Running with Pearls

Many years ago I had to take a vocal performance class when I was studying at the University of California in Irvine. It required getting up in front of everyone, singing, and then listening to the instructor's critique. Students were also allowed to write their observations and give them to you as well. And yes, it was as horrifying as it sounds!

Constructive criticism is nurturing and helps you to grow. It shouldn't tear you down and leave you unable to move on. I suppose it depends on your personal strength. There were days when I was not strong enough to take in what I needed to hear. But, slowly I grew a tougher skin. I accepted that singing pretty was not enough to truly capture the heart and soul of a song. I stood up and I sang my heart out and then I listened. Not just for the applause that came after the performance but for the "this is what you did well", "this is what you need to work on", and "this is what will help you get better".

One critique still readily comes to mind when I practice. I was told that my notes were too choppy in one section. She suggested that I close my eyes and picture each note connected to the next like an elegant strand of pearls being slowly and gracefully pulled from my mouth revealing each pearl as part of a seamless string offered up to each listener.

Pearls.

I love pearls. Literally and figuratively.

I have a devotional time each morning before I go out to run. Wisdom from God, pearls, I call them, gleaned from the Word, that fill my heart and sometimes transform into song while I meditate on them as I put in the miles for the day.

I have fallen a few times when I've gone out to run. It's taken a while to get back out there consistently. This past week I actually put in 9 miles of running and 2 miles of walking. I am committed to not letting the pain the of past keep me from moving forward. Another pearl in the set that He has hand designed for me.

My desire is to share the pearls I've discovered in the form of God inspired music. I've been on an extended journey through Psalms and am gathering up gems for my next project.

I've put off writing here on the blog for a few months because I felt the need to be still and be quiet in God's presence before I could share again. Now as I am back in the recording studio I feel compelled to talk about the pearls. And to run. I hope you'll join me and find your own strand of pearls to give as a gift from Him to the world.  Let's run this race together. Gathering pearls and sharing them along the journey!

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Blessings to you!

  

Peace is a gift..

Let there be peace on earth.

Such a simple request.

The search for peace can lead people from country to country, to God or away from Him, from one partner to the next.

And yet, peace is a gift. Not the peace the world gives but true peace. (John 14:27). The night Hope was born Love took on flesh and brought Joy into the world to bring us Peace.

Peace comes from Christ. 

The power of stillness is found deep within the soul. Looking around causes confusion which leads us away from peace. Those concerns that cause anxiety and stress need to be turned over to Christ. Wholeheartedly and completely. No hanging on in hopes of trying to work it out yourself. Present your requests to God with thanksgiving and a peace that transcends all understanding is promised to you. (Philippians 4:6-7)

Let go of striving and experience His peace this Christmas!

Are you feeling the joy?

The night Hope was born Love took on flesh and brought Joy into the world!

Are you feeling the joy? 

After a dark night of the soul the dawn of joy is such a relief.  My husband and I celebrated our 35th wedding anniversary this week. We've had our share of ups and downs over the years. Two stillbirths, one miscarriage, two live births, moving from the US to Russia, and then Russia to Belize and having all of our belongings stolen in the last move....what a journey it has been.

December 13th is our wedding anniversary. It is also the date that our first son was stillborn back in 1985 on our 4th anniversary. Sweet and bitter mingled over the years. Remembering the date brings us face to face with the realities of life. Part of that reality means facing death, facing heartache, facing fears. hoping for the best and accepting whatever comes our way.

Getting married at age 18 was a challenge. Armed with high school diplomas, optimism, and our love for one another we set out to conquer the world. Looking back on that rainy day in Wichita, Kansas I can see how young and naive we were.

It is only by God's grace that we have gotten this far.

As Christmas draws closer may you find reasons to rejoice. The wise men needed His star shining brightly in the heavens to point the way toward Him. Today just look into His word. Listen out for His voice if you're facing a dark night. His joy will come in the morning! I don't say that as a cliche. I say it from years of experience. Each storm we have faced has been followed by a rainbow. And each night is followed by daybreak. Although the night may be long, lift up your head and look to Him, and He will make your joy complete!