MUSIC, FUNERALS, FAITH
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Posted:Jan 26, 2009 12:05 am
Last Updated:Jan 26, 2009 11:03 am 9970 Views
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I played the piano for a funeral today. The lady who died was ready to go home. Playing for funerals makes me do two things. It makes me recheck WHY I believe what I believe. So many people see Christianity as an emotional life preserver. Not real, just a fairy tale to keep us happy. When I play the piano for a funeral, it makes me sit down and go over the things that convinced me, after months of research, that the Bible is true. Funerals also make me think of my . Oh, I think of him nearly every day. But a funeral---especially one for which I hunt through music, trying to find the "right" pieces---brings it home to me again how much this world is missing by not having my in it. Also, I find my heart going out to others. Like Eric Clapton. I had forgotten that he had written his song "Tears in Heaven" after his had fallen out of a window and died.Suddenly, the words became fresh: Would you know my name If I saw you in Heaven Would you feel the same If I saw you in Heaven I must be strong And carry on 'Cause I know I don't belong Here in Heaven.
Would you hold my hand If I saw you in Heaven Would you help me stand If I saw you in Heaven I'll find my way Through night and day 'Cause I know I just can't stay Here in Heaven.
Eric Clapton's was four years old. I told my I want a pre-death funeral. Why plan a great funeral if I'm not going to be here to enjoy it? My are used to my "interesting" ideas...
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WHAT IS A "CHRISTIAN" BLOG?
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Posted:Jan 23, 2009 2:18 am
Last Updated:Jan 23, 2009 11:23 am 9892 Views
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I was away for a couple months. I came back, and guess what I found? A huge fraction of the blogs here on BC aren't blogs any more. They are rants and raves, more suited to the back of a magazine, or a column in the classifieds. I'm-mad-about-what-this-person-is-doing You're-a-hypocrite BC-is-going-down-the-tubes
I'm pretty disappointed. Where is the love? The mercy? Where is the understanding that we are all in a state of growth, and no one is going to be even close to perfect?
I've decided that what is needed is love, mercy, understanding, and positivity. Nothing is ever changed by ranting and constant criticizing.
So, with that in mind... I am thankful for BC. It helps me in many ways. One way is: I know it's important that I change. I know it's important that I affect my small portion of the world for Christ. Still, it is wonderful to be reminded that Christ's body, filled with God's Spirit, exists even outside my small sphere. I am happy to pray for Christians whom I have only met through the internet. It is exciting to think of God's will being done all around the world. I am thankful for the prayers that have been offered up on my behalf by people on BC.
p.s.: Just a note for satan, who would love to see more negativity---you lose, sucker. It ain't gonna happen here.
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WHEN LIVING IS NO LONGER LIVING
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Posted:Jan 22, 2009 12:21 am
Last Updated:Jan 24, 2009 10:10 pm 9807 Views
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I remember when Mount St. Helens blew her top. Even here, in Portland, there was ash EVERYWHERE. I spent I-don't-know-how-much time dusting off my new black car, for fear the teeny little shards in the ash would scratch the paint. I also remember the old man who refused to leave the mountain. He had lived most of his life there, and if the mountain went, he would just go with it. Today, I met someone who knew that man. He explained that the man would have felt that to leave the mountain and move to the city---perhaps even to a nursing home---would have been even worse than death. And you know what? I understand. Even though I already live in the city, I'm one of those people who is outside as much as possible. If I'm not sitting under my grape arbor playing my congas, I'm riding my bike. I even took my bike out back in December, when the snow was hip deep in places. Yeah, that didn't work out so well. But I couldn't stay inside. And the snow WAS beautiful as I slogged along, tugging my bike through it... Anyway, what was I talking about? Oh, yeah--- To have to be inside all the time would drive me crazy. When I'm outside, I'm able to imagine, at times, what Eden must have been like. And I can see different facets of God's personality. Like when two butterflies flitter past, flipping over, and chasing each other through the flowers, or when the scent of flowers comes unexpectedly on a warm breeze. Even watching frogs---have you ever noticed that frogs don't ever jump backward? They are the best example of going forward, no matter what happens. Yes, I can understand why the old man wouldn't leave the mountain. The same reason I'd never leave God. Because life---REAL life---is the best choice.
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Prep4Kids
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Posted:Jan 21, 2009 12:03 am
Last Updated:Jan 21, 2009 12:05 am 9316 Views
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Guess what? I've been asked to be the worship leader for Prep4Kids! We contract with schools. The get out for an hour a week, come to the church, sing, hear a lesson, sing, get lots of love, earn prizes, and go back to school so they can ride the bus home. It's so exciting! I love . I love music. I love teaching. I love God. And I'm scared to death. If anyone would be willing to pray for me, for our team, for the , and for the program, I'd sure appreciate it. I always say that God works through me and in spite of me. So why am I so scared?
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Time? What's that?
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Posted:Jan 20, 2009 1:23 am
Last Updated:Jan 20, 2009 11:58 pm 10054 Views
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I just peeked at the last time I posted a blog here. October! Impossible! Isn't it? I guess I haven't been imagining the busy feeling... It's a good feeling. I once felt useless. I prayed that God would use me. God answered. He said Okay, I will. Also, lately, I've been trying to be more sensitive to the Spirit's leading. And that has taken me interesting places, spiritually speaking. Like the other night when I was watching the news and saw a bit about a man and his girlfriend who were driving down the freeway. The woman's was in the truck with them. We've been having very high winds here the last few days, and a tree blew onto the truck. The girlfriend and were both sent to the hospital. I'd been pretty much ignoring the news, but for some reason, that part stuck in my mind. On Sunday, after I go to church, I hurry to another church. They don't have a pianist, so I help out there. Like I said, I've been trying to follow God's leading more... I had started making a necklace a few weeks ago, then put it aside. For some reason, I felt it needed to be finished in time for church Sunday. When I got to the second church service, where I don't know many of the people, I felt that it was important that I give it to a woman there. I explained about God's leading, and gave it to her. She said I would never know how much it meant. The in the truck on the freeway was her niece, and she had been upset about her. Plus, this lady said she hadn't had time to put on a necklace, and her neck had felt bare all morning because she likes to wear a necklace. Hmm...
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AFRAID TO BE HAPPY
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Posted:Oct 15, 2008 1:35 pm
Last Updated:Nov 29, 2008 11:38 pm 9611 Views
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I've been helping out at a church, after church. Ben, our worship team drummer, has been helping out at another church since their drummer became ill. He asked me whether I'd care to come help out with keyboards and vocals.
A chance to praise God?! Hey, I'm there!
I said that if Ben thought they might like to have me now and then, sure, I'd be glad to help out. (Nice restrained answer, don't you think?)
Well, the first time we went, I found a group of about 60 Christians who have a much less structured worship than I'm used to. If they feel someone in the congregation needs prayer, they ask them to not hold back, but please ask for prayer. Then, while the music continues, little prayer meetings break out all over the place, with people holding each other, and having honest, understandable conversations with God. Sometimes they sing songs they didn't practice; the leader will turn to me, say, "Key of 'G'", and off it goes. Fortunately, I'm not too bad at faking on the piano.
I come away from this worship service refreshed, and miss it if Ben doesn't go (he's my ride). The first time, after song service, the song leader announced that he's been praying for 13 years for a keyboardist, and today God provided. I almost looked around, then realized--- he meant me. Me? An Answer to prayer?
How strange.
One church's worship minister told me to change how I play the piano. I said I listen for how God wants it done. The song leader looked disgusted. Another church banned me from the piano for not following the written music exactly. The church I attend now, the worship minister called me an answer to prayer. And now the minister at this other church did the same thing.
So strange.
Have I found where God wants me to be? Finally?
I'm almost afraid to think so. I'm so happy. I'm afraid something's going to happen.
Weird, huh?
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Caring for Someone You Can't See
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Posted:Oct 14, 2008 10:34 am
Last Updated:Oct 15, 2008 1:12 pm 9593 Views
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I hadn't realized a person could develop real friendships with people they couldn't see---like I have with people on bc. But, thinking about it, really it makes sense. After all, I can't see God either, can I?
I've got to check in on people here more often.
Those of you who have asked me to pray for you---I haven't forgotten!
I don't type as much right now, except for the books and songs I'm writing, with God's help, but I still think of you.
I went to the park yesterday. Listened to God music, played my congas, and painted---wonderful! When my camera stops being on the fritz, I'll show you what I painted.
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IT JUST KEEPS GETTING BETTER
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Posted:Oct 13, 2008 1:24 am
Last Updated:Oct 14, 2008 10:27 am 9447 Views
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I hadn't realized it's been so long since I updated my blog. Well, long for me...
Life has become more and more interesting.
In addition to my bike, which I love riding even in the rain, and doing a painting for a member of Metallica, I finally took the plunge and put my membership in where I've been attending.
I'm also putting out a catalog of my handbags---which is scaring me to death, because, as my said, a catalog means this is really happening. That probably doesn't make sense, huh?
I started talks today with someone about making a CD of my piano/keyboard playing for Christmas.
Always, always, I feel God near me. Sometimes almost a tangible presence. I used to wonder about people who said things like that....
And the leader of a Christian band that has played about 30 gigs in the past six months stopped by yesterday. He wants me to join. A new way to reach out and glorify God. I've been playing on the worship team, but that's it, for the past few months.
A few months ago, I would've jumped at the band offer. Now my life is more full. I'll pray on it. God's will be done.
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Off it goes
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Posted:Sep 18, 2008 2:34 am
Last Updated:Oct 13, 2008 1:07 am 9533 Views
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Well, there it goes---I just sent my second book off to the publisher. Before I sent it off, I read some of it to a friend of mine who is a librarian. She was pretty enthusiastic. But I'm still pretty nervous. Ah, well. God's will be done.
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Cowardice----the FATHER of invention?
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Posted:Sep 15, 2008 2:20 pm
Last Updated:May 23, 2024 7:23 am 9114 Views
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I'm still being a coward about the guitar. Maybe I'll invent something. Finger condoms, with little pads in the ends. Hmmm...Now that I think about it...I think I can do that...Now, how to slip them past my teacher...I know, I'll make the tops look like fake fingernails. Okay, where's the latex?
Fine, That's solved.
Now, for a strap.
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