopeless romantic) or Christian action audiobooks. They keep me awake with anticipation about what’s going to happen next.
~ #4 – One of my favorite road warrior tips is to keep my eyes, ears and heart open in case God gives me a little nudge about what my next blog might be about. When that happens, I tap my cell phone voice memo button and record what that message might be.

The attached photos are from recent road trips and family outings. Brennan attends Regents School of Austin. I just had to see him play on Thursday. He is #7 and an amazing receiver. I loved seeing his team praying together after the game. The next day it was back to Dallas for the Red River Rivalry of Oklahoma Sooners vs Texas Longhorns. We were blessed with an amazing Longhorn family’s generosity to the eight of us! So no problem sitting with Longhorn fans. Our family may live in Texas but Oklahoma is in our hearts. Great family fun cheering our Sooners on to victory! Boomer Soone!

~ #5 -- My last road warrior tip is not just on the road but in every place and every season of life, this widow warrior has come to “live on the edge with accepting the thrills that await me – taking on opportunities to share the love, embrace the precious people in my life and be fully confident in my trust in God”. He becomes our safety and our security. Because of Him, we can risk living life to the fullest and be all that we were created to be. He keeps us secure, even though life is often insecure, even though we get disappointed, even though the bottom falls out. We embrace the highs and we wait patiently for the lessons learned in the lows. Really – THAT is my #1 and most highly recommended Road and Life Warrior tip – for God to be your Road and Life security and ultimate confidence, too!

“For the Lord will be your confidence…” - Proverbs 3:26

Predictable or Unpredictable

Ever since my grandson, Payton (now 18), was just a little guy he’s loved playing the piano. It started with my husband who could play anything but loved Christian music and jazz. "Little" Payton jumped on the piano bench to plunk out notes while Papa played. The first song Papa taught him was “Chopsticks”. He learned those one-finger-at-a-time-notes that were easy-peasy and Papa would play the full chords that were in-sync with Payton’s one-finger notes. "Chopsticks" was called “Chopsticks” for a reason. It was choppy and predictable.

I’ll admit it’s comfortable for life to be predictable. Every time Papa would sit down at the piano, it wasn’t long before Payton wanted to play more and learn more. It was such a beautiful tribute to my husband’s life as his mentor, teacher, and beloved “Papa” when Payton played “Fur Elise"at Papa’s funeral. All were in awe at that 10-year-old boy who was fearless and well-trained, to play for such a large crowd with absolute perfection.

Today, Payton not only loves to play the piano, he's a piano teacher. Yesterday I went to their home for lunch and as so often heard in their home, was music-to-my-ears as I walked to their front door. Payton was playing some jazz music – one of Papa’s favorites. I knew he was serenading me. Yesterday would have been our 52nd wedding anniversary. Jazz music is unlike the predictable notes of a memorized song like “Chopsticks” or "Fur Elise". Jazz music is unpredictable. A jazz pianist will just “flow”. Their emotions are translated into beautiful innovative riffs, cool tones, and complex rhythms.

Jazz is an effective way to describe discipleship. We like to know what's expected of us and we like to know the how-to's, the when-to's and where-to's -- like the notes and simplicity of a song like “Chopsticks”, but a jazz musician will just sit down at their instrument and play from their heart and soul. Life is so unpredictable and we want someone to teach us everything we need to know, but we simply can’t know everything. Our faith journey is about preparing for the unpredictable and then going with the flow of that beautiful music that is playing on the inside that comes from a heart full of faith and trust in God's flow.

I heard that listening to jazz music has benefits for our health. The rhythms can bring natural relief for mind and body. Studies show that just 45 minutes of soft, slow music like jazz before bedtime results in better and longer night-time sleep as well as less dysfunction during the day. It also reduces the intensity of migraine headaches and reduces chronic pain. No wonder that King Saul's tormented soul was soothed when David played his harp for him. "Whenever the spirit from God troubled Saul, David would play the harp. Then relief would come to Saul; he would feel better, and the evil spirit would leave him." 1 Samuel 16:23.

In the atrium of the Cancer Treatment Center in Tulsa was a beautiful grand piano. Even though in tremendous pain, before my sweetheart would go in for treatment, he would somehow muster up the strength, while sitting in his wheelchair, and draw a crowd as he played the piano which relaxed him for the treatment up ahead.

Honestly, this post is far more important than styles-of-music. Of course, we live our lives with necessary routines. But it is also about living our lives with an absolute abandonment of worry and stress and tension to free-flowing in God’s grace and mercy, knowing that whatever music we’re playing or life circumstances we’re living with, being completely aware that our great Teacher and Lord is sitting at the piano bench with us 24/7. Whatever song we’re playing, He’ll be in-sync with us – making our lives a symphony of harmony and beauty when we go with His flow!

In the Eye of the Storm

It has been said that music brings a soothing, healing effect to those in pain or in stress or crisis. Kari Jobe's song, "Healer" soothed my sweetheart's racked-with-pain-body as we played it over and over for him. That's why I chose "Amazing Grace" and "It is Well With My Soul" to post about over the last two days. I know God was giving me those songs to not only inspire me for the tough times, but also those of you that needed an encouraging word that could take you through to tomorrow.

I grew up in church singing hymns, of which many were written and composed during the most perilous and painful times. Indeed the sound of music has brought such healing and calm to me when I needed it most.

While watching the progression of Irma on the news yesterday, I kept hearing them talk about the "eye of the storm" -- that period of time during a storm when it becomes calm. And, whether things get better or worse after it, we know our anchor is God and His love and peace surrounds us....in the eye of the storm. It reminded me of this more recent recorded song that has blessed me so much.

May the words encourage those of you who are facing storms today -- literally AND figuratively -- with the calmness of knowing....God is in control. The YouTube link is at the end of my post.

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control.
And in the middle of the war, You guard my soul.
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm.

When the solid ground is falling out from underneath my feet.
Between the black skies, and my red eyes, I can barely see.
When I realize I've been sold out by my friends and my family,
I can feel the rain reminding me.....

In the eye of the storm, You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn
Your love surrounds me , in the eye of the storm.

When my hopes and dreams are far from me
And I'm runnin' out of faith.
I see the future I picture slowly fade away.
And when the tears of pain and heartache,
Are pouring down my face,
I find my peace in Jesus' name.

In the eye of the storm , You remain in control
In the middle of the war, You guard my soul.
You alone are the anchor, when my sails are torn.
Your love surrounds me, in the eye of the storm

When the test comes in and the doctor says
I've only got a few months left.
It's like a bitter pill I'm swallowing, I can barely take a breath.
And when addiction steals my baby girl,
And there's nothing I can do
My only hope is to trust You, I trust You, Lord

https://www.ccmmagazine.com/media/stream/video/music-video/ryan-stevenson-eye-of-the-storm/

What's Your Rhythm?

Rhythm -- a strong, regular, repeated pattern of movement or sound.
This morning I woke up, looked at the clock and first words out of my mouth were, "Thank you, Lord, for getting my sleep rhythm back to normal." For me, that is a regular, repeated pattern of at least 6 or 7 hours of sleep. Since moving from my home, I've slept in lots of different places, in different beds and getting only 4 or 5 hours of sleep a night. But, now that I've been at my friend's home for several weeks now, and getting used to the bed here, I'm back to my normal 7 hours sleep a night. My sleep rhythm is back! Thanks be to God!

My mother-in-law has had a pacemaker for keeping her heart rhythm regular and constant for many years. She knows it when it's out of rhythm. She feels weak and dizzy.

Most importantly, God wants us to get into His rhythms -- those strong, regular, repeated patterns of love, kindness, forgiveness, tenderness, gentleness, giving, honoring, respecting. In all seriousness, there are just way too many people who are OUT OF GOD'S RHYTHM. They think it's okay to be nasty and hateful. That's certainly not His rhythm. I want to live on His side of the sweet music that He makes -- because when we are in tune with Him, we'll recognize all those folks, situations and circumstances that want to take us out of rhythm with Him and we'll resist that music with everything that's in us.

Since God, Himself, is the source of music, He wants us to get in His rhythm that dances, sings, lives and breathes His character and in His ways. His music sounds like this: "My God shall supply all my needs according to His riches in glory in Christ Jesus!" (Philippians 4:19) "I can do all things through Christ Who strengthens me!" (Phiippians 4:13) "Greater is He Who lives in me than He who is in the world." (1 John 4:4) "Love your neighbor as you love yourself." (Mark 12:31) "I have the peace of God that passes all understanding." (Philippians 4:7) Those are rhythms that make for really spectacular music.

So you ask me why my heart keeps singing,
Why I can sing when things go wrong.
Since I've found the Source of music
I just can't help it. God gave the song.....Yes, I'm dancing, singing, living in God's rhythm!

Let's Play Hot Potato With Our Cares

Do you remember playing the game of “Hot Potato” as a child? We got in a circle and we tossed around a small ball, instead of a potato, but the object was to pretend it was a a very HOT potato. It was way to HOT to hold so we wanted to get rid of it as soon as possible. Either music was played and stopped or someone was designated to shout out “HOT” and whoever was holding the “potato”….er…ball, would be out of the game. It was a great opportunity for practicing motor skills involving eye-hand coordination and catching.

I think it's time for us, as adults, to play that HOT potato game with the worries, concerns, challenges, fears, intimidations and any other adverse taunts that the enemy sends our way. He plays games with us, so why don’t we play games with him? When we play offensively against our arch-enemy #1, with the power of God’s Word and His Spirit within us…..he will be the loser every time. 1 Peter 5:7 says “Cast all your anxieties on Him, because He cares for you.” I love that. Casting is like playing Hot Potato – getting rid of that potato as soon as possible, and getting rid of our worries and anxieties by casting them on He Who is our worry-bearer, our care-bearer, and all our other concerns-bearer.

Anything that causes us anxiety takes a lot of space in our brains. Let’s trade those thoughts for “I am expecting things to turn around for me. I am expecting blessings. I am expecting the answer to my problems. I am expecting God to take over all my concerns. I am expecting good things coming my way. I am a faith-filled, fully devoted follower of Christ, therefore, there is no space in my place for doubt and worry. I can’t help but overcome because THE GREATER ONE LIVES in me and occupies ALL that space in my brain, in my thoughts and in my actions. I speak to the enemy “Liar, Liar – pants on fire – you lose. I win, because I am on the winning team!

Lord, Please Give Me Patience....NOW!

Our generation seems to have little patience for waiting. Road rage is seen when there's someone moving way too slow in traffic. And there's those times when we're put on hold on a telephone call, or when we're placed in yet another queue trying to get to the right customer representative. We talk about slow Internet connections -- waiting for a page to load often feels like an eternity. And, I don't think I've ever encountered the long time wait there is at the traffic lights here in Washington. It seems the demand for instant results has seeped into every corner of our lives. We sacrifice eating healthy food by eating at "FAST" food restaurants -- all too often.

And, the fact is -- we do need MORE patience....and we need it NOW! No question about it, patience isn't easy. It takes practice. And, really takes a lot of inner strength to trust that this delay or situation is a needed hold-up so that I will keep us on pace with God's perfect timing on all that concerns me.

If we allow impatience to cause stress and anger and anxiety, then we're not hearing the "music" or the "symphony" -- the beauty of life going on around us. The music that is in our lives can only be fully recognized, experienced, and played out when we breathe, enjoy, let go and stop rushing around -- then patience and enjoyment of the moment will pervade our lives.

"But let patience have its perfect work, that you may be perfect and complete, lacking nothing." James 1:4 -- Oh Lord, I desire that patience has its perfect work in me. I want to enjoy YOUR symphony that is all around me!

Cherish the Moments

A few years ago, I received my daily "check-in" call from Staci while she was picking up Payton and Alexia from school. In the background, I heard Alexia say, "Payton, that's my side!" Payton responded, "It's my turn to sit on that side!" Then Alexia, "Mommy, Payton pushed me!" Then Payton, "She pushed me first!" Before Staci broke up this normal display of sibling confrontation, it was as though she read my mind, and said, "Mom - Are you hearing this? And, do you love this?" With a smile on my face, in my own quiet space of peace and serenity, I knew my darling daughter experienced "recall" of her and her brother, and their sparring many years ago, and she knew what I was thinking. "Ah... music to my ears -- sweet retribution!" And, ah...how spectacular to be "Nana"!

Actually, it seems like just a short while ago, that I was the referee with Staci and Ryan (pictured here on their first day of school). And, I wondered if they would make it through those times alive. It was all a part of the journey! In the words of a very wise and not-so-young grandmother (me)..."Oh, such sweet and precious memories...and oh, how quickly the time flew by." If I had words of wisdom to offer to young moms today, I'd say "Cherish the moments...every one of them!" I read this not too long ago, and I pass it along to encourage each and everyone to "take a deep breath, and enjoy the ride. It comes to an end way too soon!"

"If I Had My Child To Raise Over Again" by Diane Loomans (adapted)
If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd finger-paint more, and point my finger less.
I'd take my eyes off my watch, (my add, "I'd take my eyes off my phone")
and watch with my eyes.
I'd take more hikes and fly more kites.
I'd stop playing serious, and seriously play.
I'd do more hugging, and less tugging.
I'd be firm less often, and affirm much more...
If I had my child to raise over again,
I'd teach less about the love of power, and more about the power of love!

Maestro (Master Conductor) Make My Life a Symphony!

Have you heard an orchestra tuning up before a concert? How could anything beautiful come from what sounds so disharmonious and chaotic. But, then, it all changes! The Maestro appears and you hear a tap, tap, tap of his baton. And, voila, suddenly the chaos turns to the most melodic, rhythmic, harmonious, sweet sounding and beautiful music. The fact is, if there were no Maestro, the players would be doing their own thing that just resulted in NOISE. Aw, but when the Maestro is leading – a spectacular symphony is heard. And, here’s some really good news. Our lives can be a beautiful symphony of harmony and melodic music – if we depend, rely, and fully follow the direction of our Master Conductor. When we follow His lead, He will turn the chaos and disharmony of our life into a beautiful symphony of peace. That music will be a sweet, sweet sound in His ears and in the ears of those in our life. I think of the prayer of St. Francis as I type this post, "Lord, make me an "instrument" of your peace!" May peace be the song in our heart, in our mind, and in our mouth as we follow our Maestro's lead.