The Music of My Heart - The Symphony that Calms my Fear

And be constantly renewed in the spirit of your mind (having a fresh and mental attitude). Ephesians 4:23

When I'm bone tired in my soul from all of life's activities and relationships, music is an avenue the Holy Spirit uses to renew my mind.  And do not be conformed to this world, but be transformed by the renewing of your mind...Romans 12:2.

The Holy Spirit speaks to me through music.  On the way to work this morning it was raining and the song "Bring on the Rain" comes to my mind so I pulled over to the side of the road to search for this song. And, yes, it is a song my daddy used to encourage me more than once.

Another day has almost come and gone.  Can't imagine what else could go wrong.  Sometimes I'd like to hide away somewhere and lock the door.  A single battle lost but not the war. Tomorrow's another day. And I'm thirsty anyway So bring on the rain. It's almost like the hard times circle 'round.  A couple drops and they all start coming down.  Yeah, I might be defeated, And I might hang my head.  I might be barely breathing - but I'm not dead, no ('cause) Tomorrow's another day and I'm thirsty anyway so bring on the rain. I'm not gonna let it get me down.  I'm not gonna cry.  And I'm not gonna lose any sleep tonight ('cause) Tomorrow's another day and I am not afraid, so bring on the rain.   Bring on the Rain by Jo Dee Messina

While this song is playing, I hear my daddy say "come on with it" which is a statement he would use when he had to face a challenge.  And also, "you might as well pull up those boot straps" which is what he said to me when I was growing up and he had given a task that I dreaded.

The song that came on next was amazingly just what my mind needed:  As I go along life's journey, I'm reaping better than I sow, I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.  I thank God for all His blessings, and mercy He's bestowed.  I'm drinking from my saucer cause my cup has overflowed.  So Lord, help my not to grumble about the tough rows I have hoed. I'm drinking from my saucer, cause my cup has overflowed.  Drinking from my Saucer

And next, Nicole C Mullen sings Music of My Heart:  I'm not ashamed to tell the whole world, without You, I'm nothing at all, that I have strings in need of mending.  I'm out of tune in certain parts.  So strong the chords of mercy.  Restore my soul completely.  Lay Your hand upon me.  And this instrument will breathe.  'Cause You're the music of my heart....

The symphony that calms my fear.
Music of My Heart by Nicole C Mullen

What's So Good about Good Friday?

Today is set aside to remember the death of our Savior.  But it seemingly comes and goes quietly.  It's the day we plant our garden and for some it's a holiday from work.  I was thinking how it compares to the all the attention and memorial services given to the 911 and Boston Marathon deaths.  The media starts talking about it weeks ahead.  Now don't get me wrong, I fully agree and morn with these families.  But, why is it this way?   Afterall, our Savior's death was the most horrific punishment of all.  He surrendered.  For love.  My daughter sent me these words from a song that says it all:

"This is amazing grace
This is unfailing love
That You would take my place
That You would bear my cross
You lay down Your life
That I would be set free
Oh, Jesus, I sing for
All that You've done for me"

It is my prayer that my heart will be continuously quickened with the amazing sacrifice that my Savior made for me.  It was the ultimate act of love.

A Legacy of Love: The Good Shepherd Statue

March 2014 Issue of Druid City Living Article about The Good Shepherd Statue on page 23.

The article I submitted to Druid City Living in March 2014 issue had to be edited by the newspaper to fit the page.  One main point I really wish had been left in is when Daddy was teaching me about the meaning of the statue to him, he told me to read Joshua 4.

Joshua 4 tells us to set down markers in our life.  Markers serve three purposes:  to help us remember what God has taught us; to help us teach our children and grandchildren what God has taught us; and to glorify God.

Click on the photo to enlarge.