Music speaks to me.  It lifts my heart and fills my spirit.  Recently, I joined the choir at church. I’m not an great singer, but I sing joyfully.  I sing with happiness and I sing with all my heart.

 The first thing I do in the morning when I get out of bed is to turn on my radio.  It’s set to a christian radio station that fills the house with messages of love and encouragement.  Yes, I sing loudly while I’m in the shower.  Everyone sounds better when they sing in that small space.  I think that’s a gift from God.  : )
 
 A friend told me tonight that since he’s been through a rough period in his life that the words have personal meaning to him now when he sings them at church.  I know exactly what he means.
 
Certain songs could have been written just for me and when I sing them I am singing a part of my testimony.  Who Can Satisfy by Alvin Slaughter reminds me that when I don’t have control of my life, God does.

Who can satisfy my soul like You?
And love me like You do?
Who could ever be more faithful true?
I will trust in You; I will trust in You, my God

There is a fountain, who is a King
Victorious Warrior, and Lord of everything.
My Rock, my Shelter, my very own
Blessed Redeemer, who reigns upon the throne.

Living water, rain down Your life on me
Cleansing me, refreshing me with life abundantly
River, full of life, I’ll go where You lead
I will trust in You, I will trust in You, my God.

There is a fountain, who is a King
Victorious Warrior, and Lord of everything
My Rock, my Shelter, my very own
Blessed Redeemer, who reigns upon the throne.

After John died this song lifted me up and carried me through.  Every time I sing it, It’s like I’m getting a hug from God.  It’s a commitment and promise set to music.  It’s my faith set to lyrics and I sing it to God with love overflowing from my spirit.

Some songs bring back such sweet memories.  Memories of fun times and fellowship at OHBC when Randy told funny stories.  Some put me back to the emotional spot where I was when John died.  Amazing Grace –My Chains are Gone and Untitled Hymn (Come to Jesus) instantly bring tears to my eyes when we sing them at church.  However, when they are on the radio, it’s almost like a ‘hello’ from John.  I can’t explain the difference, but there is one. 

Isn’t it amazing that music brings back childhood memories and feelings?  Lyrics that couldn’t be recalled without music can be instantly remembered when an old song comes on the radio or record.  (Yes, I have records).  

I can almost date a song to the age and grade since I was nine and on.  I think that’s the first year that I got a radio.  That would be about 1972.  We had been to Canton and mom gave me money to buy a used one.  It was blue and I listened to it constantly in my bedroom.  

One year John bought me the Osmonds’ songs on CD.  I listened to them I think twice, but all those old “Puppy Love” feelings came rushing forward.  For a moment I was transported back to 4th grade.  I never enjoyed hard rock, but put a love song on and I can remember almost every word.

 Today at the grocery store, An Evita song, Don’t Cry for Me Argentina, was on and I just sang as I shopped until it was over.  I didn’t mind what people thought.  I absolutely love..love..love…musicals.  We bestowed that love on Cameron.  As a mom, I’m happy to report that.  

There are some beautiful lyrics in musicals; funny, sad, and happy.  When we were in New York City and saw Wicked, and that song For Good started.  I literally sat there and cried thinking about how blessed I was to have known John because he truly did change me for the better.

 I’ve heard it said
That people come into our lives for a reason
Bringing something we must learn
And we are led
To those who help us most to grow
If we let them
And we help them in return
Well, I don’t know if I believe that’s true
But I know I’m who I am today
Because I knew you… 

Like a comet pulled from orbit
As it passes a sun
Like a stream that meets a boulder
Halfway through the wood
Who can say if I’ve been changed for the better?
But because I knew you
I have been changed for good 


It well may be
That we will never meet again
In this lifetime
So let me say before we part
So much of me
Is made of what I learned from you
You’ll be with me
Like a handprint on my heart
And now whatever way our stories end
I know you have re-written mine
By being my friend… 
Because I knew you…
I have been changed for good…

Music is the language that transcends generations.  We’ll continue to be brought together sharing their beauty.  I will continue to worship through music and it’ll continue to speak to me.  What songs will I fall emotionally in love with in the future?  I don’t know because in each phase of my life God continues to fill my life with different songs depending on what I need.  Music, I believe, is important to God because the angels sang in celebration of His birth.  Music…the most glorious of His creations.