Praise ye the LORD!

Since 1980 I’ve been attending at least one week of Vacation Bible School every summer. No matter my age, no matter where I’ve lived – there’s always been at least one VBS to attend. At age 5 I remember my dad was the king of VBS at our church. There were trophies for learning the most scripture verses in your grade, there was a dunk tank, and there were snow cones not to mention pounds and pounds of homemade cookies and giant coolers full of red kool-aid.

As an adult I’ve loved leading children’s songs, in children’s church or Sunday school, children’s choir- you name it – but especially at VBS in the summer. There are so many great songs of Scripture and Truth to teach that will live on in the hearts and minds of children. I love seeing it happen in real time! Man, it’s great!

I’m leading VBS songs this summer at a friend’s church and I’m carrying on the tradition I learned from my dad all those years ago. We are singing “Hallelu, Praise Ye the Lord.” And let me tell you, these kids are SINGING! (or they *might be* shouting a bit… because we are having a contest to see who can sing the loudest.) It is possibly the most fun I’ll have all year!

This week we are hearing testimonies from missionaries from around the world – and there is a specific focus on prayer. God hears our prayers and God works in powerful ways when we pray – of course, that is true and I believe it. However, these beautiful VBS children did a craft yesterday and it really made things look different to me.

The kids were asked during craft time to write a prayer request on a colorful paper cross. Oh my, the prayers they wrote down. Here are just a few…

“that my sister will get better”

“please stop wars”

“I hope you can love me”

Jesus told us himself in the gospels that we must have faith like little children:

But Jesus called them to Him and said, “Let the little children come to Me, and do not forbid them; for of such is the kingdom of God. Luke 18:16

What a fantastic example for me and everyone who sees these requests! Sometimes in my grown-up world, my faith can be so weak. But – do you realize? He really does hear us! He is powerful to answer whenever we call out to him! This knowledge is worth praising Him with our whole hearts!

Oh wait! I know just the song we can sing!

Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelu, Hallelujah! PRAISE YE THE LORD!

friends and loved ones · music, my true love

Mary

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In early May of 2023, I was scrolling through Facebook, which I really don’t do that often. But on that day, I happened to see a post on a local homeschooling resource page. The person posting was looking for a piano teacher to help with hymn playing. She wanted to play hymns for church, but make them interesting, not just play what was on the page. And I responded saying I could definitely help her.

That student was Mary.

Just a bit more than a year ago we started lessons. Unfortunately, my house sits at the top of a steep driveway. And there are a lot of steps to get into my house and a lot of steps inside my house. My studio situation was daunting for Mary because of knee trouble. So, we worked it out to have lessons at my parents’ house, which sits beside a flat, circular driveway and has only two stairs to the front door.

Did I mention Mary is in her 70’s?

I’d never taught an adult student before, but I’ve taught hymn playing. In fact, I’ve been playing hymns for Sunday School or church services since I was 10. It seemed like a natural fit to take her as a student. I was confident I knew how to help her. But I didn’t know how much her lessons would help me.

Did I mention Mary hadn’t taken piano lessons since middle school?

We began our first lesson, and there were challenges. But Mary was ready and she had resolve. She also had a deadline. Her husband was the pastor of a church and their pianist was not able to play any more. Mary needed to learn, and there was no time to waste. She worked hard and week after week she improved.

Mary would pick the hymns for Sunday and we would work on learning them. I wasn’t prepared for how wonderful it would be teaching her to play all the old hymns I had learned so long ago. “At Calvary,” “Saved By The Blood,” “It is Well” – just to name a few… We’ve done so many, I can’t even begin to remember them all. But, they all were so familiar I found myself singing along as she played.

“Glory, I’m saved! Glory, I’m saved! My sins are all pardoned my guilt is all gone! Glory I’m saved! Glory I’m saved! I’m saved by the blood of the crucified One!”

These days, most Monday mornings, we start by chatting a bit about the week. Then Mary plays her most recent hymn selections and we have church, sitting right there at my mom’s piano. It’s not that I am an amazing piano teacher or that Mary plays every note perfectly. But singing and playing together these hymns filled with truth is the most beautiful music to my ears! Just thinking about it swells my heart almost to the point of bursting!

I often think, in spite of reality, that I’m in charge of my circumstances, that I’m the one controlling my next steps. But when I think of this small thing, that I never knew I needed – and certainly could not have planned for myself- I’m reminded that it is God himself who orders my steps. He’s the one who knows exactly what I need and puts the plan into motion.

Did I mention Mary’s really a teacher, too?

Mary’s perseverance, dedication to piano, and her love for the Lord are all a testimony to me ; He’s using her in so many ways for His glory! Even though Mary pays me for piano lessons, I think she’s been just as much my teacher. And I’m grateful to God for all of the lessons.

in my kitchen · music, my true love

the tune of this baker’s heart (this week, anyway)

January 29, 2017 melodyanndayLeave a comment

January has flown by- I can hardly believe I’m baking week five’s cake today. That means February is just around the corner. (And yes, you have to wait to find out what I’m baking for week five; I’ll post it in a few days.) Anyway…

I thought I’d tell you about my baking routine, because its not totally normal. First, I start by looking over the recipe, making sure I’ve got the plan in place of what happens when. That’s pretty typical. Then,I heat up a cup of coffee and add lots of cream and sugar to drink while I’m in the kitchen baking and taking photographs. And then I turn on my music. I am a musician after all.

What do I listen to in my kitchen? (Inquiring minds want to know, right?) Well, different foods require different music. But, in this case I turn on Pandora and listen to the John Rutter station. Yeah that’s right. Choir music. I geek out to pieces like Rutter’s “Requiem” and Morton Lauridsen’s “O Magnum Mysterium.” Believe me, my cakes turn out so much better in these conditions. I slow down to the pace of the music and I take time to enjoy the work.

At any rate, I’ve realized my “kitchen life” isn’t so far off from my normal reality. Recently I began reading a morning devotional that has been so good for my heart. I’ve been reading the Scripture along with thoughts that set my heart and mind in tune, preparing me for whatever day is ahead. Truly, I do try to start each day in some way with the Lord, but this has brought me to a new place – creating the best of conditions for the day, the week and so on. Life turns out so much better when I slow down, put my eyes on Him and rest in the work He has for me.

This week I read Psalm 103 – and it has become my life-song for the week, maybe the month. possibly the year. It is a song that fits in to every nook and cranny of my life. My heart is calmed and I find so much peace! (My favorite verses are 3-5!)

Read and be blessed!

1 Bless the Lord, O my soul;
And all that is within me, bless His holy name!
2 Bless the Lord, O my soul,
And forget not all His benefits:
3 Who forgives all your iniquities,
Who heals all your diseases,
4 Who redeems your life from destruction,
Who crowns you with lovingkindness and tender mercies,
5 Who satisfies your mouth with good things,
So that your youth is renewed like the eagle’s.

6 The Lord executes righteousness
And justice for all who are oppressed.
7 He made known His ways to Moses,
His acts to the children of Israel.
8 The Lord is merciful and gracious,
Slow to anger, and abounding in mercy.
9 He will not always strive with us,
Nor will He keep His anger forever.
10 He has not dealt with us according to our sins,
Nor punished us according to our iniquities.

11 For as the heavens are high above the earth,
So great is His mercy toward those who fear Him;
12 As far as the east is from the west,
So far has He removed our transgressions from us.
13 As a father pities his children,
So the Lord pities those who fear Him.
14 For He knows our frame;
He remembers that we are dust.

15 As for man, his days are like grass;
As a flower of the field, so he flourishes.
16 For the wind passes over it, and it is gone,
And its place remembers it no more.[a]
17 But the mercy of the Lord is from everlasting to everlasting
On those who fear Him,
And His righteousness to children’s children,
18 To such as keep His covenant,
And to those who remember His commandments to do them.

19 The Lord has established His throne in heaven,
And His kingdom rules over all.

20 Bless the Lord, you His angels,
Who excel in strength, who do His word,
Heeding the voice of His word.
21 Bless the Lord, all you His hosts,
You ministers of His, who do His pleasure.
22 Bless the Lord, all His works,
In all places of His dominion.

Bless the Lord, O my soul!

friends and loved ones · music, my true love

joy, for all people, not just the children

November 14, 2016January 7, 2017 melodyanndayLeave a comment

It isn’t advent yet, I realize that. But, as a children’s choir director I’ve been thinking about Christmas music for a few months, and singing it with children for several weeks. It was just two weeks ago I began singing a song with some of my favorite kids at church, in preparation for our church’s Christmas program.

The song is taken directly from Luke 2:

And there were shepherds living out in the fields nearby, keeping watch over their flocks at night. An angel of the Lord appeared to them, and the glory of the Lord shone around them, and they were terrified. But the angel said to them, “Do not be afraid. I bring you good news of great joy that will be for all people. Today in the town of David a Savior has been born to you; He is the Messiah, the Lord. This will be a sign to you: You will find a baby wrapped in cloths and lying in a manger.” Suddenly a great company of the heavenly host appeared with the angel, praising God and saying, “Glory to God in the highest heaven, and on earth peace to those on whom His favor rests.”

I can barely keep the tears from falling every time I hear them sing these words : “Joy that will be for all people!” No matter how confidently they sing, as a grown-up it doesn’t seem so easy sometimes….

Over the last week, post-election, I see many friends and acquaintances who seem to have forgotten that joy. So much fear, so much sadness, so much anger and confusion – but joy is nowhere to be found.

What is this joy the angel promised that was for all people?

Well, it is not joy because of my stuff or my great health, or because life is going my way, or because the right person was elected, or because my circumstances are perfect.

No. It is Joy because Jesus fulfilled the promise. He came to earth as a small baby. He lived a perfect life – and He died and rose in order to give me His righteousness, and eternal life. Joy because He’s made me free. Joy because He keeps His promises. Joy because He will come again! Joy because these gifts are truly for all who believe in Him!

It is this Joy, in the person of Jesus, that meets the heart of each person, full tilt, bringing with it, His peace. I’m thankful for these children in my choir who can sing, reminding me of this truth. May we all find our joy and peace renewed this Advent season, so that we too can sing with confidence, “Joy that will be for all people!”

friends and loved ones · music, my true love

Sometimes I remember I’m small…

August 20, 2016January 7, 2017 melodyanndayLeave a comment

In my searching this week for children’s choir music (for the new chorus I’ll be directing this fall), once again I came across this beautiful poem that has been set to music. I’ve played it and sung it with a chorus before, and I remember loving it then.

But, in this moment, with a lump in my throat, while feeling a tiny bit inadequate to do some of things He has asked of me, I’m reminded to give Him praise. He is the Lord who comforts and heals, who bestows courage and voice, and He sees me with eyes of mercy and love. Though I offer little, He gives much.

The Lord of the Small

Praise to the Lord of the Small Broken Things,
Who Sees the Poor Sparrow That cannot take wing.
Who loves the lame child and the wretch in the street
who comforts their sorrows and washes their feet.

Praise to the lord of the faint and afraid
who girds them with courage and lends them his aid,
he pours out his spirit on vessels so weak,
that the timid can serve and the silent can speak.

Praise to the lord of the frail and the ill
who heals their afflictions or carries them till,
they leave this tired frame and to paradise fly.
to never be sick and never to die.

Praise him, O Praise Him All ye who live
who’ve been given so much and can so little give
our frail lisping praise God will never Despise.
He Sees His Dear Children Through Mercy Filled Eyes!

friends and loved ones · music, my true love · who knows?

my favorite

July 29, 2016January 7, 2017 melodyannday1 Comment

(backstage view)

Recently I was able to attend the Thirty One national Conference with my husband while he played in the conference band. Traveling to conference is a highlight of our year. Time away as a couple, with good friends, and talented musicians always brings the refreshment we need. We eat, we laugh, the guys play music, we laugh a lot more – good times, for sure! (Plus we were able to do a lot of other cool stuff! I even saw my bestie of 20+ years while we were in Salt Lake City – but that’s another post all on its own!)

I love seeing my husband thrive in this environment, it makes my heart happy! In this setting, at some point in the conference, there is a time of worship and these guys lead thousands of women singing about Jesus. My already happy heart just swells to the point of bursting. It is unforgettable! In fact, this morning I’ve been listening to my favorite song that they sang this year on repeat, recalling all of those women’s voices singing truth!

Sons & Daughters
by Brett Stanfill

Before He spoke creation God of heaven knew our name
Formed in His reflection we are His glory on display
His heart is good
He is always kind
With the cross He proved
He is on our side

We are the sons, we are the daughters of God
no matter where we go we’re close to the Father’s heart
And though we stumble He will not let us fall
We are the Lord’s & He will never forsake His own
We are the sons, we are the daughters of God

His love He lavished on us & called us children of the King
In His loving kindness He choose the lowly & the weak
His heart is good
He is always kind
With the cross He proved
He is on our side

And when he lies speak louder than the truth
Remind me I belog to You
And when I can’t see past the dark of night
Remind me You’re always by my side

the guys, officially known as the Scott Monroe band.

pre-session music, as the arena fills up.

friends and loved ones · music, my true love

You are Mine

April 25, 2016January 7, 2017 melodyanndayLeave a comment

I stood next to the keyboard in complete disbelief, – unsure of my next move. In just an hour, maybe less – the women of North Shore Fellowship would arrive for the weekend. We were spending two days of fellowship together at Camp Vesper Point.

And I, I was supposed to lead worship.

Except the keyboard I brought had a problem. I could not get the sustain pedal to work – and the more I tried to manipulate that pedal, while still singing and playing, the worse things sounded.

oh. no.

I was a sweaty nervous mess.

Well, the ladies arrived, dinner was finished in the dining hall and everyone gathered in the great room for a time of worship and teaching. I took a deep breath and plunged in – and it went so-so. I mean, it was not so good. No one seemed to notice too much though, so we sang, and I sat down to hear the good news of God’s Word.

Our key verse for the weekend was Isaiah 43:1:

But now thus says the Lord,
he who created you, O Jacob,
he who formed you, O Israel:
“Fear not, for I have redeemed you;
I have called you by name, you are mine.”

As I heard these words, I thought to myself, “Lord, if you know me by name, and you claim me as Yours, surely you know I need help with this crazy pedal!” I didn’t think much more about it and went on with the evening! There were plenty of fun activities to distract me, thank goodness.

Snuggled up in my sleeping bag later that night, disappointment crept in; I wanted the weekend to be smooth and without difficulty – and more, I had hoped it would be a special time of worship for everyone! I prayed for the Lord to help me play better, or give me wisdom to fix it!

The next morning, I went in to the room where we would soon gather and I turned on the keyboard. For some reason, I decided to select a new “setting” so that maybe the keyboard would sound a little different. I took a deep breath. And do you know? When I started playing, the pedal worked. I have no idea why – it just did! As I played the song I was going to lead in just a few minutes, my heart began to swell with it’s truth.

“He knows my name. He knows my every thought. He sees each tear that falls, and hears me when I call.“

He knew all about my situation. He heard my prayer – and He helped me! The very song He had led me to choose to sing with the ladies, He knew I was the one who needed to hear it the most! What an amazing example of His faithfulness to me! I was so grateful that He chose to rescue me – and bless us with a wonderful time of worship that morning!

What a beautiful promise He proved true to me: I am His!

friends and loved ones · music, my true love

Spring is springing

March 23, 2016January 7, 2017 melodyanndayLeave a comment

Its been a bit of a dark and gloomy winter, here in my heart. Heaviness has ruled. Many around me have struggled with death and dying, and in general the ugliness of a fallen world, not to mention my own illness and it’s treatment which has not been without its normal hardship. I have wept and prayed for friends and loved ones, begging for the cup of sorrow to be removed.

It is not lost on me that these are appropriate emotions for this time of year, for those of us walking the road of Lent who are remembering Jesus’ journey to the cross.

This morning as I sipped my cup of coffee, I put on the third portion of Handel’s Messiah – which is the section that celebrates the Passion of Christ – His death, burial and resurrection.

Friends – I shed great tears of joy , standing right there in my kitchen, and I was able to fling off this cloak of winter’s heaviness and my heart was light again. Hearing these Scriptures sung with beauty and magnificence, “I Know That My Redeemer Liveth,” and “Death, Where is Thy Sting?” my heart began to rejoice. He has conquered all of the darkness we face! Death is defeated! We serve a risen Savior – and there is coming a day when we will worship Him forever!

from Revelation 5:12-14

Worthy is the Lamb that was slain, and hath redeemed us to God by his
blood, to receive power, and riches, and wisdom, and strength, and honour,
and glory, and blessing. Blessing and honour, glory and power, be unto
Him that sitteth upon the throne, and unto the Lamb, for ever and ever.

Amen.

(P.S.: If you’ve never listened to the Passion portion of the Messiah, you should.)