May the Peace of God is based on Philippians 4:7 and offers an assurance that we do not need to be anxious about anything. God has it all covered in ways that we cannot even begin to understand. In times of doubt, pray. In times of uncertainty, pray. When we have troubled minds, pray. Protect … [Read more…]
Things are rarely one and done. Sometimes we have to repeat the work. I don’t know about you, but I find that fact really annoying. This is true for me whether we are talking about reps at the gym or playing the piano. It is also true about cleaning the house, doing the dishes, or … [Read more…]
I Will Sing Alleluia was a really fun composition experience. It originally started as a longer piece, with a long introduction and piano interludes. Over many months, and multiple revisions it became an introit for choir and piano. The tone is positive, and a song of gratitude. I am really drawn to songs of praise … [Read more…]
“When the world doesn’t live up to our expectations, we rebel against its unfairness by turning to food.” – Jessica Ortner “When you stop expecting people to be perfect, you can like them for who they are.” – Donald Miller “I’m not in this world to live up to your expectations and you’re not in … [Read more…]
Jubilate Deo – Be Joyful in the Lord. This is an original setting of the words from Psalm 100:1, and sung in Latin and English. From The New American Standard Bible (Zondervan), Psalm 100 is a Psalm for Thanksgiving and an admonition for praise. Psalm 100:1-2 (From The New American Standard Bible (Zondervan) Shout joyfully … [Read more…]
I was introduced to this Italian idiom through the book Eat Pray Love by Elizabeth Gilbert. I digress just to say that there are many hidden gems in that book. Although a search of the internet suggest some dispute about the actual meaning, both Ms. Gilbert and www.wordsense.eu offer that parla come mangi means speak … [Read more…]
With One Voice is a short piece of worship music based on Romans 15:5-6. It describes the desire for the people of God to live in peace and harmony. This can be achieved by living in the example of Jesus and through the collective activity of praising God. The song admonishes that we should sing … [Read more…]
I recently enjoyed a trip to South Dakota, an area of the country I had never visited before. One of the more thrilling events was my Bison Quest. I even bought a plush one to from the gift shop to cuddle with. While driving through Badlands we saw many herds in the distance. I tried … [Read more…]
So many people tell me they are anxious, troubled with worry, or filled with dread. These people also have been led to believe that these feelings are inevitable, uncontrollable, and somehow justified. This always makes me sad. Part of the challenge is how we define those words. Another challenge is the way we’ve been taught … [Read more…]
Bears have always been special to me. I’ve been smitten by all kinds of bears. I love black bears, polar bears, Smokey Bear, Gentle Ben, Winnie the Pooh, and stuffed bears. Most recently I’m in love with a black bear, cinnamon in color, that we have named Cinnamon Buns. Cinnamon Buns likes to visit my … [Read more…]