Things I love: Music that touches hearts

All 4 of our kids have or are learning to play the piano. 

It is part of their daily school work.  

 

It’s a gift we want to give them.  So that they can bless others with their ability.

 

Now in the beginning it is hard to listen to the notes that aren’t so melodic.  However in a relatively short amount of time there is beautiful music coming to my ears.

At one time I was learning to play the guitar and I passed a song on to Michael.  It is now one of our favorites.  When he plays it—no matter where I am in the house I just have to stop and listen(and sometime cry).  Not because he butchers it but because the notes, words & every part just touch me.

Music can be that way.

Here is that song.  Unfortunately I don’t have a video of Michael playing it.

Hold to the truth

“If you hold to my teaching, you are really my disciples. Then you will know the truth, and the truth will set you free.” - John 8:31-32

A few days ago my niece posted

Truth is . . . .

I don’t know her motivation or why she put it there.  She had 7 people who “liked” her status but no one replied.  That bugged me.

Why not?  That is why we are here.  To point the way to Truth. 

But do we?

I started to think about the ways that I point to the truth.  I had to break down the verse that came to mind from John(above).

Hold to my teaching

I read my Bible daily.  I listen to various scriptures daily as my girls memorize for Bible Quizzing.  I love to listen to Christian radio & the messages there.  Right now I am in a lull & have been for a while.  There are seasons in our lives where God works on changing us & then it seems there is a reprieve for a bit.  I am in the reprieve & I am anticipating the work/change that is coming.  I hope that my actions & lifestyle speaks of my “holding” to Jesus’s teaching.

Really my disciples

Disciple means to be a student of someone.  To sit under their teaching.  I want to live my life that way.  One thing we’ve been doing as a family(provides an example to the kids & gives opportunity for discussion) is to read through Proverbs.  We read aloud & discuss the topic presented.  It has been great to read together & really see how we can apply God’s instructions to us in our lives.  It is a simple thing but it required  a sacrifice of time.  I strive to listen/watch for ways that God’s word applies to where I am at.  He is faithful to give answers where I have questions.

Know the TRUTH

It is so easy to be lost. So many ways to just wander around doing what pleases us & not think about what is true & enduring.  I want to KNOW what truth is & be able to share that with my family & friends.  I remember times when I was young & not sure of the truth.  It was a time full of hurt, anxiety & despair.  I don’t want anyone to have to live in that frightening place.

Treasure maps send us looking for hidden treasure.  We have to search & I think that if we look to God’s word we will find jewels & riches created for us.  It can provided the guidance we need to find the treasure(which is not financial alone) which has been waiting to be found.  There are dangers but there is no bigger adventure to set out on.  And the reward is great, more than we can imagine or foresee.

Truth will set you FREE

Are you free? 

Why not? 

What keeps you trapped and held bondage?  Wouldn’t you like to be set free?   It is amazing how knowing the truth about something will bring a freedom you never knew.   If you want to be free why not pick up a Bible or go to BibleGateway.com.  See what else it says about freedom.  There is a lot there—more than you can imagine.

Wednesday Blog Hops

Joining in today!  Welcome to everyone!

 

Family Portraits

We’ve had some great opportunities for Family Photos in the past month or so.  Here are a few!

Christmas Eve

Christmas Day

Standing on a HUGE snowball

Brush grandchildren

Cornelison grandchildren

My little reindeer

Posted at Wordless Wednesday

Beautiful Mess

Mama to 4 Blessings

Homegrown Families

Return to college(among other things)

5 months ago I watched my oldest drive off to start classes at UMC.  There were tears.  My heart was breaking that he wouldn’t be around and things would CHANGE.

I was worried about how he would survive, sleep, study, eat etc. 

Things moms worry about.

Fast forward.  Today after a great Christmas break, mission trip to Mexico(he survived) and taking care of me for a week after surgery, Michael is packing up to move back across town to the Christian Campus House.  He’s stocking his pantry, buying books, growing a moustache(?).  Basically taking care of business.

I haven’t helped him.  Can’t.  I did cook up some great college freezer food for him.  But that is it!

He is doing so great.  His grades were good even with a challenging start.  He hasn’t changed—still a wonderful, caring, giving guy. 

I am so thankful for that.

So that is the start of my Top Ten Thankful List today.

1.   Michael being home on Christmas Break.

2.   God’s amazing plan for our bodies to heal.  I am one week out from surgery & things are going well.  Bruises are fading.  Stitches come out tomorrow. 

3.   The aches and pains are fading and I need less pain meds all the time.

4.  21 days left of crutches(sigh)

5.  My creative husband.  We were loaned crutches & they seriously were no fun for the first 3 days.  Muscles in your arms aren’t used to propelling your weight around.  Mine were SORE.  So hubby found a way to cushion the pads.  Thanks babe!  Fashionable too—green is my favorite color.

6.  Recheck appointment tomorrow.  Can I drive yet? please?  Not feeling trapped yet but I know it will come.

7.  Suzanne, my mother-in-law, who is also known as the chauffer.  She is available to take my kids to piano, clogging, library, etc especially now that Michael isn’t going to be available for running his siblings around.

8.  My chair & cozy blanket.  Enough said.  Glad I have crutches—just not sure I am thankful for them.

9.  Homeschooling.  We are easing back it to the routine.  We aren’t back up to full speed but it is good to provide a structure for our days.

10.  My girls & their willingness to get 3 meals a day on the table.  Cinnamon rolls(from the freezer) & scrambled eggs for b’fast, fried potatoes & ham for lunch, & tater tot casserole for supper.  They have handled it all.  They are doing a great job.

11.  Just for fun—all of you out there.  I am not stir crazy because I have had such fun reading blogs & enjoying the things people share.  Thanks!

Linked up at Grattituesday at Heavenly Homemakers

Top 10 Tuesday at oh amanda