Uncategorized

and it goes on and on and on…

melodyannday1 Comment

DSC_0442

Well, its been a while since I gave an update on Michael’s workshop.  Over the holidays there wasn’t much happening.  Before that a lot was happening, but it was the little details that are hard to capture on photo…

But this weekend, we saw some progress on the deck that wraps around the front and side of the building.  When the deck is completed, then we are able to begin the siding.  All in all it is very exciting.  We are one step closer to wrapping up this project and moving into the next one, which is, of course even more exciting.

As we move through the long list of “what’s next” I’m learning a lot.  But mostly I’m learning to be patient, to endure, to persist, to prioritize and maintain focus.  In spite of what is going on in our life as a family, there is always work to do on the building, and we can’t back up now.  Not now.   So we push ahead.  Weekend after weekend we are learning a new level of perseverance.

There are times when the accomplishments are a natural high for us, and there are times when the proverbial “keep on keepin’ on” is really hard.   But isn’t that life?  Isn’t that life as a Believer?  We are called to continue in our calling, pursuing the prize, no matter what that calling is, no matter if it comes naturally, or if it unusual and difficult some days.  Enlisting His strength, we are to move forward in His will.

I’m realizing that until He comes back, there will always be another step.  And by His Holy Spirit, there will always be ample strength and supernatural ability to go on and on and on…

In the middle of our forward moving motion, I give you a few photos of our recent steps from the weekend:

DSC_0446

the long deck boards.

DSC_0453

Daddy and his helper.

DSC_0462

Half of the decking finished by Sunday afternoon.

friends and loved ones

the confrontation

melodyanndayLeave a comment

Luke 23 has been open on my desktop today.  The story there is so hard for me to comprehend.  Jesus, in His young adult life was the source of much contention.  Many loved Him.  Many more did not.  He went about doing His Father’s will; and the more that He accomplished, the more the religious leaders hated Him.

Luke 23 is the culmination of all the strife and sin in the world since the beginning of time. The confrontation brings it all to a head…  A big, ugly, blistering head.

Pilate has the soldiers bring Jesus to him and questions Him. When Pilate defers to Herod and nothing is done, he ends up with the decision in his hands.  The crowd overwhelmingly demands “Crucify Him!”  And Pilate gives in.

A man who wasn’t at fault, died an atrocious, shameful death, in the place of all who are or ever have been guilty .  Undeniably it seems like an unfair and unthinkable solution to the conflict.

You’re wondering, why I’m reading the “Easter Story” in the middle of January, aren’t you?   It is hard to explain, but I’ll try.

There are times when all the sinfulness, pain, and hard-heartedness of humanity is overwhelming to me.  My systems are on overload.  Its all I can see sometimes: friends suffering from disease, loved-ones trying to survive insurmountable difficulties.  And then there’s my own obstacles of sin and fear, and doubt.   As it all boils up and festers, like a hot, foul, disgusting mess in my heart – sickening me, disabling me – often it seems like there’s no answer, no help, no healing.

Now, it is true that this story of Christ’s crucifixion is multi-faceted – and I can in no way address all of the theology that surrounds it.  I am no theologian, I promise you that.  However, I can tell you this: There is one answer to the questions surrounding my current confrontation with sin and its devastation.  It is the same answer that has always been- the same as the answer I’ve found in Luke 23.

One death.  Christ’s death.  In those hours on the cross, and the following death – He took on Himself the sin and suffering of the whole world.  It is hard for me to understand most of the time – and so the struggle is ongoing in my heart.  The deeper I come to believe that there is no answer but One, the closer I come to resolution and restoration.   This knowledge is a salve for my weary soul, when I apply it liberally.

from Romans 6:

5 For if we have been united with him in a death like his, we shall certainly be united with him in a resurrection like his. 6 We know that our old self[ was crucified with him in order that the body of sin might be brought to nothing, so that we would no longer be enslaved to sin. 7 Forone who has died has been set free from sin. 8 Now if we have died with Christ, we believe that we will also live with him. 9 We know that Christ, being raised from the dead, will never die again; death no longer has dominion over him.

There is a “Man of Sorrows” – who knows and understands every imaginable pain and suffering I could possibly go through.  And, as I am united together with Him in suffering, there is also a full and robust hope that I will also live eternally with Him someday.

His death (and resurrection that followed) was the only hope then, and it continues to be.  Over and over this week I’ve read these passages and listened to a few meaningful hymns…  Hope rises from the bottoms of my feet, all the way to the top of my head, and the healing of my heart ache begins.  And I find truer, stronger belief in this solution that will end all confrontation, forever.

What a Savior!

Man of Sorrows! what a name
For the Son of God, who came
Ruined sinners to reclaim.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Bearing shame and scoffing rude,
In my place condemned He stood;
Sealed my pardon with His blood.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Guilty, vile, and helpless we;
Spotless Lamb of God was He;
“Full atonement!” can it be?
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

Lifted up was He to die;
“It is finished!” was His cry;
Now in Heav’n exalted high.
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

When He comes, our glorious King,
All His ransomed home to bring,
Then anew His song we’ll sing:
Hallelujah! What a Savior!

a bit of history

big, fat liar

melodyannday2 Comments

When I was in the first grade, I made an unfortunate choice.  Our class went to the library, just like usual one afternoon and I chose a book.  A big kid book – a Nancy Drew mystery – close to 200 pages long, I’m sure.

We finished up at the library, and with books in hand we came back to our classroom for reading time.  I would guess that reading time was probably about 20 minutes long.  Of course, for me, a six year old first grader, the Nancy Drew book was a little difficult.  I paged through the book, flipped to the end, and closed my book sitting on my desk in front of me.

My teacher, Mrs. Huarez approached my desk.  “Melody, why aren’t you reading?” she asked.  And here’s where I made that very poor choice.  “I’m finished.”  I replied.  “Oh, you can’t be finished yet!  Why don’t you read a little more?” she asked. “I already read it all,” was my response. “Melody, are you sure?” she said incredulously. “Yes,” I said without hesitation, “I’m done.”  Shortly after our exchange, she and I went to visit my dad, in his office down the hall… and I continued my story.  I was sticking to it…

In an unavoidable turn of events that day, I chose to be a liar.

The conversation plummeted downhill from there, ending in discipline from my dad.  Because I wanted everyone to believe that I was a stellar, first grade speed- reader, I was unable to change my story and admit, that I was just a regular student.  My six year old little mind didn’t realize that they knew the truth regardless of my answers.  My teacher and my dad – they knew me well enough to know what kind of student I was, and the reading I was capable of – I didn’t need a story.   They loved me, no matter what my ability was.

Funny thing about it is, I’m still a liar now.  Not about my reading level of course, but about other stuff.  I tell my Heavenly Father things about myself all the time that aren’t true…  Because I think its important to Him.  I want Him to think I’m following closely, that I’m loving Him better than I used to, that I’m obeying – when He knows better than anyone that I’m not.

But I don’t need to lie.

As a sinner, saved by His grace, He loves me in spite of all of my shortcomings and failures. He doesn’t love me because of how hard I try, or because of who I think I am.  In fact, He loved me long before I ever knew how to try.  He loved me first.  When I’m honest about who I am, that’s when He pulls me closer and says, let me help you.  As I give my whole self to Him entirely, with all the ugliness and confusion, He is able to forgive me and make me into the beautiful Christ-follower I long to be.

When I believe His love is real and true, I come to know more clearly – I don’t have to be a big fat liar anymore.  What a relief!

We love Him because He first loved us.

who knows?

a thousand tongues, or just one…

melodyannday3 Comments

You probably won’t believe what I’m about to tell you.  In fact, I’m sure some of you will dismiss me and my story.  But, I’m going to tell the truth, in case, just maybe it will encourage someone.  Our God still works miracles.  Let me praise Him a bit, here on the blog:

I’m a pianist by trade.  I’ve worked and had a myriad of experiences, accompanying and coaching, playing for churches, playing for weddings and funerals, in choral settings… the list goes on and on.  I know a lot of literature and have used my skill in a variety of venues large and small.

Because of this, I’ve known that I have a particular limitation.  There is one thing that, even from early on, I’ve understood I just can’t do.  As recently as just last spring, when the opportunity arose I was reminded again: nope. no-can-do.  not gonna happen.

What is it, you ask, that I was sure I could not do?  In the past I have not been able to sing while playing the piano.  Not such a big deal for some, but in church work, if you’re involved in leading worship from the piano it can be a real problem.  serious inconvenience.  and let me just say it was bad.  My husband will tell you, I could not do it.

So, a little more than a month ago, the pastor at the church where I have been the pianist, asked me to lead a particular song from the piano during communion.  and what did I do?

I said yes.

It seemed crazy, but I thought I’d try one more time. I’m not one to give in to my limitations… and, I’m super hard headed. On that Sunday morning I had my mom and my sister praying.  hard.  and I prayed too. a lot.  This communion setting could have meant utter failure and embarrassment for me.

But it wasn’t.  Something happened.  I’ll go ahead and say it.  I think something supernatural happened. Miraculous.  My fingers and my voice worked together in harmony and I played and sang unlike anything I’d ever done before.  I didn’t stutter, my voice didn’t falter. The words came out and my fingers moved skillfully over the keys; based on every prior experience to that point, I know it was the Holy Spirit, moving in and through me.  He made me able.

Since then, I’ve been given a new position and a new opportunity to do more with this ability He’s given.  I’ll be leading worship once in a while, from the piano.  In my former days, I would have been scared out of my mind.  anxiety ridden. But I’m not.  Whenever I sit down at that piano, it just happens.  everything works.  and I can’t explain it.

I can tell you one thing, though.  I can’t take credit for it.  Only God can loosen the tongues of the dumb – or in this case, the mildly incapacitated.  If I had a thousand tongues, I would use them all to praise Him.  But, since I only have one, I’ll use it at my church, and lead others to worship with me.  I am, after all, one small triumph of His grace!

The words to this old hymn seem so appropriate, and I can’t stop thinking of them!

O for a thousand tongues to sing
My great Redeemer’s praise,
The glories of my God and King,
The triumphs of His grace!

My gracious Master and my God,
Assist me to proclaim,
To spread through all the earth abroad
The honors of Thy name.

Jesus! the name that charms our fears,
That bids our sorrows cease;
’Tis music in the sinner’s ears,
’Tis life, and health, and peace.

He breaks the power of canceled sin,
He sets the prisoner free;
His blood can make the foulest clean,
His blood availed for me.

Hear Him, ye deaf; His praise, ye dumb,
Your loosened tongues employ;
Ye blind, behold your Savior come,
And leap, ye lame, for joy.

friends and loved ones

almost michiganders…

melodyanndayLeave a comment

We spent last week with my parents in Michigan.  Every year we go at some point over the holidays.  And we love it…  especially the cold, the snow, the need for coats and hats, the cups of hot tea and everything else that goes along with being up north.  But there’s one thing that I think my kids love about being in Michigan more than just about anything else (other than seeing their grandparents).

Its the sledding.  They run to the top of the hill in my folks’ back yard and jump aboard a sled, swooshing to the bottom, only to climb the hill.  again and again and again.

Watching them, and how much they enjoy the winter weather, I feel like they are almost northerners.  For just a few fleeting moments I think that.  Its a nice thought for this northern girl who’s been transplanted to the south.

Just think!  These are my little Tennessee hillbillies – Lovin’ the great white north!  Here are a few favorite photos of my “almost michiganders!”

DSC_7611

DSC_0248

DSC_0440

DSC_7563

DSC_7588

DSC_7580

a bit of history · friends and loved ones

hidden surprises

melodyanndayLeave a comment

It was cherry chip.  Cherry flavored and bright pink, with red bits of cherry.  The crumb was creamy, but light and fluffy – and the frosting was very very pink, but vanilla flavored and sweet enough to make your teach ache.  To this little girl, it was the most beautiful cake ever, with two round nine inch pink layers of cake and a dangerously thick slathering of that decadent frosting between.  I feel sure there were sprinkles and candles.   I’m describing every birthday cake that my Mom made for me until I was probably 10.  because I begged for it – cherry chip or nothing.

With my memory blurring a bit, (after all, I did request the same cake  year after year) there is still one cake that stands out.

I was turning seven.  To this day, the scene is as clear as though it happened last month, even though it was thirty years ago.  What was so exciting and memorable about that 7th birthday cake?

a surprise.

My mom had wrapped coins in foil,buried them in the cake batter and baked them into the cake layers.  As we ate the cake, any money I found in my piece I got to keep.  This was HUGE!  For many years after that we’d beg Mom to conceal money in the birthday cake – and we’d dig through the cake, hunting for all the coins!

This year I will turn thirty-eight and I don’t have any intention of tearing up my birthday cake in hopes of change.  But, this birthday cake memory from so long ago reminds me to do a different kind of digging.

Last year, God’s Word revealed many delightful morsels to me.  Some completely new and vibrant, others renewed and fresh again.   Thankfully, there are familiar passages that will always ring true, bringing peace and comfort. But there is also excitement and rejuvenation for my spirit when I find a new life-giving truth from God’s Word.

The good news is that His provision is far greater than my need.  There is always more encouragement from His Word to be found, for my heart’s keeping.   Maybe its a bit of wonder to revel in, that makes me want to linger a little longer.  Or it could be the kind of grace that finds my wandering heart and walks me home.  Sometimes it is a blanket of mercy and protection, covering my heart and mind.  Beautiful, lovely, morsels – waiting on discovery as I consume God’s Word.

It shouldn’t surprise me so much when I uncover something new, something I didn’t see before.  The truth is: all that I need for life is found only in Him.  It makes sense then, that He will give me all that I need for each day.

from Psalm 90:
Satisfy us in the morning with your steadfast love, that we may rejoice and be glad all our days.

Thank you Heavenly Father for your promises filled with love and truth that are tucked away in Your Word.  I could not live without them. Keep me searching.  Whet my appetite so that my heart desires more and more of You.  amen.

a bit of history

childhood companion…

melodyannday2 Comments

DSC_0327

During my 7th grade year of life many monumental things happened.  Our family moved back to the states from Canada and I started a new school. I had my own room in a new house.  My mom had a near fatal car accident.  My Great Grandmother came and stayed with us for several months.  But, for me, nothing surpassed one particular event.

In the fall of 1987 a Young Chang, black ebony grand piano was delivered to our home, planted on the new plush gray carpet, just inside the living room.  Nothing earthly changed my life more than that piano.

I remember some of the first pieces that I learned on that instrument : Debussy’s Reverie and Chopin’s Military Polonaise.  I practiced hours upon hours each week, sitting on that bench, preparing for lessons and competitions.  There was no place I’d rather be than sitting at the keys.  It was truly my first love.

As time went by, the piano was my constant comrade in life’s ups and downs.  I played my heart out at that piano while our family walked thru some of the most difficult circumstances of my young life.  And although I enjoyed classical pieces, when my heart was heavy or in need of tender loving care, I would play hymns and worship music.   Oh the places my heart soared while I sat there with my friend, the Young Chang.  So many private moments of warmth and satisfaction, I can’t even begin a list.

We’ve been home, visiting my parents this week.  Yesterday I went in to say hello to my old childhood companion.  Our visit was long and refreshing.  There was a warmth that has never left – every time I sit there on her bench, she welcomes me and we enjoy beautiful,  glorious moments of musical bliss together. And oh how I needed it!

I realized something as my fingers were gliding over the familiar glossy black and whites.  It wasn’t the music, or the piano alone that had been my companion all those years ago. But rather, it was the music, the gift He’d given to me, and the certain presence of His Holy Spirit at the center of it all, soothing my heart and soul, guiding me daily.  Where else would I have found Him closer, than sitting on that bench?  Only a Heavenly Father with such sincere affection would carefully appoint this rendezvous with me.

It was no different yesterday than it has always been.  While I played I experienced the most intimate moments of communion with Him – In particular as I played and sang these words:

Simply trusting Thee, Lord Jesus, I behold Thee as Thou art, And Thy love, so pure, so changeless, Satisfies my heart; Satisfies its deepest longings, Meets supplies its every need, Compasseth me round with blessings; Thine is love indeed!  Jesus I am resting, resting in the joy of what thou art.  I am finding out the greatness of thy loving heart.  

He has been and will be my deepest point of satisfaction and rest and blessing.   His love is more than great! There is intense joy and comfort knowing it was my Savior who has been with me all along.

He is my companion.

friends and loved ones

Year’s End Review…

melodyanndayLeave a comment

DSC_0061

Two thousand twelve began as a sleeper.  It started out a real snoozer, but quickly picked up in pace and excitement.

In years gone by I’ve prayed and asked the Lord to use me, to transform me into His image, for His purposes.  And New Year’s Eve 2011 was no exception – I made the same requests of Him, but His response was completely unexpected.  As I look back over the past twelve months I am simply astounded.  If I had known what I know now, I think that maybe I wouldn’t have prayed my prayer last year quite so sincerely.

But He knew my heart – and plunged me head-long, deeper into Him, His love and His grace.   All along the way there has been a fresh and new sweetness my heart has never known, His presence my constant guide and companion.

And on this journey His goodness abounded:

grace received in great, extraordinary measure.

love and acceptance from dear friends and loved ones.

delightful, new friendships begun; old ones rekindled.

faith and trust revived, requiring large strides of action.

God’s voice, strong and unmistakable; His Words my portion, daily.

a remarkable path set in front of me, I never could have dreamed.

new-found experiences, with His strength to accompany each challenge.

highs and lows felt to my very core, my survival a testament to His unswerving mercy and love. 

My New Year’s prayer is this: that He will increase and I will decrease, that my life will be eclipsed by His greatness, that my love for Him will exceed everything else.     I’m finishing up 2012 here on Daily Portion, the least sleepy of years ever, with this prayer from Ephesians 3.  I know Paul was praying it for the church in Ephesus, but I like to think it is for me too!

14 For this reason I kneel before the Father, 15 from whom his whole family in heaven and on earth derives its name. 16 I pray that out of his glorious riches he may strengthen you with power through his Spirit in your inner being, 17 so that Christ may dwell in your hearts through faith. And I pray that you, being rooted and established in love, 18 may have power, together with all the saints, to grasp how wide and long and high and deep is the love of Christ, 19 and to know this love that surpasses knowledge—that you may be filled to the measure of all the fullness of God.  20 Now to him who is able to do immeasurably more than all we ask or imagine, according to his power that is at work within us, 21 to him be glory in the church and in Christ Jesus throughout all generations, for ever and ever! Amen.

Happy New Year!  May you find 2013 to be full of Him and His grace.

Uncategorized

my favorite Christmas photo…

melodyannday1 Comment

To some, this Christmas morning photo will mean little, or next to nothing.  I understand. I’m going to explain with few words – maybe the picture will speak for itself.

This is my littlest girl, embracing the gift from her big sister.  And Emily, she’s pleased at her sister’s response to the gift.

DSC_0020

Oh that my heart would respond to the gifts God has given to me, so that I might make Him smile!

Heavenly Father, thank you for this most precious gift of Your Son.  Help me to live my life in a grateful posture, embracing your goodness today and every day.

Uncategorized

Deeper Breaths… my Christmas wish

melodyannday5 Comments

Yesterday I played an offertory at church from the piano.  Nothing new here, right? It was a typical Sunday, with the regular goings- on of the day.  Except that I played my favorite Christmas song.  Something unexpected happened: the atmosphere became thick with His presence as I played my prayer to Him.  You could have heard a pin drop when I finished.   After the service, many complimented me and I was grateful.  However, most of the congregation couldn’t have possibly known: I was playing it for me.

No one knows, until now, how much this song has become my prayer.  It has become “my” song.

Okay, its not my song literally – someone else wrote it about Mary making a request for the Heavenly Father to send His Spirit to “hold her together,”  just after she’s found out she’s going to be the mother of the savior of the world.  I think I’d be praying the same thing if an angel had just appeared to me with such significant news.

No one has ever been given a task that can compete with Mary’s.  At least I can’t think of one.  And yet, every believer is given an assignment in the body of Christ.  At times, birthing new ideas, traveling new paths as His follower can feel monumental.

Yesterday was one of those tremendous days for me.  Not many know about it; most would not consider it a big deal.  But it is to me.  I took a new position, which will begin in January.  If I think about it long enough, as something my flesh needs to accomplish, I loose my breath.

Not long ago when it became apparent that I needed to follow Christ to new territory and do things I’ve not done before, I remembered Mary.  She did not hesitate.  In Scripture it doesn’t say the angel appeared to explain things to her and then she said, “Give me a week or two to think things over.”  No.  She immediately said, in Luke 1:

 “I am the Lord’s servant,” Mary answered. “May it be to me as you have said.”

And then she hopped up and hurried over to Elizabeth’s house, rejoicing and magnifying the Lord!   I wish I could have been so brave.  I had to think and pray a lot this time before I decided to do His bidding.  *sigh*

As Jesus’ birth drew closer, I wonder if she needed grace under the pressure of becoming a new mother to Jesus, God’s Son.  I like to think she was human enough that she needed to pray for the Spirit’s strength and mercy.  My new assignment is tiny by comparison to hers, and yet, I find myself breathing out these very words from one of my favorite Christmas songs, the one I played yesterday

I have traveled many moonless nights
Cold and weary with a babe inside
And I wonder what I’ve done
Holy Father, You have come
And chosen me now to carry Your Son

I am waiting in a silent prayer
I am frightened by the load I bear
In a world as cold as stone
Must I walk this path alone?
Be with me now, be with me now

Breath of Heaven, hold me together
Be forever near me, breath of Heaven
Breath of Heaven, lighten my darkness
Pour over me Your holiness for You are holy
Breath of Heaven

Do you wonder as you watch my face
If a wiser one should have had my place?
But I offer all I am
For the mercy of Your plan
Help me be strong, help me be, help me

This Christmas I find myself on a new road, terribly excited, praising God for His leading.  He’s offering this new journey for me to take with Him, and I’m amazed that He thinks I’m the right one…  So, I find myself asking Him to keep me together, shine His light on my path and make me worthy of this calling.  Only His Spirit can fill me and give enough mercy for me to be a part of this plan.  As I breathe in and out, deeper and longer, He will graciously give everything I need and more.  I know this Christmas wish is one He is prepared to answer, not just for me, but anyone who chooses to follow Him.