I finally downloaded Brandon Heath 's newest album, Leaving Eden, this week and found it rather catchy. One could argue that it is perhaps not his strongest album to date, but it's still really good, and I am enjoying it. 4 stars from me!!
It is $5 on Amazon at the present. Check it out.
P.S. I'm sharing a slightly cheese YouTube video of the song and lyrics below. Enjoy!
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Music. Show all posts
Thursday, April 7, 2011
Tuesday, October 19, 2010
Do You Know Who You Are?
Tenth Avenue North is one of my favorite Christian groups. I love their lyrics, and You Are More from their latest album The Light Meets the Dark is amazing. I love these words...
But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
But don't you know who you are,
What's been done for you?
Yeah don't you know who you are?
You are more than the choices that you've made,
You are more than the sum of your past mistakes,
You are more than the problems you create,
You've been remade.
Wednesday, October 13, 2010
Just Regular Guys
My friend Becky is a big Jars of Clay fan and has been for the past 15 years. She actually had tickets to a Jars of Clay concert a few years back, but the event was canceled, much to her disappointment, and so she has been determined to get to one of their concerts ever since.
Well, a few months ago, Becky, Jessica and I heard that the band was coming to Wabash with Brandon Heath, and it became a must-do item on our list. So Becky bought our tickets the day they went on sale and then anxiously waited for the concert.
Then a couple of weeks ago, Jessica had a brilliant idea that she shared with me. With Becky’s birthday coming up on October 19th, Jessica thought there might be a way to make the concert even more special for Becky, and so she suggested that we secretly contact the band, and so we did. Jessica and I drafted and sent an email 5 days before the concert.
Honestly, I think both Jessica and I were not expecting much if anything to come of it. The email was to the Jars of Clay management and promotion people, and so I thought maybe I’d hear from someone in a week or so. I imagined that perhaps someone would offer to send an autographed poster to Becky, but it would be some time after the concert. Our request was rather late after all.
But on Sunday afternoon as we drove to Wabash together, I got an email on my phone from the tour manager wanting to arrange to get Becky in to meet the band at the concert. So I slid my phone up to Jessica in the front seat. She read the message and handed it back to me, and then she said, "Well, I guess we need to make a decision, don’t we?"
At which point, Becky’s curiosity was piqued, and she asked what was going on. So we relayed the full story to her, and WOW! was she ever surprised! I could tell she was excited but also nervous. We gave her an out and told her that she didn’t have to go through with it. We explained that we wanted to make the evening special for her and not embarrass her or cause her stress. She thought it over and said she was in, and so I sent an email back to my contact.
We got to the Honeywell Center 2 hours before the concert, got into the restaurant there on site with our reservations, and then waited for the meet/greet time. We finally met up with Nathan, the tour manager, who took us backstage, where we waited outside the room for a few minutes. Soon after, Nathan came out to ask if we were all right with meeting Brandon Heath as well. Of course, we were just fine with that! So we were ushered in and met 3 of the guys from Jars of Clay along with Brandon Heath, and there were handshakes all around.
The guys were just like anybody else, like someone else’s brothers. The Tennessee Titans football game was on the TV, and Brandon especially was hyped up about the game. They were pleasant and gracious in our few minutes together. They genuinely seemed appreciative that we were fans of their music, and honestly, I think the experience of meeting them and glimpsing their kindness and sincerity in person, made me like them that much more.
Now Becky is a pretty shy person, and so I wasn’t sure how she was going to react to meeting her favorite musical group of all time. In fact on the drive, she had commented: "You know, I'm not gonna do any talking, right?" But when she met Jars of Clay, she was amazing! She answered questions and shared how she became a fan. I was blown away with her candor and how calm and natural she was. I was proud of her because I knew she was completely outside her comfort zone.
One of the tour team members was on hand to take photos, and so she took a picture of Becky with Jars of Clay and then a group shot of all of us, including Brandon. Soon after, we said our thank-yous and headed back into the lobby area with big smiles on our faces.
The concert started a few minutes later, and it was wonderful! I loved it, and I know that my friends did, too. We got to hear some old and new songs from both Brandon Heath and Jars of Clay. I could sense the worshipful heart of the performers in their music and was inspired by their dedication to helping those less fortunate than themselves as they promoted both Feed the Hungry and Blood Water Mission, too.
It was a fun and exhilarating experience, and I’m so glad that GOD worked out the details. I believe that HE does care about the details and delights in our happiness. HE truly blessed us with a perfect evening!
Going to a concert – Fabulous!
Meeting Brandon Heath and Jars of Clay – Amazing!
Surprising my friend Becky (and seeing the smile on her face) – PRICELESS!!!
Well, a few months ago, Becky, Jessica and I heard that the band was coming to Wabash with Brandon Heath, and it became a must-do item on our list. So Becky bought our tickets the day they went on sale and then anxiously waited for the concert.
Then a couple of weeks ago, Jessica had a brilliant idea that she shared with me. With Becky’s birthday coming up on October 19th, Jessica thought there might be a way to make the concert even more special for Becky, and so she suggested that we secretly contact the band, and so we did. Jessica and I drafted and sent an email 5 days before the concert.
Honestly, I think both Jessica and I were not expecting much if anything to come of it. The email was to the Jars of Clay management and promotion people, and so I thought maybe I’d hear from someone in a week or so. I imagined that perhaps someone would offer to send an autographed poster to Becky, but it would be some time after the concert. Our request was rather late after all.
But on Sunday afternoon as we drove to Wabash together, I got an email on my phone from the tour manager wanting to arrange to get Becky in to meet the band at the concert. So I slid my phone up to Jessica in the front seat. She read the message and handed it back to me, and then she said, "Well, I guess we need to make a decision, don’t we?"
At which point, Becky’s curiosity was piqued, and she asked what was going on. So we relayed the full story to her, and WOW! was she ever surprised! I could tell she was excited but also nervous. We gave her an out and told her that she didn’t have to go through with it. We explained that we wanted to make the evening special for her and not embarrass her or cause her stress. She thought it over and said she was in, and so I sent an email back to my contact.
We got to the Honeywell Center 2 hours before the concert, got into the restaurant there on site with our reservations, and then waited for the meet/greet time. We finally met up with Nathan, the tour manager, who took us backstage, where we waited outside the room for a few minutes. Soon after, Nathan came out to ask if we were all right with meeting Brandon Heath as well. Of course, we were just fine with that! So we were ushered in and met 3 of the guys from Jars of Clay along with Brandon Heath, and there were handshakes all around.
Now Becky is a pretty shy person, and so I wasn’t sure how she was going to react to meeting her favorite musical group of all time. In fact on the drive, she had commented: "You know, I'm not gonna do any talking, right?" But when she met Jars of Clay, she was amazing! She answered questions and shared how she became a fan. I was blown away with her candor and how calm and natural she was. I was proud of her because I knew she was completely outside her comfort zone.
The concert started a few minutes later, and it was wonderful! I loved it, and I know that my friends did, too. We got to hear some old and new songs from both Brandon Heath and Jars of Clay. I could sense the worshipful heart of the performers in their music and was inspired by their dedication to helping those less fortunate than themselves as they promoted both Feed the Hungry and Blood Water Mission, too.
It was a fun and exhilarating experience, and I’m so glad that GOD worked out the details. I believe that HE does care about the details and delights in our happiness. HE truly blessed us with a perfect evening!
Going to a concert – Fabulous!
Meeting Brandon Heath and Jars of Clay – Amazing!
Surprising my friend Becky (and seeing the smile on her face) – PRICELESS!!!
Monday, October 4, 2010
I Sing a New Song
I’m extremely grateful for my new church choir family. I am. I can’t quite express enough what a difference the last few weeks have made in my life.
I feel loved, accepted and wanted. I feel like I belong.
REHEARSALS: I actually look forward to choir rehearsal on Thursday nights. Seriously, that’s amazing. Thursdays are my last work day of the week, and by Thursday late afternoon, I’m usually pretty tired and ready to crash. My 10-hour work days are catching up with me, and exhaustion is ready to claim me. And yet, I find myself psyched about going to choir and the chance to sing for a couple of hours. I head out the door eager to get there and see my new friends. I feel real joy in singing again.
CO-CHAIR: My co-chair responsibilities for one of our fundraiser teams are going pretty well. Of course, I feel like I’m bumbling along most of the time, but I’m having fun, and I love the spirited personalities around me. I’ve discovered someone who likes details even more than I do, and I love that. I’m in an environment where I can serve, and I can get as active as I feel called to be. I’m a Martha, a doer. I am at my happiest when I can act out my faith in love and service.
RETREAT: We had our annual choir retreat this past Saturday, and it was an incredible experience for this first-timer. I loved singing through the upcoming Christmas program repertoire for the first time. Sure, there is admittedly a lot of work for us over the next couple of months, but it was also exciting to hear and sing new music. Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting more of the choir members and socializing with them. And then at the end of the day, we had a time of worship and communion, which was an incredible way to end our special time together. It was awesome to hear the hearts of my fellow singing family as we shared a time of community around the bread and cup.
All in all, I’m making friends and stepping out of my comfort zone once again. Seriously, I was laughing at myself the other night on my drive home. I was mentally noting how I’m gradually coming out of my shell and letting the real Mel emerge and come out to play. Starting over in a new place isn’t easy, but it’s been much easier than the months before I made this decision and switched churches. Yes, I truly believe that GOD paved the way ahead of time and brought me to St. Luke’s at just the right moment, and HE’s been with me every step of the way – guiding me, coaxing me and, yes, kicking me in the butt just when I needed it the most. HE has me in HIS hands.
I feel loved, accepted and wanted. I feel like I belong.
REHEARSALS: I actually look forward to choir rehearsal on Thursday nights. Seriously, that’s amazing. Thursdays are my last work day of the week, and by Thursday late afternoon, I’m usually pretty tired and ready to crash. My 10-hour work days are catching up with me, and exhaustion is ready to claim me. And yet, I find myself psyched about going to choir and the chance to sing for a couple of hours. I head out the door eager to get there and see my new friends. I feel real joy in singing again.
CO-CHAIR: My co-chair responsibilities for one of our fundraiser teams are going pretty well. Of course, I feel like I’m bumbling along most of the time, but I’m having fun, and I love the spirited personalities around me. I’ve discovered someone who likes details even more than I do, and I love that. I’m in an environment where I can serve, and I can get as active as I feel called to be. I’m a Martha, a doer. I am at my happiest when I can act out my faith in love and service.
RETREAT: We had our annual choir retreat this past Saturday, and it was an incredible experience for this first-timer. I loved singing through the upcoming Christmas program repertoire for the first time. Sure, there is admittedly a lot of work for us over the next couple of months, but it was also exciting to hear and sing new music. Plus, I thoroughly enjoyed meeting more of the choir members and socializing with them. And then at the end of the day, we had a time of worship and communion, which was an incredible way to end our special time together. It was awesome to hear the hearts of my fellow singing family as we shared a time of community around the bread and cup.
All in all, I’m making friends and stepping out of my comfort zone once again. Seriously, I was laughing at myself the other night on my drive home. I was mentally noting how I’m gradually coming out of my shell and letting the real Mel emerge and come out to play. Starting over in a new place isn’t easy, but it’s been much easier than the months before I made this decision and switched churches. Yes, I truly believe that GOD paved the way ahead of time and brought me to St. Luke’s at just the right moment, and HE’s been with me every step of the way – guiding me, coaxing me and, yes, kicking me in the butt just when I needed it the most. HE has me in HIS hands.
Wednesday, September 22, 2010
A Warm Welcome to Autumn
Autumn begins later today, and I’m ready for it. Yes, I think I blog about this every year…how I start to smell caramel apples and burning leaves, start craving candy corn and turkey (not in the same bite, mind you), and start breathing better and enjoying the great outdoors more. So the temps are still higher in the Hoosier state than I think they should be right now -- I acknowledge that, but I choose to be optimistic and cling to the idea that crisp, cooler air is coming in the weeks ahead. Yes, I am in love with fall.
And while we're on the subject of fall and love, I've decided that if I ever fall in love with an actual human being (rather than a character in a film or novel), I want it to be in autumn. If I meet a guy in the spring that I sense I’m falling for, I’ll just tell him to give me a call in October. I don’t want to be rude about it, but autumn is just better for me all around.
Great! Now I’ve got this sentimental song from Camelot in my head… (sigh!) Happy Fall, Everybody!
And while we're on the subject of fall and love, I've decided that if I ever fall in love with an actual human being (rather than a character in a film or novel), I want it to be in autumn. If I meet a guy in the spring that I sense I’m falling for, I’ll just tell him to give me a call in October. I don’t want to be rude about it, but autumn is just better for me all around.
Great! Now I’ve got this sentimental song from Camelot in my head… (sigh!) Happy Fall, Everybody!
If Ever I Would Leave You
by Frederick Loewe (sung here by Robert Goulet)
If ever I would leave you
It wouldn't be in summer.
Seeing you in summer I never would go.
Your hair streaked with sun-light,
Your lips red as flame,
Your face with a lustre
that puts gold to shame!
But if I'd ever leave you,
It couldn't be in autumn.
How I'd leave in autumn I never will know.
I've seen how you sparkle
When fall nips the air.
I know you in autumn
And I must be there.
And could I leave you
running merrily through the snow?
Or on a wintry evening
when you catch the fire's glow?
If ever I would leave you,
how could it be in spring-time?
Knowing how in spring I'm bewitched by you so?
Oh, no! not in spring-time!
Summer, winter or fall!
No, never could I leave you at all!
Monday, July 19, 2010
The End Will Justify the Pain...
We’ve all heard that old saying about “the end will justify the means,” right? Well, this morning, I was struggling to wake up, and so I popped in my ear buds and started jamming to tunes as I started my work day. Music always seems to help, and the lyrics to Relient K’s song Let It All Out offered a stunning twist to that archaic saying. I guess I just caught the meaning of the words for the first time:
If the burden seems too much to bear,I love it. Check it out.
remember the end will justify the pain it took to get us there...
Monday, May 17, 2010
The Influence of Twitter
OK, if the Grammys or Dove awards were soliciting my feedback, I’d have a nominee for album of the year with Mercy Me’s The Generous Mr. Lovewell. It is one of those rare albums where I found myself enjoying every song. Not just tracks 1-4 and 11 or 7-9. No, I liked them all. Every one, and I think each song is distinct and different from the others. Yes, I have a couple of favorites: This Life, Call Me Crazy,and Beautiful. This So Called Life is short and sweet but gripping. There isn’t a bad track on the set. Seriously!
Now in the past, I have purchased a few of Mercy Me’s songs from Amazon, but I certainly wouldn’t have called me a big fan of theirs, until now. I don’t have any of their other albums yet, but this one really is awesome. So how did I discover that I was now a fan of Mercy Me? I’m blaming Twitter.
I know. I’ve become one of those. I resisted the urge to join the Twitter set for months. I was already on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Friendster, etc. Did I really need one more social outlet? REALLY? Well, probably not, but I opted in, and I’m enjoying it. OK, so most of the updates are frivolous, but I find it humorous and interesting to follow some of my friends, celebrities, musicians, writers and other personalities. I like noting how human and connected we all are.
Anyway so what does this have to do with Mercy Me, right? Well, a couple of weeks ago, several of my favorite Christian artists tweeted about the latest Mercy Me album, and somehow I felt compelled to check it out. Yes, it’s true that I let Sara Groves and Brandon Heath (among others) influence me. HA! I followed their example and went to Amazon and checked out Mercy Me’s newest and discovered that I loved it, and now you know the rest of the story.
So this is me giving a plug for Mercy Me’s The Generous Mr. Lovewell. Check it out. [By the way, Sis, I can totally picture Jacob and Grace jamming to this CD. Love it!]
Now in the past, I have purchased a few of Mercy Me’s songs from Amazon, but I certainly wouldn’t have called me a big fan of theirs, until now. I don’t have any of their other albums yet, but this one really is awesome. So how did I discover that I was now a fan of Mercy Me? I’m blaming Twitter.
I know. I’ve become one of those. I resisted the urge to join the Twitter set for months. I was already on Facebook, MySpace, LinkedIn, Friendster, etc. Did I really need one more social outlet? REALLY? Well, probably not, but I opted in, and I’m enjoying it. OK, so most of the updates are frivolous, but I find it humorous and interesting to follow some of my friends, celebrities, musicians, writers and other personalities. I like noting how human and connected we all are.
Anyway so what does this have to do with Mercy Me, right? Well, a couple of weeks ago, several of my favorite Christian artists tweeted about the latest Mercy Me album, and somehow I felt compelled to check it out. Yes, it’s true that I let Sara Groves and Brandon Heath (among others) influence me. HA! I followed their example and went to Amazon and checked out Mercy Me’s newest and discovered that I loved it, and now you know the rest of the story.
So this is me giving a plug for Mercy Me’s The Generous Mr. Lovewell. Check it out. [By the way, Sis, I can totally picture Jacob and Grace jamming to this CD. Love it!]
Thursday, April 8, 2010
Catching Up on Tunes
I try to keep up with new music, but somehow I'm still always behind the times. HA! Oh well, just because my "discovery" is late does NOT change the relevancy, right?
Remedy Drive: Check out their 2008 album, Daylight Is Coming. Not sure which song is my favorite since it keeps changing. Yep, I pretty much like the whole album, but I guess "Hope," "Valuable" and "All Along" stand out.
Needtobreathe: The songs on their latest album from 2009, The Outsiders, really have sunk deep into my mind. OK, so I like the whole album. But a "Girl Named Tennessee" makes me smile, and "Looks Like Love" and "The Garden" really move me. I really enjoy their sound!
Matt Maher: He is not to be confused with my musician friend here in Indianapolis with the same name, but he is pretty awesome, too. Alive Again is a pretty incredible album.
Love and Theft: I know I'll get some flack from my sister for going country for a bit here, but I'm eclectic. I like a lot of different styles of music, and apparently, I've still got some country blood left. HA! Anyway, I enjoy their World Wide Open album. Lots of great harmony.
Regina Spektor: OK, I'm completely switching gears here. Not sure how to classify her tunes really. Her sound is unique, all her own, and the lyrics are so wildly out there, and yet I like her stuff. Her latest album Far is my only exposure to her so far.
Wednesday, April 7, 2010
I AM FREE
On the LDM SonRise weekend retreats, we sing this song quite a bit, and there are lots of motions that go with the song when we sing it. It’s a very active song, and I love it. So now, every time I hear the song on the radio or on my MP3 player, I just have to move and groove. You know, it's rather hard to sit still at work and hear the song these days. Makes me laugh!
I am free to run. (I am free to run.)
I am free to dance. (I am free to dance.)
I am free to live for YOU. (I am free to live for YOU.)
I am FREE. (I am FREE.)
YES, I AM FREE.
Awesome lyrics when you think about it. Thank you, Newsboys!
I am free to run. (I am free to run.)
I am free to dance. (I am free to dance.)
I am free to live for YOU. (I am free to live for YOU.)
I am FREE. (I am FREE.)
YES, I AM FREE.
Awesome lyrics when you think about it. Thank you, Newsboys!
Thursday, February 11, 2010
Musical Memories
I love how music can hold memories for us. There are certain songs that always take me back to another moment in time or cause me to think of a certain person. Funny how our minds work like that.
I cannot listen to The Phantom of the Opera or ABBA without thinking of my best friend from junior high and high school. Topher introduced me to both completely different styles of music. I can still hear him singing Masquerade in my ear.
Tunes from Blessid Union of Souls like Jelly or Light in Your Eyes always make me think of my sister and some of our late-night conversations post-college.
80’s songs by Madonna make me chuckle and think of my childhood when I was NOT supposed to be listening to pop or rock music at all, and yet somehow I know her songs quite well.
Richard Marx’s Right Here Waiting will always bring back memories of the Croswell Fair. I loved that song, and I can still picture Lisa, Barbara and I giggling as we served Diana’s ice cream from our cozy booth to our customers.
Along the same lines, New Kids on the Block songs like Hangin’ Tough, Cover Girl, Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time), and Popsicle never fail to make me smile and grimace at the same time. What were we thinking? And which one did I like again? Hee hee!
Elton John’s Blessed album always makes me think of a family trip to Florida and one really bad haircut. My family visited Florida for a few days after my college graduation, and my sister and I drove home to Michigan, following behind my parents in another car. Barbara had her Blessed tape with her, and we played it again and again on the drive. As for the haircut, my great aunt in Florida convinced me to chop off most of my locks for a radical change, and it turned into rather a disastrous phase for me. UGH!
Chris Rice songs always make me smile. He just has such a positive and upbeat presence. One song in particular still chokes me up every time I hear it. He wrote Let the Words Escape as inspired by Elizabeth Barret Browning’s poetry. I’m a big E.B.B. fan, and I hearing Chris’s song reminds me of reading about Elizabeth’s romance with Robert Browning. I love it.
Brandon Heath’s song London naturally brings a flood of memories back from my England trip last May. I close my eyes and once again I am walking along the streets of London, passing the Houses of Parliament as I cross Westminster Bridge, enjoying the river scenes along the Thames… SIGH!
For me, music bottles memories like a photograph can. It's all good!
I cannot listen to The Phantom of the Opera or ABBA without thinking of my best friend from junior high and high school. Topher introduced me to both completely different styles of music. I can still hear him singing Masquerade in my ear.
Tunes from Blessid Union of Souls like Jelly or Light in Your Eyes always make me think of my sister and some of our late-night conversations post-college.
80’s songs by Madonna make me chuckle and think of my childhood when I was NOT supposed to be listening to pop or rock music at all, and yet somehow I know her songs quite well.
Richard Marx’s Right Here Waiting will always bring back memories of the Croswell Fair. I loved that song, and I can still picture Lisa, Barbara and I giggling as we served Diana’s ice cream from our cozy booth to our customers.
Along the same lines, New Kids on the Block songs like Hangin’ Tough, Cover Girl, Didn’t I (Blow Your Mind This Time), and Popsicle never fail to make me smile and grimace at the same time. What were we thinking? And which one did I like again? Hee hee!
Elton John’s Blessed album always makes me think of a family trip to Florida and one really bad haircut. My family visited Florida for a few days after my college graduation, and my sister and I drove home to Michigan, following behind my parents in another car. Barbara had her Blessed tape with her, and we played it again and again on the drive. As for the haircut, my great aunt in Florida convinced me to chop off most of my locks for a radical change, and it turned into rather a disastrous phase for me. UGH!
Chris Rice songs always make me smile. He just has such a positive and upbeat presence. One song in particular still chokes me up every time I hear it. He wrote Let the Words Escape as inspired by Elizabeth Barret Browning’s poetry. I’m a big E.B.B. fan, and I hearing Chris’s song reminds me of reading about Elizabeth’s romance with Robert Browning. I love it.
Brandon Heath’s song London naturally brings a flood of memories back from my England trip last May. I close my eyes and once again I am walking along the streets of London, passing the Houses of Parliament as I cross Westminster Bridge, enjoying the river scenes along the Thames… SIGH!
For me, music bottles memories like a photograph can. It's all good!
Wednesday, October 28, 2009
Take Over
I’m gonna do it again. I’m going to post a plug and encourage others to check out another Christian artist. Personally, I prefer music that is honest about our condition here on earth and about the only hope we can cling to. Aaron Shust is just such a lyricist, singer, musician, etc. He writes deeply compelling songs that convict, motivate and encourage. His latest CD, “Take Over,” has gripped me.
Check it out!
Check it out!
Monday, October 26, 2009
Just Haven’t Met You Yet
My sister posted a link to this video on her website. Sorry to be such a copycat, Sis, but blog about it, I must. This video made me smile, and I'm still grinning about it. I love it! Yes, it’s completely silly and frivolous, but it’s also charming and adorable. No, I’m not talking about Michael, although he is rather cute. I’m talking about the idea of finding love in the frozen food aisle and the dream some of us still have of meeting someone some day...sigh!
1. I’m a feverish roMANtic, despite the missing man.
2. I love songs like this, and even though I have yet to experience love for myself, I can still sing along.
3. This song is from Michael Buble’s latest CD, which is my new favorite. I love the mix of classic crooning melodies from my Mom’s era along with new contemporary stuff. It’s awesome! [This is my subliminal plug to urge you all to rush out and buy his new CD. RUN!]
4. I need to start shopping at this store. I can’t remember the last time this happened to me. So, if you find me hanging out in frozen foods, now you will know why! Hee hee!
Friday, August 28, 2009
Two Hands...Lifted High
My friend Becky is a BIG Jars of Clay fan. Now I like some of their songs, but Becky really likes their music. She had to buy their latest CD the day it was released. I guess I can’t give her too hard of a time about that. I’m the same way about books, and really, Becky was nice enough to wait with me for more than 2 hours at Borders when Harry Potter book 7 came out, and it was way past her bed time of 9 PM. She deserves a medal really. Hee hee!
Anyway, because of Becky’s insights, I decided to listen to the latest Jars of Clay cd, and I really liked what I heard. One song in particular gripped me. "I use one hand to pull you closer, the other to push you away..." Isn't that honest and real? I live there. I’m wanting GOD close but not too close. I’m wanting HIM involved in my life just not in this area or that one over there. I need my space. But like it or not, it all belongs to HIM because HE wants all of me.
And I love the line: “I’m a liar who thirsts for the truth...” WOW! That’s good stuff! I think we’re all there, desperately seeking truth and yet bogged down in our own deceit. In a way, we're all bipolar. Scary, isn't it? Give this song a listen. I think you'll like it, too.
Anyway, because of Becky’s insights, I decided to listen to the latest Jars of Clay cd, and I really liked what I heard. One song in particular gripped me. "I use one hand to pull you closer, the other to push you away..." Isn't that honest and real? I live there. I’m wanting GOD close but not too close. I’m wanting HIM involved in my life just not in this area or that one over there. I need my space. But like it or not, it all belongs to HIM because HE wants all of me.
And I love the line: “I’m a liar who thirsts for the truth...” WOW! That’s good stuff! I think we’re all there, desperately seeking truth and yet bogged down in our own deceit. In a way, we're all bipolar. Scary, isn't it? Give this song a listen. I think you'll like it, too.
Jars of Clay - "Two Hands" - Official Music Video from Jars of Clay on Vimeo.
Wednesday, July 1, 2009
Smile
I heard this Chris Rice song again recently. OK, the truth is that I listen to this song A LOT, but don’t tell Chris, he’ll get a big head. Once again, I was struck with these lyrics. I’m single, and like a lot of singles out there, I struggle with that status. Not all the time, mind you, but more often than I’d like. It is part of being human and having a sinful nature. GOD has blessed me in so many ways, and yet I still want that something more. I long for it, and I’m constantly sharing these thoughts with GOD.
The first time I heard this song, I started crying. Yes, Chris Rice has made me cry on more than one occasion, but it’s a good thing--honest. I heard the song as a love song, and I thought it was so sweet. Then suddenly, I got it. This wasn’t just another love song. This was a love song to GOD.
Here I am longing for a love of my own. I’m aching for that one thing that seems always just out of reach. I’m stuck, as it were. I’m frustrated. I’m struggling with the discontentment. Well, along comes this Chris Rice song about aching to be with THE ONE, the same ONE who should be the REAL love of my life, and these lyrics just bowled me over.
I'm a dreamer. My head is always off in the clouds somewhere. But instead of thinking and dreaming of THE ONE, I'm pining for another lover. I’m whining down here because I went to another party alone, or I just got invited to another bridal or baby shower. How selfish, am I? The GOD of the universe loves me, has given me the very best (HIS SON), provides for my every need, and desires my soul. HE wants me. HE wants me. I already have HIS love. I didn’t earn it. I can’t earn it, but there it is...the only love that will ever truly endure, and HE has given it to me as a gift.
So where is my desire to be with HIM?
Why don’t I ache to be in HIS presence?
Why don’t I ponder Heaven more?
Where is my passion for HIM?
Am I tossing aside the LOVER of my soul in hopes of something else? What am I thinking? That other love will never compare to HIS. It can’t compete.
OH LORD, teach me to make this song my daily prayer to YOU: “I just want to be with YOU. I just want this waiting to be over...” Yes, it would be nice to have a someone special here to smile for and with, but should that day not come, LORD, teach me how to wait for YOUR smile.
The first time I heard this song, I started crying. Yes, Chris Rice has made me cry on more than one occasion, but it’s a good thing--honest. I heard the song as a love song, and I thought it was so sweet. Then suddenly, I got it. This wasn’t just another love song. This was a love song to GOD.
Here I am longing for a love of my own. I’m aching for that one thing that seems always just out of reach. I’m stuck, as it were. I’m frustrated. I’m struggling with the discontentment. Well, along comes this Chris Rice song about aching to be with THE ONE, the same ONE who should be the REAL love of my life, and these lyrics just bowled me over.
I'm a dreamer. My head is always off in the clouds somewhere. But instead of thinking and dreaming of THE ONE, I'm pining for another lover. I’m whining down here because I went to another party alone, or I just got invited to another bridal or baby shower. How selfish, am I? The GOD of the universe loves me, has given me the very best (HIS SON), provides for my every need, and desires my soul. HE wants me. HE wants me. I already have HIS love. I didn’t earn it. I can’t earn it, but there it is...the only love that will ever truly endure, and HE has given it to me as a gift.
So where is my desire to be with HIM?
Why don’t I ache to be in HIS presence?
Why don’t I ponder Heaven more?
Where is my passion for HIM?
Am I tossing aside the LOVER of my soul in hopes of something else? What am I thinking? That other love will never compare to HIS. It can’t compete.
OH LORD, teach me to make this song my daily prayer to YOU: “I just want to be with YOU. I just want this waiting to be over...” Yes, it would be nice to have a someone special here to smile for and with, but should that day not come, LORD, teach me how to wait for YOUR smile.
Smile
by Chris Rice
How far are you, how close am I
I know your words are true and I don't feel them inside
Still I believe you'll never leave
So where are you now
You're all I have, You're all I know
Your breath is breathing in my soul
Still I am gasping, aching, asking
Where are you now
Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
My journey's here, but my heart is There
So I dream and wait, and keep the faith, while You prepare
Our destiny, til You come back for me
Oh, please make it soon!
Cause I just wanna be with You
I just want this waiting to be over
I just want to be with You
And it helps to know the Day is getting closer
Every minute takes an hour
Every inch feels like a mile
Til I won't have to imagine
And I finally get to see You smile
Sunday, June 28, 2009
Call Me Old-Fashioned...
But some Sundays, I miss hymnals. I really do. Recently, we learned a new song in the morning service. The worship team and praise band sang it through once, and then the congregation joined in. The lyrics were deep and meaningful, and since I'm all about the lyrics, I was excited to learn a new song. There was just one problem: the harmony outweighed the melody, and I struggled to follow.
Now I'm not my sister -- the gifted musician, perfect pitch girl, who hears a song once and can jump onto the piano and play it for you. Yeah, that's not me. AHEM! But, I can read music and do a bit of sight reading. I started out as a soprano with the church solos, spent 10 years or so as an alto, and I think I've finally settled down as a mezzo soprano--able to be either a soprano or an alto. But I definitely need to know the melody before I can get the harmony right. So in this case, since we don't use hymnals any more, I didn't have the music and with the harmony being so dominant, the melody was lost on me. I was a bit sad, and so now, I'm determined to learn the song on my own.
Don't get me wrong here. I love worship songs and choruses. Love them. I enjoy the beautiful nature scenes with the lyrics displayed on the flat-panel screens on the walls. I love the worship band and the praise teams. The whole service is all wonderfully orchestrated and framed together to lead the congregation as a whole into the heart of worship. For instance, today we sang 2 of Lincoln Brewster's songs, and my heart stirred within me as the congregation proclaimed again and again GOD YOU REIGN! I was struck with an overwhelming sense of my own insignificance as we sang about our CREATOR, REDEEMER and SAVIOR. I am deeply touched by music like that. And then we finished out the worship service with a melding of 2 old familiar favorite hymns. I loved that blending of the old and new all in one service. It's a bit like life...
As most of you know, I've grown to really enjoy modern Christian music the past 16 months or so. It took me a while to get there, to embrace the "beat" if you will. I'm still picky about my favorites. I don't always like the trendy tunes, but sometimes I do, and these days I'm not often found without my MP3 player in my possession. It travels with me, ever ready. Whenever I start to feel distressed, down-hearted, bored, lethargic or lonely, I plug in my favorite ear buds (SkullCandy is the best) and within minutes, I can't help but feel my spirit lift. Right now I have a playlist entitled "Mood Changes," which as you can guess is to help me get back to focusing on what is real and true. I listen to those songs that remind me that I am not in this alone, that I have THE GOD of the universe within me, urging me on and beckoning me to trust.
Yes, GOD has really brought me full circle the past few months with my musical choices. HE has opened my ears (as it were) and revealed HIMSELF in contemporary song. I will always love the hymns and choruses I grew up with, but I have a growing passion for the music of my own generation as well. I am blessed with both.
LORD, thank YOU for changing my heart, for broadening my horizons! It really is ALL ABOUT YOU...
Now I'm not my sister -- the gifted musician, perfect pitch girl, who hears a song once and can jump onto the piano and play it for you. Yeah, that's not me. AHEM! But, I can read music and do a bit of sight reading. I started out as a soprano with the church solos, spent 10 years or so as an alto, and I think I've finally settled down as a mezzo soprano--able to be either a soprano or an alto. But I definitely need to know the melody before I can get the harmony right. So in this case, since we don't use hymnals any more, I didn't have the music and with the harmony being so dominant, the melody was lost on me. I was a bit sad, and so now, I'm determined to learn the song on my own.
Don't get me wrong here. I love worship songs and choruses. Love them. I enjoy the beautiful nature scenes with the lyrics displayed on the flat-panel screens on the walls. I love the worship band and the praise teams. The whole service is all wonderfully orchestrated and framed together to lead the congregation as a whole into the heart of worship. For instance, today we sang 2 of Lincoln Brewster's songs, and my heart stirred within me as the congregation proclaimed again and again GOD YOU REIGN! I was struck with an overwhelming sense of my own insignificance as we sang about our CREATOR, REDEEMER and SAVIOR. I am deeply touched by music like that. And then we finished out the worship service with a melding of 2 old familiar favorite hymns. I loved that blending of the old and new all in one service. It's a bit like life...
As most of you know, I've grown to really enjoy modern Christian music the past 16 months or so. It took me a while to get there, to embrace the "beat" if you will. I'm still picky about my favorites. I don't always like the trendy tunes, but sometimes I do, and these days I'm not often found without my MP3 player in my possession. It travels with me, ever ready. Whenever I start to feel distressed, down-hearted, bored, lethargic or lonely, I plug in my favorite ear buds (SkullCandy is the best) and within minutes, I can't help but feel my spirit lift. Right now I have a playlist entitled "Mood Changes," which as you can guess is to help me get back to focusing on what is real and true. I listen to those songs that remind me that I am not in this alone, that I have THE GOD of the universe within me, urging me on and beckoning me to trust.
Yes, GOD has really brought me full circle the past few months with my musical choices. HE has opened my ears (as it were) and revealed HIMSELF in contemporary song. I will always love the hymns and choruses I grew up with, but I have a growing passion for the music of my own generation as well. I am blessed with both.
LORD, thank YOU for changing my heart, for broadening my horizons! It really is ALL ABOUT YOU...
Friday, April 3, 2009
Doing the Friday Happy Dance
I’ve been doing the Friday happy dance all morning. Picture Steve Urkel! It’s not a pretty picture since I can’t dance, but I’m filled with glee and don’t really care. Not sure why, but my heart is light and carefree despite the gloomy weather outdoors, and I’m mentally doing cartwheels and somersaults as I go about my day. Those cartwheels are quite a chore for me even though they are just mental cartwheels. See, I never learned how to do cartwheels. Seriously, my P.E. teacher worked and worked with me, but it never took. Honestly, I don’t think I missed my calling. It just wasn’t meant to be.
A N Y W A Y, I’m quite elated that today is Friday. No big plans for the weekend or anything, but I’m ready to catch up on the essentials that keep this girl ticking: sleeping, reading, writing and getting creative. Sounds good to me!
As an indication of my current mood, I just randomly composed new lyrics to the tune of “Good Morning” from the 1952 musical classic Singin’ in the Rain. Are you ready for this? I don’t know. I think you will be quite impressed, and it took me all of 15 seconds tops to compose this. This could be my first Tony Award nomination, and I’m sharing it with just a select few. Are you touched or what?
That tune brings back some awesome memories. Those of you who knew me back in my college camp counselor days may recall that I was quite a morning person back in the day, especially during the weekend retreats. When I was at Camp Spearhead and removed from the restrictive dorm life, I was in my happy place, and every morning, I would jump out of bed just glad to be alive and FREE. It was at this time during my life that I was often heard singing the “Good Morning” song to help wake up my fellow counselors and the campers. The campers seemed to like it. In fact, I remember taking musical requests on occasion as I cheerily buzzed about the cabin. Thinking back, I’m guessing that my fellow counselors probably wanted to strangle me to end my chipper morning tune, but to my knowledge, no one ever tried to kill me. At least, I never knew of said plot to end my reign of morning musical madness.
To Mary, Cris, Brandi, Suzanne, Moldy, Jeanette, Frankie and BBJ: If you ever had to enter therapy or seek any medical treatment due to my musical whims or first-thing-in-the-morning cheerfulness, I feel somewhat responsible, and I wish you a full recovery. I’m sorry. If it helps any, looking back, even I am curious where I got the strength and stamina to energetically bound about the cabin like I did. Seriously. Do you recall how much sleep we would actually get at camp on those weekends? YIKES! Nowadays, I wouldn’t say that I am an early morning person any more. I’m more a mid-day person these days. Well, maybe not quite mid-day...but I’m not usually bubbling over until after 9 AM if that is any consolation. Maybe I have mellowed with age? HA!
Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend!
A N Y W A Y, I’m quite elated that today is Friday. No big plans for the weekend or anything, but I’m ready to catch up on the essentials that keep this girl ticking: sleeping, reading, writing and getting creative. Sounds good to me!
As an indication of my current mood, I just randomly composed new lyrics to the tune of “Good Morning” from the 1952 musical classic Singin’ in the Rain. Are you ready for this? I don’t know. I think you will be quite impressed, and it took me all of 15 seconds tops to compose this. This could be my first Tony Award nomination, and I’m sharing it with just a select few. Are you touched or what?
It’s Friday. It’s Fri—day.Just blew your mind, didn’t I? HA!
It’s great to make it here.
It’s Friday. Yep, Friday.
WOOHOO!!
That tune brings back some awesome memories. Those of you who knew me back in my college camp counselor days may recall that I was quite a morning person back in the day, especially during the weekend retreats. When I was at Camp Spearhead and removed from the restrictive dorm life, I was in my happy place, and every morning, I would jump out of bed just glad to be alive and FREE. It was at this time during my life that I was often heard singing the “Good Morning” song to help wake up my fellow counselors and the campers. The campers seemed to like it. In fact, I remember taking musical requests on occasion as I cheerily buzzed about the cabin. Thinking back, I’m guessing that my fellow counselors probably wanted to strangle me to end my chipper morning tune, but to my knowledge, no one ever tried to kill me. At least, I never knew of said plot to end my reign of morning musical madness.
To Mary, Cris, Brandi, Suzanne, Moldy, Jeanette, Frankie and BBJ: If you ever had to enter therapy or seek any medical treatment due to my musical whims or first-thing-in-the-morning cheerfulness, I feel somewhat responsible, and I wish you a full recovery. I’m sorry. If it helps any, looking back, even I am curious where I got the strength and stamina to energetically bound about the cabin like I did. Seriously. Do you recall how much sleep we would actually get at camp on those weekends? YIKES! Nowadays, I wouldn’t say that I am an early morning person any more. I’m more a mid-day person these days. Well, maybe not quite mid-day...but I’m not usually bubbling over until after 9 AM if that is any consolation. Maybe I have mellowed with age? HA!
Happy Friday! Enjoy your weekend!
Thursday, April 2, 2009
High On Life
I’m high on life today. It might have something to do with how I spent my morning here in corporate America. I brought my MP3 player to work today just because I could. I woke up exhausted this morning, and I thought that listening to some tunes while I worked might boost my dragging energy levels. I mean, it worked for Snow White and the Seven Dwarfs, didn’t it? WAIT! That was whistling, wasn’t it? Oh well, you get the point. So anyway, I was plugged in from 7:30 to 10 AM, and it has made all the difference.
There is a certain recording artist that always makes me smile. OK, there are really several that move me, but I have a certain bounce in my step and lightness in my heart when I hear one voice in particular. His music and his lyrics--they just get to me every time. I’m convicted, compelled to keep listening and inspired to carry on. I’m not going to mention his name. I’ve already given him a lot of free press on my blog, and I don’t want to give him a big head because of my excessive compliments and mentions of said brilliance. HA!
Free press indeed! As if I had millions of readers...let's be realistic here. The handful of you that read this regularly have endured my countless complimentary babbling on his musical flair in the past, and so I am trying to refrain from further gratuitous publicity. OOPS! I think I just did again. HA!
Well now, as I said, I’m high on life. I think I hear the birds singing, my heart is soaring, my head is in the clouds, and I’m resisting the urge to run outside and twirl on the grounds here at work belting out: “The hills are alive with the sound of music, with songs they have sung for a thousand years, ahhhhhhhhh…” [Barb and Heidi, you both would join me, right? Come on...]
GOD is good, and I’m grateful for the boundless joy HE has provided. I’d like to capture today’s joy in a bottle and save it like a sweet perfume to savor over and over again. Maybe by blogging about it, I have done just that.
I wish you a day filled with happiness, peace and joy! Embrace it.
There is a certain recording artist that always makes me smile. OK, there are really several that move me, but I have a certain bounce in my step and lightness in my heart when I hear one voice in particular. His music and his lyrics--they just get to me every time. I’m convicted, compelled to keep listening and inspired to carry on. I’m not going to mention his name. I’ve already given him a lot of free press on my blog, and I don’t want to give him a big head because of my excessive compliments and mentions of said brilliance. HA!
Free press indeed! As if I had millions of readers...let's be realistic here. The handful of you that read this regularly have endured my countless complimentary babbling on his musical flair in the past, and so I am trying to refrain from further gratuitous publicity. OOPS! I think I just did again. HA!
Well now, as I said, I’m high on life. I think I hear the birds singing, my heart is soaring, my head is in the clouds, and I’m resisting the urge to run outside and twirl on the grounds here at work belting out: “The hills are alive with the sound of music, with songs they have sung for a thousand years, ahhhhhhhhh…” [Barb and Heidi, you both would join me, right? Come on...]
GOD is good, and I’m grateful for the boundless joy HE has provided. I’d like to capture today’s joy in a bottle and save it like a sweet perfume to savor over and over again. Maybe by blogging about it, I have done just that.
I wish you a day filled with happiness, peace and joy! Embrace it.
Friday, January 16, 2009
Let Your Inner Song Out
I can usually determine what kind of day we’re going to have here in the IP section by whether or not Carl sings at my desk. Yes, you heard that right. I frequently get "serenaded" by one of my attorneys when he is in a good mood. He has a pretty good voice, by the way, and he likes to compose new lyrics to familiar tunes to make them relevant to our work environment. This morning he started off with some tune I didn’t recognize, and naturally expected me to reply in song at 7:15 AM...
There that’s better. Where was I?
Anyway, I love to sing, but I just have a mediocre voice. It's not anything amazing at all. For one thing, I don't have a really strong voice. Part of that is a lack of confidence when it comes to singing, I guess. But I have been known to belt out along with Sarah Brightman while cleaning. Yes, I like to clean with Sarah or Michael [Buble], and I just can't listen to them--I must sing along, but even then I'm hoping my neighbors can't hear me over the vacuum. HA!
Throughout the day, I usually have a song going in my head even if it’s just the Smurfs theme song. La-lah, la-lah-lah-la... Or a show tune like I Could Have Danced All Night or some obscure Broadway song that Sarah Brightman has introduced me to like Meadowlark. Oh, I love that song! [sigh!]
Now Carl likes to walk by my desk singing one of those annoying ditties that gets in your head and then won’t leave like Don’t Worry Be Happy or In the Jungle. You know what I mean, right? You get those songs in your head, and all day you are trying to cleanse them out and get another tune going to replace them. Anything else would be better. Yeah, that drives me crazy, which is definitely a short drive some days.
Hmmmm...maybe I will take Carl's advice just this once. Maybe I should rehearse a song and be ready just in case I meet Mr. Right in an English garden or along a bike or walking trail in Indiana. At our meeting, I will burst into song...
I’m just kidding, of course.
Whatever you do and wherever you are today, I hope you release your inner song, as Carl suggests. Let it out. Whisper if you must, hum along as you will, whistle about your day, croon to your colleagues, yodel as you drive home, croon to the radio, but whatever you do release your inner song and share it. As for me, I'm going back to the previously scheduled song in my head now. And NO, I'm not going to tell you what it is. Some things are meant to be private... Hee hee!
*Taken from 1960's Camelot, selection from If Ever I Would Leave You, music and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe
Him: [singing] Good Morning, Melanie, and how are you today?He went on half-talking and half-singing for 5 minutes about how and why I should sing more. Then he tells me that I especially need to practice singing for England.
Me: [talking] I’m just peachy.
Him: [singing] Please reply in song.
Me: [talking] I haven’t warmed up my vocal chords yet.
Me: Huh? Why do I need to get ready to sing in England? Is there a music tour I’m going on that I don’t know about?Actually, I love to sing. I just don’t like to sing publicly. No more of that! I grew up doing solos, duets and trios in church and school programs, and it was torture for me--the knocking knees, the faltering voice, the gulps mid-song, the sea of faces, etc. OK, so trios and duets weren't quite as bad, but those solos were just the worst! I’m shivering just thinking about it, or maybe I’m shivering because it’s 14 degrees below 0 this morning, and I still haven’t recovered my body heat after my mad dash from the car to the building. [One moment please...I’m gonna put on my gloves now.]
Him: True love requires singing. Let your song out. How else are you going to snag a husband in England without a song?
Me: [laughing] Ommmmm...so you’re back to that again, are you? [He’s been going on and on for months about how he feels my purpose on this trip to England is to find a duke, earl, lord or someone with aristocratic blood to marry.]
Him: [He paused for a moment to mentally compose his response.] Whether through your voice of through your heart, if you’re not singing, you must part.
Me: Wow! That’s--that’s something.
Him: Didn’t know I had the gift, did you?
Me: I knew you had something. Not sure I’d call it a gift. [We laughed some more, and he continued on with his rant.]
There that’s better. Where was I?
Anyway, I love to sing, but I just have a mediocre voice. It's not anything amazing at all. For one thing, I don't have a really strong voice. Part of that is a lack of confidence when it comes to singing, I guess. But I have been known to belt out along with Sarah Brightman while cleaning. Yes, I like to clean with Sarah or Michael [Buble], and I just can't listen to them--I must sing along, but even then I'm hoping my neighbors can't hear me over the vacuum. HA!
Throughout the day, I usually have a song going in my head even if it’s just the Smurfs theme song. La-lah, la-lah-lah-la... Or a show tune like I Could Have Danced All Night or some obscure Broadway song that Sarah Brightman has introduced me to like Meadowlark. Oh, I love that song! [sigh!]
Now Carl likes to walk by my desk singing one of those annoying ditties that gets in your head and then won’t leave like Don’t Worry Be Happy or In the Jungle. You know what I mean, right? You get those songs in your head, and all day you are trying to cleanse them out and get another tune going to replace them. Anything else would be better. Yeah, that drives me crazy, which is definitely a short drive some days.
Hmmmm...maybe I will take Carl's advice just this once. Maybe I should rehearse a song and be ready just in case I meet Mr. Right in an English garden or along a bike or walking trail in Indiana. At our meeting, I will burst into song...
*If ever I would leave you,What do you think? Should I pick something else? You don't think it's too much for a chance encounter, do you? HA!
How could it be in spring-time?
Knowing how in spring I'm bewitched by you so?
Oh, no! not in spring-time!
Summer, winter or fall!
No, never could I leave you at all!*
I’m just kidding, of course.
Whatever you do and wherever you are today, I hope you release your inner song, as Carl suggests. Let it out. Whisper if you must, hum along as you will, whistle about your day, croon to your colleagues, yodel as you drive home, croon to the radio, but whatever you do release your inner song and share it. As for me, I'm going back to the previously scheduled song in my head now. And NO, I'm not going to tell you what it is. Some things are meant to be private... Hee hee!
*Taken from 1960's Camelot, selection from If Ever I Would Leave You, music and lyrics by Alan Jay Lerner and Frederick Loewe
Sunday, December 14, 2008
Messiah: Handel's Genius
A few short hours ago, Becky and I went to a performance of Handel's Messiah featuring the Indianapolis Chamber Orchestra. It was an excellent performance, and the location was superb. It was held downtown at the Cathedral of Saints Peter and Paul. The acoustics were wonderful! I was enraptured.
My favorite part is Every Valley, which is close to the beginning. I think my Uncle Neal used to sing that aria in church, which is probably why it is so familiar to me. In fact, I can hear his voice in my head when I think of the lyrics to that song.
I am transfixed by the Hallelujah Chorus (of course), and I love that the audience still stands when it is performed just as tradition has it that King George II did when he first attended a performance. It is said that the king stood (and thus all his subject stood, too) in reverence of the song's tribute to THE KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. I like that tradition.
I also enjoy I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, and For Unto Us a Child Is Born. But really, it is all so good. Once again, I couldn't help but wonder if the choir and the orchestra realized of WHOM they were singing. And did the audience see it as a masterful work exhibiting Handel's genius? Or did they recognize their CREATOR being hailed as THE LAMB? Lots to think about...
It was a splendid evening, and I'm so glad I got to go. Yes, I must have really enjoyed the performance since I am still wide awake, and it's been 2 and a half hours since the performance. HA! I'm wired. (Or maybe it was the Diet Mountain Dew that I had at 4 PM earlier in the day...not my best move!)
Since moving to Indy in 2001, I really have been able to get a lot of culture in my life. It's amazing how many awesome opportunities for concerts, art, ballet, musicals, plays and other performances have come along and enriched my life these past 7 years. I am blessed. Thank you, LORD.
My favorite part is Every Valley, which is close to the beginning. I think my Uncle Neal used to sing that aria in church, which is probably why it is so familiar to me. In fact, I can hear his voice in my head when I think of the lyrics to that song.
I am transfixed by the Hallelujah Chorus (of course), and I love that the audience still stands when it is performed just as tradition has it that King George II did when he first attended a performance. It is said that the king stood (and thus all his subject stood, too) in reverence of the song's tribute to THE KING OF KINGS and LORD OF LORDS. I like that tradition.
I also enjoy I Know That My Redeemer Liveth, and For Unto Us a Child Is Born. But really, it is all so good. Once again, I couldn't help but wonder if the choir and the orchestra realized of WHOM they were singing. And did the audience see it as a masterful work exhibiting Handel's genius? Or did they recognize their CREATOR being hailed as THE LAMB? Lots to think about...
It was a splendid evening, and I'm so glad I got to go. Yes, I must have really enjoyed the performance since I am still wide awake, and it's been 2 and a half hours since the performance. HA! I'm wired. (Or maybe it was the Diet Mountain Dew that I had at 4 PM earlier in the day...not my best move!)
Since moving to Indy in 2001, I really have been able to get a lot of culture in my life. It's amazing how many awesome opportunities for concerts, art, ballet, musicals, plays and other performances have come along and enriched my life these past 7 years. I am blessed. Thank you, LORD.
Monday, December 8, 2008
The Lion King
Yesterday, I got to see the Broadway production of The Lion King at the Murat with my co-worker Barb and her husband Lee. What a wonderful afternoon! The performance was wonderful, magical, amazing. The voices were delightful. The costumes were incredible. The choreography was breathtaking. I can't describe it adequately, and so I'm not even going to try. The performance brought back a flood of memories for me--memories of my oldest nephew, Jordan. He is 14 and stands in at 6 feet tall now. I got to see him (or rather look up to him) on Saturday at a friend's wedding. But when he was quite young, I lived with his family, and so Auntie M spent a lot of time with Jordan (or Squdge as I called him then) and his older sister Janet (now 18). The Lion King was one of Jordan's favorite movies. We'd watch it again and again. We even named our family cats after the characters in the film. We had both a Simba and a Pumba for a while, I believe. Well, that was 12+ years ago, but it seems just like yesterday. [sigh!]
OK, this is a sentimental start to the week, isn't it? HA!
My advice: if you get a chance to see it, don't let it pass you by.
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