Weigh to Go

"And Now for Something ComPLETELY Different..."

Ok...I will try not to fill up my blog with YouTube but this is another amazing video. It's not just the song (which I totally love), it's the level of creativity in combining musicians from all over the world to perform it. And really, how much fun would it be to do a project like this? Wow. Like a dream come true:)

Sing all you little Birdies!

I love Google lol. I stumbled onto a little tidbit of information on the net the other day and it is so cool I decided to post it here.

Why do birds sing?
Birds sing“because they can and because they must,”says David Rothenberg, a professor at the New Jersey Institute of Technology.“Songs are used to attract mates and defend territories, but the form is much more than function. Nature is full of beauty, and of music.”

Birds sing because they have a syrinx instead of a larynx. The syrinx is the bird's voice box, an organ that lies deep in a bird's chest and is uniquely fashioned for song. That, at least, is the natural explanation for their gift.But I ask again, why do birds sing? Because their Creator put a song in their hearts. Each bird is“heaven’s high and holy muse,”said John Donne, created to draw our hearts up to our Creator. They are reminders that He has given us a song that we may sing His praise.
So when you hear God's little hymn-birds singing their hearts out, remember to sing your own song of salvation. Lift up your voice—harmonious, hoarse, or harsh—and join with them in praise to our Creator, Redeemer, and Lord.The birds of the air“sing among the branches," Israel's poet observes.“[Therefore] I will sing to the Lord as long as I live; I will sing praise to my God while I have my being” (Ps. 104:12,33).— David H. Roper

Isn't that just so amazing? I love the picture it brings to mind...back at Creation...the Father speaking the Word to the little birdie throat and it magically appears, perfect, just right for the purpose He intended it for ~to worship Him.
Sometimes I find it more difficult to believe it for myself, that the Lord would speak such intimate details into me, but I know in my heart it is true.

The desire to sing my worship to the Lord has been placed inside of me by Him, and it's for Him. On less secure days I can catch myself looking for the approval of man, but really, I don't need it. We are learning to focus on our Audience of One no matter what it is we are called to do.
We're never too young or too old to start either! Go for it! Sing your heart out to the One.

And now, for your enjoyment ~ the Cactus Cuties, doing just that:)

Piano Girl Blues

At least twice a year I go through piano student withdrawl. Yes, I should really be over it by now, seeing as I haven't actually taught piano for almost 4 years. September is the hardest time for me. I loved to see them starting in their new books, lots of dreams and plans and songs they wanted to learn. The other time of year that I really miss the kids is about now in January. Usually we're just starting into the recital choices, where I always let them pick their favorite songs to perform for their parents. I love the excitement on their faces when they see I've found just the coolest new song in the world, maybe from the latest Disney movie; or the look of pure joy on their faces after they master a particularly difficult song. All in all, I don't know who is more rewarded, the children who develop their skills, or the thrill I always get when someone gets to the next level.

So why did I stop? Mostly because I believe the Lord asked me to shift into something else He had for me. At the time I was being placed at the King's In to begin to connect more in the city and to be stretched, learning to love the whole body of Christ. I'm still stretching! but I have come to appreciate the many parts of the Body that subconsciously I had little or no regard for, as they didn't fit into my paradigm or my small vision. I've tasted humble pie a few times as the Lord has revealed the depth and strength in some of the people far surpassing my own. Ok, and more than a few laughs as well, at myself and maybe a few others!

One little funny story that I'm sure I've told y'all at least once... picture one side of the cash register, at the counter we have a very traditional couple perched, looking intently at all the King Jameseth bibles, black cover only please, for our 5 year old. On the other side of the cash register we have the desperate father of a rebellious teenager and he's pleading for anything colorful, soul searching, basically interesting to his 14 year old! Please God, don't let them make eye contact or we'll have a Holy War right in our little store.

And then there are the half-cut street people wandering in to hassle me a little and warm their toes at the same time in the winter. One thing the Lord is working in me is less fear and more compassion for these ones. One guy came in, a little drunk, and a little intimidating, but as I just listened to him with genuine (ok maybe a little nervous) interest, he softened and explained to me that he knew he was lost on the outside, but Jesus was somewhere on the inside. And I could see it. I know Jesus has hold of him. This man is just missing the joy he could have in his life if he would surrender. We're not all that different, are we...

So I'm learning a few things to be sure, but I still miss my kids. Even if I ever taught again, I'd have to learn how to relate to this up and coming generation. Times change, and so do our assignments. Right now I'm happy where I am, even if I do get a little misty-eyed for my piano kids every once in a while.

A Rose is a Rose is a Rose

It's my daughter Carmen's 30th birthday today. Amazing! Like most mothers everywhere, it always seems like it was 'just yesterday' that our children were born. Sometimes I long for the days when she was little, all princess and dress up, when I was pretty much her answer to everything...but more often than not, I enjoy her more all grown up:), where many times she is the answer I need for the day.

Today, I want to honour Carmen for who she is - delightful, honest, loyal, beautiful,caring, incredibly funny, and still YOUNG:)

Get ready for exciting new adventures!

The best is yet to come:)