Is there anything more sought after than that place or experience of peace called home? And is there anything more abundant and available to us than the ever sufficient gift called grace? The two co-exist in God. There they are found. From there they are received.
There... here in my heart.
One day I asked myself the question, "Will I sit in judgement over my own life?" I discovered that I was afraid of disappointment - disappointing others... and myself. Feeling disappointed. I was believing the lie that I would never be good enough. If that was the lie, then what was the truth? The truth is... I am capable of being me, perfectly, even when that includes making mistakes. Grace is what I needed to have toward myself. Grace to stop judging - to allow mercy, to permit imperfection, to remove the mask, to accept, to forgive, to love. I had my answer.
I had a clear thought earlier that day as I walked along my favourite beach, Hirtle's Beach, NS - "There is a sweet life in me". I wasn't feeling particularly sweet. As on other days, I was feeling the frustration of not really being at home in the world. Spending most of the last ten years unsettled and without a home of my own has added to that. The good news is, I have come to realize that as long as I am aware of God's presence, here beside me and involved in my life, I am content. There's a great sweetness in coming home to that reality... in accepting that reality.
From this place of home comes meekness, love, and all the things I've hoped for, longed for, searched for, and needed. This was the conclusion to my thoughts that day.
Home sweet home.
E.
Tuesday 30 April 2013
Monday 29 April 2013
On This Mountain
Who doesn't like the idea of a 'mountain top' experience? That moment of being on top of the world. I certainly do. I think I've spent a great deal of time circling the mountain without ever reaching the pinnacle. But, I remain hopeful!
I recently attended the funeral of my uncle Eli Skinner, a great name... and a great uncle. One of dad's eight siblings - a family size I thought large until I started meeting other Newfoundlanders. During the service, there was a reading from Isaiah 25, verses 6 to 10. I had never before considered this scripture in relation to the time of death. I suppose I've always hoped that one could be On This Mountain in this lifetime. And that the feast of rich foods and well-aged wines, and the wiping away of tears and disgrace could be experienced sometime in the present. That's what I've been waiting for.
Isaiah 25:7-8 - "And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever."
I can understand why these verses would be read on the day we say good-bye to our loved ones. Certainly for them, the wait has ended.
Mount Zion. His Holy Mountain. Can one begin to imagine the beauty and joy to be found there?
Psalm 48:12-13 - "Walk about Zion, go all around it..."
It's time to set my eyes upon the pinnacle. I echo the words of Prince Caspian of Narnia, in his realization, "I spent too much time wanting what was taken from me, rather than wanting what was given to me."
Mountain climbing ahead!
E.
I recently attended the funeral of my uncle Eli Skinner, a great name... and a great uncle. One of dad's eight siblings - a family size I thought large until I started meeting other Newfoundlanders. During the service, there was a reading from Isaiah 25, verses 6 to 10. I had never before considered this scripture in relation to the time of death. I suppose I've always hoped that one could be On This Mountain in this lifetime. And that the feast of rich foods and well-aged wines, and the wiping away of tears and disgrace could be experienced sometime in the present. That's what I've been waiting for.
Isaiah 25:7-8 - "And he will destroy on this mountain the shroud that is cast over all peoples, the sheet that is spread over all nations; he will swallow up death forever."
I can understand why these verses would be read on the day we say good-bye to our loved ones. Certainly for them, the wait has ended.
Mount Zion. His Holy Mountain. Can one begin to imagine the beauty and joy to be found there?
Psalm 48:12-13 - "Walk about Zion, go all around it..."
It's time to set my eyes upon the pinnacle. I echo the words of Prince Caspian of Narnia, in his realization, "I spent too much time wanting what was taken from me, rather than wanting what was given to me."
Mountain climbing ahead!
E.
Sunday 28 April 2013
Steadfast Love
Words from the Psalms featured in today's post were jotted down on facing pages of my journal back in February 2011. They found their way into songs later in the fall, one in September, the other in October. It's pure coincidence that they continue together on this page.
How songs come about is always fascinating. For me, I usually first discover a nice sounding chord pattern and from there let a melody develop. When the melody seems complete, I go in search for lyrics that are a good fit, leafing through my journals. The words may be found in an entry just days before, or a few years back. I'm always surprised by the match I find. I will play through the song dozens of times before I'm happy with the flow of it. Then the song will circle around in my head for days until it becomes annoying. That's my signal to start a new song!
I love the creative process and I hope that it will always fill a portion of my days. Each day requires a good dose of God's Steadfast Love In The Morning. I rely on his strength and participation more than I ever knew I would.
Psalm 59:17 - "O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love."
The other thing I rely on, more than I ever knew I would, is hearing from God. Looking to him on a regular basis to answer questions and lead me through the day. I don't like it when he seems to be silent. "Let Me Hear you", is always my petition.
Psalm 85:10 - "Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other." - The kissing part has always puzzled me. What could it mean?... Maybe it's the point where God's voice meets my listening ear.
A nice thing to ponder and write about.
E.
How songs come about is always fascinating. For me, I usually first discover a nice sounding chord pattern and from there let a melody develop. When the melody seems complete, I go in search for lyrics that are a good fit, leafing through my journals. The words may be found in an entry just days before, or a few years back. I'm always surprised by the match I find. I will play through the song dozens of times before I'm happy with the flow of it. Then the song will circle around in my head for days until it becomes annoying. That's my signal to start a new song!
I love the creative process and I hope that it will always fill a portion of my days. Each day requires a good dose of God's Steadfast Love In The Morning. I rely on his strength and participation more than I ever knew I would.
Psalm 59:17 - "O my strength, I will sing praises to you, for you, O God, are my fortress, the God who shows me steadfast love."
The other thing I rely on, more than I ever knew I would, is hearing from God. Looking to him on a regular basis to answer questions and lead me through the day. I don't like it when he seems to be silent. "Let Me Hear you", is always my petition.
Psalm 85:10 - "Steadfast love and faithfulness will meet; righteousness and peace will kiss each other." - The kissing part has always puzzled me. What could it mean?... Maybe it's the point where God's voice meets my listening ear.
A nice thing to ponder and write about.
E.
Saturday 27 April 2013
God Shines Forth
I was in a mini-van full of ladies headed for a women's conference in Windsor, NS, driving along a scenic valley road. Out of the blue, the driver Bernadette exclaimed, "Majesty!". She was admiring the colour and beauty of the rolling hills and farm dotted landscape. It struck me as an unusual exclamation, especially since I had written a song of the same title just a month earlier. For me, this was God's stamp of approval. I decided to keep the song's original title, Majesty, even though there were established works with the same name. No other name matched the exclamation of God.
It's comforting to know the Lord is "more majestic than the thunder of mighty water". - Psalm 93:4. And he can be spotted at work even along a valley road.
Psalm 50:2 - "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God Shines Forth."
Could there be a more perfect line of scripture? It says it all, does it not? What more could I add?
I would like to take a moment to add my welcome... to all those who are listening in various parts of the world. I was thrilled to discover I had listeners in Russia, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Pakistan, the US, as well as across Canada. It's been so nice to have you all tuning in.
When my collection of songs began to grow, I didn't know how I would go about publishing them and sharing them with others. So this blog has turned out to be perfect. I enjoy writing the background information as much as the songs themselves.
I would love to hear your comments - to hear your story... your voice!
Such a pleasure to meet with you here!
E.
It's comforting to know the Lord is "more majestic than the thunder of mighty water". - Psalm 93:4. And he can be spotted at work even along a valley road.
Psalm 50:2 - "Out of Zion, the perfection of beauty, God Shines Forth."
Could there be a more perfect line of scripture? It says it all, does it not? What more could I add?
I would like to take a moment to add my welcome... to all those who are listening in various parts of the world. I was thrilled to discover I had listeners in Russia, Germany, Spain, Ireland, Pakistan, the US, as well as across Canada. It's been so nice to have you all tuning in.
When my collection of songs began to grow, I didn't know how I would go about publishing them and sharing them with others. So this blog has turned out to be perfect. I enjoy writing the background information as much as the songs themselves.
I would love to hear your comments - to hear your story... your voice!
Such a pleasure to meet with you here!
E.
Friday 26 April 2013
Round And Round
Ecclesiastes 1:3 - "What do people gain from all their labors at which they toil under the sun?"
As King Solomon said, "All is vanity." One could easily become discouraged in the circular nature of life. Repeating patterns. Repeating results. Attempts to change but remaining the same. What will make the difference? What will bring a breakthrough? These are two questions I've asked many times and for many years, as I've sought "my calling", moving from place to place and home to home. Round and Round, chasing the wind. In all the vanity Solomon speaks of, I can find one glimmer of hope...
Ecclesiastes 2:24 - "There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God."
It is the recognition of God's hand in our labour that makes the toil worthwhile. And, to enjoy the fruits of our labour is the reward!
One afternoon at the Chester Career Resource Centre, where I find computer access and from where I publish this blog, I met Klaus Gehrig, a local musician and instructor in Celestial Navigation. He noticed I was working on music and asked to see the lyric sheet for Round And Round laying beside me. Being the philosophical type, he appreciated the lyrics and so I offered to send him a recording. As often happens, I struggled to record the song without messing up. After many failed attempts I had a "meltdown" and found myself saying to God, "I gotta know that you're in this with me..." and before I knew it I was singing the words. When I settled down, I sat and wrote I Gotta Know - a product of my recording agony.
The amazing outcome was that Klaus eventually heard both songs and made home recordings of his own. I love these versions. Here's Klaus Gehrig with Round And Round and I Gotta Know.
Thanks Klaus for your unique navigation through these songs!
E.
As King Solomon said, "All is vanity." One could easily become discouraged in the circular nature of life. Repeating patterns. Repeating results. Attempts to change but remaining the same. What will make the difference? What will bring a breakthrough? These are two questions I've asked many times and for many years, as I've sought "my calling", moving from place to place and home to home. Round and Round, chasing the wind. In all the vanity Solomon speaks of, I can find one glimmer of hope...
Ecclesiastes 2:24 - "There is nothing better for mortals than to eat and drink, and find enjoyment in their toil. This also, I saw, is from the hand of God."
It is the recognition of God's hand in our labour that makes the toil worthwhile. And, to enjoy the fruits of our labour is the reward!
One afternoon at the Chester Career Resource Centre, where I find computer access and from where I publish this blog, I met Klaus Gehrig, a local musician and instructor in Celestial Navigation. He noticed I was working on music and asked to see the lyric sheet for Round And Round laying beside me. Being the philosophical type, he appreciated the lyrics and so I offered to send him a recording. As often happens, I struggled to record the song without messing up. After many failed attempts I had a "meltdown" and found myself saying to God, "I gotta know that you're in this with me..." and before I knew it I was singing the words. When I settled down, I sat and wrote I Gotta Know - a product of my recording agony.
The amazing outcome was that Klaus eventually heard both songs and made home recordings of his own. I love these versions. Here's Klaus Gehrig with Round And Round and I Gotta Know.
Thanks Klaus for your unique navigation through these songs!
E.
Thursday 25 April 2013
Jean Margaret
Jean Margaret was my grandmother. It was her great-great-grandfather, a Selig of German descent, who built our family home. Seven generations later, my niece is now growing up there. My three sisters and I grew up with our grandmother as a second mother. She was a blessing to the whole family. Late at night I could sometimes hear her in her room reading from the bible or quietly praying. Her bible was always next to her pillow. I credit Nanny's prayers with keeping me under God's umbrella and drawing me back to him when I began to stray. She was a fine example of someone with faith.
In her later years, my grandmother was confined to a wheelchair, having lost her legs to disease. I am most proud of the years I was able to wheel Nanny to church on Sundays. Throughout her life she was a Sunday school teacher and active in the church. It was her second home. I was honoured to have a seat in the pew next to her. She had an appreciation for my every little gesture of assistance. I wish I had done more. She passed away in 1995.
Jean Margaret married Michael Joseph O'Connor, who had come from Newfoundland to fish out of Lunenburg. They had 4 children. The second, a daughter, was Josephine Mary, born April 25, 1940. My mom. Today is her birthday. Besides birthing me into a childhood full of musical influence, I credit my mother with passing along an innate creativity, an openness to new things, and the ability to persevere. I also give her credit for holding onto things of value. She had the foresight to copy all my earlier songs on the day she came across them. Because of that, I now have the song Jean Margaret, written in 1997, to present to her as a birthday gift. I had forgotten even writing it.
I also present, A Sweet Tune - the happy birthday version. Happy Birthday, Mom!
E.
In her later years, my grandmother was confined to a wheelchair, having lost her legs to disease. I am most proud of the years I was able to wheel Nanny to church on Sundays. Throughout her life she was a Sunday school teacher and active in the church. It was her second home. I was honoured to have a seat in the pew next to her. She had an appreciation for my every little gesture of assistance. I wish I had done more. She passed away in 1995.
Jean Margaret married Michael Joseph O'Connor, who had come from Newfoundland to fish out of Lunenburg. They had 4 children. The second, a daughter, was Josephine Mary, born April 25, 1940. My mom. Today is her birthday. Besides birthing me into a childhood full of musical influence, I credit my mother with passing along an innate creativity, an openness to new things, and the ability to persevere. I also give her credit for holding onto things of value. She had the foresight to copy all my earlier songs on the day she came across them. Because of that, I now have the song Jean Margaret, written in 1997, to present to her as a birthday gift. I had forgotten even writing it.
I also present, A Sweet Tune - the happy birthday version. Happy Birthday, Mom!
E.
Wednesday 24 April 2013
The Unfolding Word
There really is something to reading the bible daily. Early in my Christian walk, I complained one Sunday to my minister that I was hungry, spiritually under-nourished. He seemed to understand. He suggested I start a daily bible reading habit. I could follow along with the church calendar and do the suggested readings in the Book of Common Prayer. The prayer book also has The Psalter, a layout of morning and evening Psalms for each day of the month.
Doubtful that it would be a cure for my hunger, I went ahead anyway and started to read. Before long, I began to notice that readings during the week were addressing particular issues I was wrestling with. I could be pondering something through the week, and find the answer in one of the days readings, or hear an answer in the Sunday sermon based on the readings for that day. It was an ongoing occurrence.
Psalm 19:9-10 - "The ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much Fine Gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb."
For several years I followed that reading pattern and found the nourishment I needed. The Psalms, in particular, became my comfort food. In them I found the cry of my heart and the hope for better things to come. And I found the praise that I often struggled to produce on my own. As it turned out, all those expressions of heart and hope and praise have made their way into almost half of the songs I have written to date. Two of them are in today's post.
Psalm 119:130 - The Unfolding Of Your Word gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple."
I love the idea of God's word unfolding, bit by bit, revealing more and more of the mystery and truth within it. Food for the soul. Sweet.
E.
Doubtful that it would be a cure for my hunger, I went ahead anyway and started to read. Before long, I began to notice that readings during the week were addressing particular issues I was wrestling with. I could be pondering something through the week, and find the answer in one of the days readings, or hear an answer in the Sunday sermon based on the readings for that day. It was an ongoing occurrence.
Psalm 19:9-10 - "The ordinances of the Lord are true and righteous altogether. More to be desired are they than gold, even much Fine Gold; sweeter also than honey, and drippings of the honeycomb."
For several years I followed that reading pattern and found the nourishment I needed. The Psalms, in particular, became my comfort food. In them I found the cry of my heart and the hope for better things to come. And I found the praise that I often struggled to produce on my own. As it turned out, all those expressions of heart and hope and praise have made their way into almost half of the songs I have written to date. Two of them are in today's post.
Psalm 119:130 - The Unfolding Of Your Word gives light; it imparts understanding to the simple."
I love the idea of God's word unfolding, bit by bit, revealing more and more of the mystery and truth within it. Food for the soul. Sweet.
E.
Tuesday 23 April 2013
Redeemer and Sovereign
In the prayer group at Lighthouse Community Church, we would sometimes sit in silence and listen to hear what God might be saying. In one of those times of quiet, I heard the message that would become the song Sevenfold. Of course, to claim it's God speaking is a step of faith, but I simply wrote the thoughts as they came. Afterward, when we all shared the impressions, thoughts or experiences we had during the period of silence (God speaks in many ways), I read what I had written. Ready to accept that it was nothing, I looked up from reading to discover Pastor Jocelyn with tears in her eyes. It had been a message that she had received in an earlier time and setting. This was confirmation of God's personal message for her. I think it's a message for all of us.
"I return to you sevenfold. I return to you sevenfold. For all your loss, for all your pain, I will redeem you sevenfold..." - journal, May 31/11
I never tire of reading the Psalms. King David's expressions are from the heart and cover all facets of emotion. I especially like the expression of wonder and majesty in Psalm 8. "O Lord, our Sovereign, How Majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens." I always hear this song with a full choir of children joining in on the refrain... "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars..."
It's a child-like wonder. I would love to have that again.
E.
"I return to you sevenfold. I return to you sevenfold. For all your loss, for all your pain, I will redeem you sevenfold..." - journal, May 31/11
I never tire of reading the Psalms. King David's expressions are from the heart and cover all facets of emotion. I especially like the expression of wonder and majesty in Psalm 8. "O Lord, our Sovereign, How Majestic is your name in all the earth! You have set your glory above the heavens." I always hear this song with a full choir of children joining in on the refrain... "When I look at your heavens, the work of your fingers, the moon and the stars..."
It's a child-like wonder. I would love to have that again.
E.
Monday 22 April 2013
Precious Child
The issue of personal identity is a universal one. Who are we? Where do we come from? What is our purpose? Questions the world cannot answer... our work cannot answer... our circumstances cannot answer. The answer is bigger than all these things. Our identity is beyond who and what we are in the world. Our identity is in God. That's where we find ourselves.
Psalm 139:14 - "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well."
It occurred to me one day that I was first imagined in the mind of God. He liked the idea of me, and so I was made. His Precious Child. A product of his delight. That's a nice thought. A nice reality. And there really is no expectation that comes with that. If I am myself, then the gifts that are in me will naturally evolve, and I will just be... me. Simple, huh?
The world has other ideas for me. I should be this, or I should do that. Even as a Christian it's easy to fall under the 'should' curse, which at best leads to pretense and the carrying of burdens that are not mine to bear. It has taken much time and contemplation to reach this understanding, and I imagine that the fullness of it's truth is far beyond my reach.
Psalm 139:6 - Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
I'm satisfied to know a little and to be out from under the pressure, out from under the weight of expectations. In God's eye, I am perfect. I am this particular version of the Elizabeth Anne design. I Am God's Own.
E.
Psalm 139:14 - "I praise you, for I am fearfully and wonderfully made. Wonderful are your works; that I know very well."
It occurred to me one day that I was first imagined in the mind of God. He liked the idea of me, and so I was made. His Precious Child. A product of his delight. That's a nice thought. A nice reality. And there really is no expectation that comes with that. If I am myself, then the gifts that are in me will naturally evolve, and I will just be... me. Simple, huh?
The world has other ideas for me. I should be this, or I should do that. Even as a Christian it's easy to fall under the 'should' curse, which at best leads to pretense and the carrying of burdens that are not mine to bear. It has taken much time and contemplation to reach this understanding, and I imagine that the fullness of it's truth is far beyond my reach.
Psalm 139:6 - Such knowledge is too wonderful for me; it is so high that I cannot attain it.
I'm satisfied to know a little and to be out from under the pressure, out from under the weight of expectations. In God's eye, I am perfect. I am this particular version of the Elizabeth Anne design. I Am God's Own.
E.
Sunday 21 April 2013
Returning To Eden
Blessed Are Those who bless you Israel... - Numbers 24:9
If there's a blessing to be had, I want it. I will join with the prophet Balaam in blessing Israel... and reap the benefit of a blessing for myself. Myself aside, it needs to be said that Israel is God's chosen people. Chosen for a purpose - to be a "light". I want that light shining, don't you? So let's bless them!
I didn't have any those worthy thoughts in mind when writing the words of Balaam's oracle in my journal. I simply liked the poetry and imagery of the palm groves stretching far and wide, the gardens beside the river, the aloes planted by the Lord and the cedars by the waters.
Number 24:5 - "How fair are your tents, O Jacob".
I asked the question in bible study one evening at St. Thomas' Church, NL, "Is The Promise something that we have to wait for until the day we die, or is it something we can receive before then?" I guess what I was really asking was, can I hope to experience the life of Eden in this time on earth? - To look around me and see lives fully restored, fully healed, and at one with God. Freedom from disease and corruption. Evil banished. In whole communities. In my community. In me. The song Returning To Eden came from a time of pondering this ongoing inquiry.
I don't remember if the question was answered that evening. I suppose one can always hope to have at least a taste of Eden... "while it is still called today". - Hebrews 3:13
E.
If there's a blessing to be had, I want it. I will join with the prophet Balaam in blessing Israel... and reap the benefit of a blessing for myself. Myself aside, it needs to be said that Israel is God's chosen people. Chosen for a purpose - to be a "light". I want that light shining, don't you? So let's bless them!
I didn't have any those worthy thoughts in mind when writing the words of Balaam's oracle in my journal. I simply liked the poetry and imagery of the palm groves stretching far and wide, the gardens beside the river, the aloes planted by the Lord and the cedars by the waters.
Number 24:5 - "How fair are your tents, O Jacob".
I asked the question in bible study one evening at St. Thomas' Church, NL, "Is The Promise something that we have to wait for until the day we die, or is it something we can receive before then?" I guess what I was really asking was, can I hope to experience the life of Eden in this time on earth? - To look around me and see lives fully restored, fully healed, and at one with God. Freedom from disease and corruption. Evil banished. In whole communities. In my community. In me. The song Returning To Eden came from a time of pondering this ongoing inquiry.
I don't remember if the question was answered that evening. I suppose one can always hope to have at least a taste of Eden... "while it is still called today". - Hebrews 3:13
E.
Saturday 20 April 2013
My Soul Thirsts
Soon after moving back to Nova Scotia, I visited my friends at Lighthouse Community Church. Whenever I was in the province, I would often go there on Sundays and through the week to the prayer group and bible study. That week they were planning a "soaking in the presence of God" evening, with worship music on CD. The thought crossed my mind to offer to sing and play some of my songs. I left that thought right where it was... until I was certain it was a divine prompting. So... I offered... and Pastor Jocelyn accepted.
And there I was, Wednesday evening with guitar in hand, wondering how was I ever going to do this. This was my third time playing in front of more than an audience of one or my cat. And it would involve playing more than one or two songs. I trembled my way through the first few songs and then gradually became more calm. Fortunately, they're a generous and forgiving bunch at LCC. I was glad in the end to have followed the prompting.
The response amazed me and I was richly rewarded with positive feedback. Debra, one of worship team at the church, had several encouraging words and in particular, one prophetic word. She believed I would soon be writing a song with more than one voice. Who Rises Up For Me is that song. There are three "voices" that can be heard - two that are me: doubt and hope; and one that is God: assurance. Can you tell who's who in the lyrics?
There is only one voice in My Soul Thirst, and it's all me. If there were one song that could sum up my daily walk (and talk) with God, this would be it. My prayer is that the rich feasting and joyful praise would increase, and the dry and weary land would decrease.
I always imagine myself as a little song bird on her perch singing this song. If it's a cage I'm in, I'm sure the door would be open. At least I'm protected from the cat!
E.
And there I was, Wednesday evening with guitar in hand, wondering how was I ever going to do this. This was my third time playing in front of more than an audience of one or my cat. And it would involve playing more than one or two songs. I trembled my way through the first few songs and then gradually became more calm. Fortunately, they're a generous and forgiving bunch at LCC. I was glad in the end to have followed the prompting.
The response amazed me and I was richly rewarded with positive feedback. Debra, one of worship team at the church, had several encouraging words and in particular, one prophetic word. She believed I would soon be writing a song with more than one voice. Who Rises Up For Me is that song. There are three "voices" that can be heard - two that are me: doubt and hope; and one that is God: assurance. Can you tell who's who in the lyrics?
There is only one voice in My Soul Thirst, and it's all me. If there were one song that could sum up my daily walk (and talk) with God, this would be it. My prayer is that the rich feasting and joyful praise would increase, and the dry and weary land would decrease.
I always imagine myself as a little song bird on her perch singing this song. If it's a cage I'm in, I'm sure the door would be open. At least I'm protected from the cat!
E.
Friday 19 April 2013
For The Lord Is Coming
I occasionally get the sense that one of my songs is prophetic in nature - a message for the times we are in. There is no surprise in this, as many of the lyrics I write come straight from the inspired word of God - the bible. For The Lord Is Coming is one of those songs. It's a message that one can hear in the airwaves these days. It's straight forward. Short and to the point.
Psalm 96 - "Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth."
If there were ever any doubt, and you needed a reference letter for God, Psalm 146 would be it. Beginning at the 6th verse, all the key attributes are listed: creator, source of faith and justice, provider... liberator, healer, guardian, upholder... God loves. The key word for me in writing this next song was "happy". Not one of the attributes listed, but the hoped for result in me.
Psalm 146:5 - "Happy Are Those... whose hope is in the Lord their God".
I was in the pursuit of happiness. You may have seen the movie of the same name, featuring Will Smith. The unbelievable true story of homelessness, divine encounters, heartache, perseverance, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, which ends in the most joyous moment of success. Was it worth it? Is it worth it?
For my own pursuit, I'm happy to say, "yes"!
E.
Psalm 96 - "Then shall all the trees of the forest sing for joy before the Lord; for he is coming, for he is coming to judge the earth. He will judge the world with righteousness, and the peoples with his truth."
If there were ever any doubt, and you needed a reference letter for God, Psalm 146 would be it. Beginning at the 6th verse, all the key attributes are listed: creator, source of faith and justice, provider... liberator, healer, guardian, upholder... God loves. The key word for me in writing this next song was "happy". Not one of the attributes listed, but the hoped for result in me.
Psalm 146:5 - "Happy Are Those... whose hope is in the Lord their God".
I was in the pursuit of happiness. You may have seen the movie of the same name, featuring Will Smith. The unbelievable true story of homelessness, divine encounters, heartache, perseverance, and seemingly insurmountable obstacles, which ends in the most joyous moment of success. Was it worth it? Is it worth it?
For my own pursuit, I'm happy to say, "yes"!
E.
Thursday 18 April 2013
Be Bold
It was one of my final days in the little cottage on Neary's Pond, NL, just puttering about in the kitchen. I heard myself singing a chorus, I Will Call Upon Your Holy Name. I had to stop and wonder what I was singing. I was surprised to discover it was something new. Words and melody. A rare occurrence. For a time it remained a chorus and I liked it that way. However, in searching the scripture to see where the words may have originated, I found in Psalm 116 what would become the body of the song. The little chorus then became an intro and finale. I think it could easily stand alone as a meditative chorus for those who want to try it.
"I will call upon your holy name. I will call upon your holy name.
In your presence now, I will pay my vow, and offer sacrifice of praise."
The day eventually came when I made my final departure from Newfoundland, after 10 years of going back and forth between various homes there and my family home in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. I headed for a little village along the LaHave River, NS and to a potential new job with the local winery - Petite Riviere Vineyards. I was graciously offered a place to start from, in the cottage of one of the owners, sharing the space with the vineyard foreman. After a couple of weeks it became apparent that finding more permanent accommodation was going to be next to impossible, and it was still not clear what my job would be with the winery. I began to lose confidence in the move. That's when this little but mighty song came along to keep me going forward. Be Bold... and be strong.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
I did not end up settling in Petite. I found myself back in the family home and back into a time of songwriting.
Back into a time of transition.
E.
"I will call upon your holy name. I will call upon your holy name.
In your presence now, I will pay my vow, and offer sacrifice of praise."
The day eventually came when I made my final departure from Newfoundland, after 10 years of going back and forth between various homes there and my family home in Lunenburg, Nova Scotia. I headed for a little village along the LaHave River, NS and to a potential new job with the local winery - Petite Riviere Vineyards. I was graciously offered a place to start from, in the cottage of one of the owners, sharing the space with the vineyard foreman. After a couple of weeks it became apparent that finding more permanent accommodation was going to be next to impossible, and it was still not clear what my job would be with the winery. I began to lose confidence in the move. That's when this little but mighty song came along to keep me going forward. Be Bold... and be strong.
Deuteronomy 31:8 - "It is the Lord who goes before you. He will be with you; he will not fail you or forsake you. Do not fear or be dismayed.”
I did not end up settling in Petite. I found myself back in the family home and back into a time of songwriting.
Back into a time of transition.
E.
Wednesday 17 April 2013
O God, It's True
During the first and unforgettable Alpha retreat weekend, I had the experience of making my first ever confession. It came as a complete surprise, as I was lead in prayer by Peter, one of the course leaders. I had grown up Anglican and the act of personal confession was not something I was familiar with. And, to be perfectly honest, I didn't know I had anything in particular to repent of. Surprise! On God's agenda that day was, bringing into His light, my dabbling in the occult - visits to clairvoyants, tarot card readings, horoscope readings, and the like. I had been seeking - trying to find myself - in darkness, rather than in the light of God. It was time to turn from those practices. I must say, since that first confession, I've experienced a complete revulsion to any of those things. I can see now that they are deceptive at best.
After the prayer, I went for a walk through the woods by the retreat centre. I discovered a spot where a beam of sun was making its way through the trees. I sat in that spot of light and thought about what had just taken place, feeling bewildered. I found myself in a state of remorse saying, "O God. I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I didn't know."
As we celebrated communion later in the day, my mind was flooded with other sins in my life. I pictured myself going before the group and presenting the list. Coming clean. Fortunately, my friend Anne sitting next to me, sensing my struggle, suggested I bring those things privately to God for the moment. Somewhat relieved, I was able to go forward to accept the Lord's Supper - his body and blood, given for me! O God, It's True.
Here's a gentle lullaby to bring today's post to a close. God's promise, found at the end of the popular Psalm 91, known for its ability - the power of the spoken Word - to shield us from evil. I love the part about the "angels set round about us to keep us in all our ways." I depend on God's heavenly host, daily. Those Who Love Me, "I will deliver".
God's will be done.
E.
After the prayer, I went for a walk through the woods by the retreat centre. I discovered a spot where a beam of sun was making its way through the trees. I sat in that spot of light and thought about what had just taken place, feeling bewildered. I found myself in a state of remorse saying, "O God. I'm so sorry. I didn't know. I didn't know."
As we celebrated communion later in the day, my mind was flooded with other sins in my life. I pictured myself going before the group and presenting the list. Coming clean. Fortunately, my friend Anne sitting next to me, sensing my struggle, suggested I bring those things privately to God for the moment. Somewhat relieved, I was able to go forward to accept the Lord's Supper - his body and blood, given for me! O God, It's True.
Here's a gentle lullaby to bring today's post to a close. God's promise, found at the end of the popular Psalm 91, known for its ability - the power of the spoken Word - to shield us from evil. I love the part about the "angels set round about us to keep us in all our ways." I depend on God's heavenly host, daily. Those Who Love Me, "I will deliver".
God's will be done.
E.
Tuesday 16 April 2013
Unto The Lord
For months, as my head hit the pillow each night, I would have the thought "I love you, Lord", words I had read many times at the beginning of Psalm 18. It was during a period of time when I wasn't feeling any particular kind of love at all. And yet, the thought persisted. "I love you, Lord." I continued to wait for the feeling to match the words. The psalm goes on with words I could easily relate to, "my strength, my rock, my fortress, my deliverer, my God, my shield" - sentiments I truly felt. O Lord, You Are My Rock conveys them all. Perhaps the day will come when I can sing with conviction "I love you, Lord". That may seem odd coming from someone with a growing collection of worship songs. What I feel seems like a faint whisper to whatever it is I'm waiting for. Compared to God's love for us, I suppose our love for him would seem like a faint whisper.
There was a chorus I began hearing, "I will sing, sing a new song. I will sing, sing a new song." It seemed like a good start to a new song... until I discovered U2 had a song with the same words! Yet, the chorus kept coming to me, along with a great big gospel voice singing overtop, "He is Marvelous..." It was the voice of Jimmy Lee Howard - an accomplished drummer, songwriter, and "big gospel voice". He ministers through his music wherever opportunity brings him. I knew him from my time at MUSICNL in St. John's, NL.
Jimmy Lee likely has no shortage of material to sing, but it would be cool to hear him do his thing with Unto The Lord, the song that eventually evolved from its U2 beginning. What do you say Jimmy Lee? And no, I don't want to sing back-up in your choir. He's always recruiting. Here's a YouTube taste of Jimmy Lee Howard... and those are my friends Margaret and Donna Squires in red, singing back-up! There's also a nice glimpse of some of the other great musicians I once knew in St. John's.
Feeling a little homesick now.
E.
There was a chorus I began hearing, "I will sing, sing a new song. I will sing, sing a new song." It seemed like a good start to a new song... until I discovered U2 had a song with the same words! Yet, the chorus kept coming to me, along with a great big gospel voice singing overtop, "He is Marvelous..." It was the voice of Jimmy Lee Howard - an accomplished drummer, songwriter, and "big gospel voice". He ministers through his music wherever opportunity brings him. I knew him from my time at MUSICNL in St. John's, NL.
Jimmy Lee likely has no shortage of material to sing, but it would be cool to hear him do his thing with Unto The Lord, the song that eventually evolved from its U2 beginning. What do you say Jimmy Lee? And no, I don't want to sing back-up in your choir. He's always recruiting. Here's a YouTube taste of Jimmy Lee Howard... and those are my friends Margaret and Donna Squires in red, singing back-up! There's also a nice glimpse of some of the other great musicians I once knew in St. John's.
Feeling a little homesick now.
E.
Monday 15 April 2013
The Spirit Knows
The Holy Spirit is the most interesting person you could ever come to meet. I'm quite sure He's eager to introduce Himself, even to those who don't know to invite Him in, like myself. He came unexpectically one night, while I slept, and presented Himself. I had heard the expression 'Baptism of the Holy Spirit' once in passing and hadn't given it another thought... until I found myself experiencing it that night. Some have described the feeling as being filled with pure love. I would add, perfect peace and weightlessness. In a journal entry, early that morning, I called it "the gift, the joy, the bliss, the infinite, that is God." A good description.
And there began my longing for all things of the Spirit, and the loss of desire for all things of the world. September 14th, 2001, two days before my birthday. A nice gift... with no return policy. The Spirit Knows.
For a month I enjoyed the "honeymoon" stage of our new relationship and then the unthinkable happened - depression. I found myself on a path of darkness that was to last several years. Coming to the end of it required asking for help again and again. Very humbling. I did not like the loss of independence. The good news is, I grew in my dependence on God and into a greater security. Happy to say, I now look back on that dark tunnel and remain Safe In The Arms Of The Almighty. "There is no other I desire."
I send this song out to my dear friend, Donna, who has been my number one fan and the best audience of one that a budding songwriter could ever hope to have. She was and is a fan of this song and sang it herself at the Ministry to Missionaries on the beautiful west coast of Newfoundland, while volunteering there. Thanks D!
E.
And there began my longing for all things of the Spirit, and the loss of desire for all things of the world. September 14th, 2001, two days before my birthday. A nice gift... with no return policy. The Spirit Knows.
For a month I enjoyed the "honeymoon" stage of our new relationship and then the unthinkable happened - depression. I found myself on a path of darkness that was to last several years. Coming to the end of it required asking for help again and again. Very humbling. I did not like the loss of independence. The good news is, I grew in my dependence on God and into a greater security. Happy to say, I now look back on that dark tunnel and remain Safe In The Arms Of The Almighty. "There is no other I desire."
I send this song out to my dear friend, Donna, who has been my number one fan and the best audience of one that a budding songwriter could ever hope to have. She was and is a fan of this song and sang it herself at the Ministry to Missionaries on the beautiful west coast of Newfoundland, while volunteering there. Thanks D!
E.
Sunday 14 April 2013
Heart Words
I was watching a film with Leonardo DiCaprio - Body of Lies, I believe. His character was an undercover agent working in a war torn country, unable to trust another living soul. In the midst of crisis, the unexpected happened. He found love. Even though based on a fictional story, it struck me that there remains in each of us, that 'spot' susceptible and open to true love when we encounter it... even in implausible circumstances. At the end of the movie, I sat down and wrote the words that became Love.
A second 'heart word', Peace, found its way into a song and became one of my favourite to play. Mainly because it takes one finger, moving one fret, on only two strings. That's as good as it gets for a beginner on guitar. The lyrics are dear to me as well. They stem from an image I've had over and over, mainly when I'm feeling weary, of myself leaning against Jesus' breast. Just there. Saying nothing. Doing nothing. At peace.
John 14:23 - "Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved."
It's a nice image. Intimate. Comforting.
Nothing more to say.
E.
A second 'heart word', Peace, found its way into a song and became one of my favourite to play. Mainly because it takes one finger, moving one fret, on only two strings. That's as good as it gets for a beginner on guitar. The lyrics are dear to me as well. They stem from an image I've had over and over, mainly when I'm feeling weary, of myself leaning against Jesus' breast. Just there. Saying nothing. Doing nothing. At peace.
John 14:23 - "Now there was leaning on Jesus' bosom one of his disciples, whom Jesus loved."
It's a nice image. Intimate. Comforting.
Nothing more to say.
E.
Saturday 13 April 2013
Houses of God
Elizabeth: house of God; consecrated to God.
It was my minister, Peter Young, at St. Thomas' Church in St. John's, NL, who first told me the meaning of my name. And he proceeded to remind me of it as often as needed. There was an assurance in it.
Psalm 127:1 - "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."
I was journaling one day about how God might go about building a house - this house. Me. I believe we were in the "excavation" stage at that point - digging and clearing the land, removing the large stones - preparing for a solid foundation. The building would come later. It would be a process building this house!
The good news is, there is now a sound coming from this House Of God. I send this sound out to Peter, with thanks for his part in the building process - the counsel, the inpouring of wisdom, and all those assurances.
"Oh, to see the sun rise on this house. What a day that will be." - journal, July 24/10
In the psalms there's a call that goes out to the houses of God. Psalm 135:19-20 - "O house of Israel, bless the Lord! O house of Aaron, bless the Lord! O house of Levi, bless the Lord! You that fear the Lord, bless the Lord!"
For some time, the melody for Bless The Lord went without words and I thought perhaps it would remain the "doo, doo" song. I'm glad I finally heeded the call of Psalm 135 and discovered words that were just right. Only a few doo, doos remain.
E.
It was my minister, Peter Young, at St. Thomas' Church in St. John's, NL, who first told me the meaning of my name. And he proceeded to remind me of it as often as needed. There was an assurance in it.
Psalm 127:1 - "Unless the Lord builds the house, those who build it labor in vain."
I was journaling one day about how God might go about building a house - this house. Me. I believe we were in the "excavation" stage at that point - digging and clearing the land, removing the large stones - preparing for a solid foundation. The building would come later. It would be a process building this house!
The good news is, there is now a sound coming from this House Of God. I send this sound out to Peter, with thanks for his part in the building process - the counsel, the inpouring of wisdom, and all those assurances.
"Oh, to see the sun rise on this house. What a day that will be." - journal, July 24/10
In the psalms there's a call that goes out to the houses of God. Psalm 135:19-20 - "O house of Israel, bless the Lord! O house of Aaron, bless the Lord! O house of Levi, bless the Lord! You that fear the Lord, bless the Lord!"
For some time, the melody for Bless The Lord went without words and I thought perhaps it would remain the "doo, doo" song. I'm glad I finally heeded the call of Psalm 135 and discovered words that were just right. Only a few doo, doos remain.
E.
Friday 12 April 2013
To The One
"My God and my King, who am I to know this place of glory before your throne." - journal, July 14/10
The lyrics for To The One come from a scene in the book of Revelation where the four and twenty elders fall down before the throne of God and worship him. It is part of the apostle John's first visions of heaven.
Revelation 4:11 - “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
If it's not God we worship, then who... or what...? What Would You Trade God For? The issue of idols can be a sensitive one, especially if there are things in our lives that we aren't aware we put before God. The lyrics came almost word for word from a journal entry I had made while thinking about the potential idols in my own life - those thing that I could easily focus on, leading me astray from God. For instance, don't we all like to be told, "Your right", particularly when it comes to our beliefs! What if our mind sets, the things we believe we're right about, are wrong.
Proverbs 14:12 - "There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death."
It didn't occur to me until recently, that this song might cause offence. So I send my apologies out with it. I always thought of it as light hearted, bluesy and fun. Can the subject of idolatry be any of these things?
E.
The lyrics for To The One come from a scene in the book of Revelation where the four and twenty elders fall down before the throne of God and worship him. It is part of the apostle John's first visions of heaven.
Revelation 4:11 - “You are worthy, our Lord and God, to receive glory and honour and power, for you created all things, and by your will they existed and were created.”
If it's not God we worship, then who... or what...? What Would You Trade God For? The issue of idols can be a sensitive one, especially if there are things in our lives that we aren't aware we put before God. The lyrics came almost word for word from a journal entry I had made while thinking about the potential idols in my own life - those thing that I could easily focus on, leading me astray from God. For instance, don't we all like to be told, "Your right", particularly when it comes to our beliefs! What if our mind sets, the things we believe we're right about, are wrong.
Proverbs 14:12 - "There is a way that seems right to a person, but its end is the way to death."
It didn't occur to me until recently, that this song might cause offence. So I send my apologies out with it. I always thought of it as light hearted, bluesy and fun. Can the subject of idolatry be any of these things?
E.
Thursday 11 April 2013
Seeking and Waiting
Proverbs 25:2-3 - "It is the glory of God to conceal things, but the glory of kings is to search things out."
In St. John's, NL, I was part of a contemplative prayer group, which for me was perfect. A scripture was read 3 or 4 times while we sat in silence and listened. After, we would share any impressions or thoughts we had during the reading. There were always interesting things that came up from those times of Silence.
Isaiah 45:3 - "I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places..."
On the day that Silence was written, another little song came along, Beauty Blossoming. It may have been my first two song day, a rare day worthy of remembering. However, I also remember not really liking either song to begin with. Perhaps it was that the melodies were so simple or maybe the chords not melancholy enough for me. In any case, as I played the songs over and over, I soon grew to appreciate them.
Beauty Blossoming became one of the first of my songs that I shared in a public setting. It was the baby shower for two new friends, Steve and Jessica. I didn't think I had a gift to bring, but I had a thought that wouldn't go away, to give this song to the expecting parents. The words of the song seemed just right for the occasion. I waited until the very last possible second to present the song, and trembled my way through playing it. The song was well received and appreciated by all... much to my surprise!
The song actually came from the first image I ever received - a water lily with its bud waiting to blossom. Jesus was watching over that lily with great care... and patience. I believe it was some years later before I was to see that lily open up.
E.
In St. John's, NL, I was part of a contemplative prayer group, which for me was perfect. A scripture was read 3 or 4 times while we sat in silence and listened. After, we would share any impressions or thoughts we had during the reading. There were always interesting things that came up from those times of Silence.
Isaiah 45:3 - "I will give you the treasures of darkness and riches hidden in secret places..."
On the day that Silence was written, another little song came along, Beauty Blossoming. It may have been my first two song day, a rare day worthy of remembering. However, I also remember not really liking either song to begin with. Perhaps it was that the melodies were so simple or maybe the chords not melancholy enough for me. In any case, as I played the songs over and over, I soon grew to appreciate them.
Beauty Blossoming became one of the first of my songs that I shared in a public setting. It was the baby shower for two new friends, Steve and Jessica. I didn't think I had a gift to bring, but I had a thought that wouldn't go away, to give this song to the expecting parents. The words of the song seemed just right for the occasion. I waited until the very last possible second to present the song, and trembled my way through playing it. The song was well received and appreciated by all... much to my surprise!
The song actually came from the first image I ever received - a water lily with its bud waiting to blossom. Jesus was watching over that lily with great care... and patience. I believe it was some years later before I was to see that lily open up.
E.
Wednesday 10 April 2013
Here I Am
Psalm 40:7-8 - Then I said, “Here I am; in the scroll of the book it is written of me. I delight to do your will, O my God; your law is within my heart.”
These verses of psalm 40 have been meaningful to me. I had participated in an amazing seminar called The Ancient Paths where many were experiencing emotional healing through prayer. As the weekend came to a close we were each given a card with our name and it's meaning, along with a personal scripture that one of our group leaders had selected. These were my particular verses and have always been a comfort to me, reminding me that I do delight to do God's will. "Here I Am", has been the cry of my heart for some time now, "Hello! Here I am. I'm ready to do your will!"
The other cry of my heart has been, Send Out Your Light. "Help me to see where I'm going and what I'm doing", when it has seemed that I was going nowhere and doing nothing. The path of emotional healing can be a long one and frustrating one. None of the effort and growth and transformation is apparent on the surface. And it's been hard at times for me to recognize the good results. There's no paycheck at the end of the day. And the rewards of being productive does not come with it. But it is good! And it is worth the time and effort! I can say that with certainty. I thank God for those who have counselled me and prayed with me, and have shown me a whole new dimension of myself that I had not been in touch with - my soul.
Psalm 43:5 - "O my soul... hope in God, for I will yet praise him".
E.
These verses of psalm 40 have been meaningful to me. I had participated in an amazing seminar called The Ancient Paths where many were experiencing emotional healing through prayer. As the weekend came to a close we were each given a card with our name and it's meaning, along with a personal scripture that one of our group leaders had selected. These were my particular verses and have always been a comfort to me, reminding me that I do delight to do God's will. "Here I Am", has been the cry of my heart for some time now, "Hello! Here I am. I'm ready to do your will!"
The other cry of my heart has been, Send Out Your Light. "Help me to see where I'm going and what I'm doing", when it has seemed that I was going nowhere and doing nothing. The path of emotional healing can be a long one and frustrating one. None of the effort and growth and transformation is apparent on the surface. And it's been hard at times for me to recognize the good results. There's no paycheck at the end of the day. And the rewards of being productive does not come with it. But it is good! And it is worth the time and effort! I can say that with certainty. I thank God for those who have counselled me and prayed with me, and have shown me a whole new dimension of myself that I had not been in touch with - my soul.
Psalm 43:5 - "O my soul... hope in God, for I will yet praise him".
E.
Tuesday 9 April 2013
This Is My Promise
Isaiah 54:10 - "For the mountains may depart and the hills be removed, but my steadfast love shall not depart from you, and my covenant of peace shall not be removed, says the Lord, who has compassion on you."
A promise. Sometimes that's all one has to go on when all else has fallen away. I suppose that's the walk of faith, believing in what you have yet to see. Trusting in God, for "thus says the Lord", This Is My Promise.
All else has "fallen away" from me on more than one occasion, or so it seems - coming to the end of myself and in particular, coming to the end of my financial tight rope. An attempted move to Victoria, BC was one of those occasions. As my five week hunt for employment and my credit came to an end, my friend Allison in Newfoundland opened her door to me. "You're always welcome", she emailed. She wasn't prepared for me to email back saying I would be there in a week! But she did make a room for me in the former boathouse extension of her home.
I tell you this story, partly to share how God came through, and partly to share what I had yet to see... It was in the quiet and privacy of that room that my songwriting began several months later. Where a dream began to come back to life.
By January, the room was too drafty to heat and I moved around the corner to her little cottage on Neary's Pond. A picturesque place. While shovelling one day (one of many!), I found myself singing a little song about one of her cats, Mouse. She was the smallest and feistiest among the clan and had joined me at the cottage. I include the song here just for fun and to say, "Thank you Allison".
I have much to be grateful for from my time Down On Western Gullly Road.
E.
A promise. Sometimes that's all one has to go on when all else has fallen away. I suppose that's the walk of faith, believing in what you have yet to see. Trusting in God, for "thus says the Lord", This Is My Promise.
All else has "fallen away" from me on more than one occasion, or so it seems - coming to the end of myself and in particular, coming to the end of my financial tight rope. An attempted move to Victoria, BC was one of those occasions. As my five week hunt for employment and my credit came to an end, my friend Allison in Newfoundland opened her door to me. "You're always welcome", she emailed. She wasn't prepared for me to email back saying I would be there in a week! But she did make a room for me in the former boathouse extension of her home.
I tell you this story, partly to share how God came through, and partly to share what I had yet to see... It was in the quiet and privacy of that room that my songwriting began several months later. Where a dream began to come back to life.
By January, the room was too drafty to heat and I moved around the corner to her little cottage on Neary's Pond. A picturesque place. While shovelling one day (one of many!), I found myself singing a little song about one of her cats, Mouse. She was the smallest and feistiest among the clan and had joined me at the cottage. I include the song here just for fun and to say, "Thank you Allison".
I have much to be grateful for from my time Down On Western Gullly Road.
E.
Monday 8 April 2013
Joy, Joy, Joy
Psalm 150 is an obvious praise song. The child in me loves the idea of banging away on a big cymbal. No doubt, making a bit of noise is good for the soul and pleasing to God. Here's my Loud Clashing Cymbals!
Now, in a departure from spring...
Joyous Christmas started out simply as a chorus, and I imagined it being sung in a round (Still hope to try this!). The verses eventually started to come, late one night while bunking with my then 5 year old niece, Emerald. I think some of her enthusiasm for Christmas had rubbed off on me. I tip toed from her bed to find my notebook. The song became one of celebration, and being grateful for all that God has given, that we in turn can give to others. My Christmas wish is to become a better gift giver and a bit more like Emerald in her enthusiasm for all things.
With that thought, I give you Be Jubilant With Joy. It was the first song I remember coming to me in the wee hours of morning, in that not-quite-awake time. The words started... "one voice is raised in singing... two... three...". I remembered them once I was fully awake and jotted them down. Too simple for a lyric, I thought, but they did eventually become a song, with the help of a fourth voice, King David.
Psalm 68:3-4 -
"But let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy. Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds - his name is the Lord - be exultant before him."
There is a choral arrangement in the works that will have those three voices raised... eventually. For now my one small voice will have to do.
E.
Now, in a departure from spring...
Joyous Christmas started out simply as a chorus, and I imagined it being sung in a round (Still hope to try this!). The verses eventually started to come, late one night while bunking with my then 5 year old niece, Emerald. I think some of her enthusiasm for Christmas had rubbed off on me. I tip toed from her bed to find my notebook. The song became one of celebration, and being grateful for all that God has given, that we in turn can give to others. My Christmas wish is to become a better gift giver and a bit more like Emerald in her enthusiasm for all things.
With that thought, I give you Be Jubilant With Joy. It was the first song I remember coming to me in the wee hours of morning, in that not-quite-awake time. The words started... "one voice is raised in singing... two... three...". I remembered them once I was fully awake and jotted them down. Too simple for a lyric, I thought, but they did eventually become a song, with the help of a fourth voice, King David.
Psalm 68:3-4 -
"But let the righteous be joyful; let them exult before God; let them be jubilant with joy. Sing to God, sing praises to his name; lift up a song to him who rides upon the clouds - his name is the Lord - be exultant before him."
There is a choral arrangement in the works that will have those three voices raised... eventually. For now my one small voice will have to do.
E.
Sunday 7 April 2013
His Grace
Luke 1:78-79 - "By the tender mercy of our God, the dawn from on high will break upon us, to give light to those who sit in darkness and in the shadow of death, to guide our feet into the way of peace."
God often speaks to me in images - views from the mind's eye. One of these was of myself crouched in the corner of a dark, deserted room, with head hung low. There came a day when the image changed and it became Jesus sitting in the corner in my place. Song of Grace evolved from that changing image.
The good news is, no one has to remain in darkness and despair. Jesus came to overcome it all on our behalf. He Reigns! "As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."
I had the good fortune to hear Steve Bell perform at St. Thomas' Church, St. John's, years ago. He and his style of music came to mind as the chorus for He Reigns was first coming to mind. I had hoped one day I could share the song with Steve. That day came this past October at a little Baptist church in Dartmouth, NS. After his performance, I introduced myself and passed along a CD of the song which he graciously accepted. An email followed not long after with his encouraging words. Much appreciated. His music is amazing!
E.
God often speaks to me in images - views from the mind's eye. One of these was of myself crouched in the corner of a dark, deserted room, with head hung low. There came a day when the image changed and it became Jesus sitting in the corner in my place. Song of Grace evolved from that changing image.
The good news is, no one has to remain in darkness and despair. Jesus came to overcome it all on our behalf. He Reigns! "As it was in the beginning is now and ever shall be, world without end. Amen."
I had the good fortune to hear Steve Bell perform at St. Thomas' Church, St. John's, years ago. He and his style of music came to mind as the chorus for He Reigns was first coming to mind. I had hoped one day I could share the song with Steve. That day came this past October at a little Baptist church in Dartmouth, NS. After his performance, I introduced myself and passed along a CD of the song which he graciously accepted. An email followed not long after with his encouraging words. Much appreciated. His music is amazing!
E.
Friday 5 April 2013
In The Garden
After giving up a regular income in 2003, I relied heavily on the generosity of friends and family for various forms of accommodation, including housesitting. In the summer of 2010 I stayed at my friend Linda's place for 10 days and I had one of those God "thoughts" that I was to write something everyday, to commit even 5 minutes to it. The first day I sat myself on the swinging chair in Linda's garden and began with some thoughts about being in the spiritual "garden". I was surprised months later to find myself going back to that little poem and to other writings from those 10 days in search for lyrics for new melodies I had begun to write. Here In The Garden was that first little poem.
You Are Friend came from the words written on day 2, with thoughts of Adam walking in the garden with God. Just walking and talking like two best friends. That's how easy the relationship was... and is for us!
In looking back in my journal to this time period, I've discovered something written the day before going to Linda's, July 11, 2010 - Victory Christian Centre (an image): "I'm dancing with the Lord and he is spinning me around and around and around, all around him. Then we go through a door - "Peace/Prosperity" - and the wall comes down revealing an expansive garden, as far as the eye can see. "The world is a garden." I am a child playing in it." - Nice discovery.
I like the way God is at work long before we ever get a hint of it. I was writing lyrics long before I knew they would be lyrics. A little poem from Oct/09 became this little song, He Is, I Am in Nov/10.
E.
A note of thanks to those who have shared their homes with me these past 10 years - Maura, Denis, Helen, Faye, Margaret, Linda, Colleen, Allison, Elaine and Peter, Glenn, Tina, Anne, Auriel, Oona, Joyce, and the two Lisa's. And of course thanks to mom and dad, Josephine and Albert, and my sister Angela and her family at the homestead in Lunenburg, NS.
You Are Friend came from the words written on day 2, with thoughts of Adam walking in the garden with God. Just walking and talking like two best friends. That's how easy the relationship was... and is for us!
In looking back in my journal to this time period, I've discovered something written the day before going to Linda's, July 11, 2010 - Victory Christian Centre (an image): "I'm dancing with the Lord and he is spinning me around and around and around, all around him. Then we go through a door - "Peace/Prosperity" - and the wall comes down revealing an expansive garden, as far as the eye can see. "The world is a garden." I am a child playing in it." - Nice discovery.
I like the way God is at work long before we ever get a hint of it. I was writing lyrics long before I knew they would be lyrics. A little poem from Oct/09 became this little song, He Is, I Am in Nov/10.
E.
A note of thanks to those who have shared their homes with me these past 10 years - Maura, Denis, Helen, Faye, Margaret, Linda, Colleen, Allison, Elaine and Peter, Glenn, Tina, Anne, Auriel, Oona, Joyce, and the two Lisa's. And of course thanks to mom and dad, Josephine and Albert, and my sister Angela and her family at the homestead in Lunenburg, NS.
Thursday 4 April 2013
Song Of Songs
When someone prays with you, they will sometimes share a scripture that comes to their mind. Something just right for the moment.
During my first Alpha retreat, in the fall of 2002, a scripture - actually a book - was shared with me. It was the Song of Solomon, or Song of Songs, an epic love poem near the centre of the bible. I had experienced a spiritual healing of the heart that weekend, so this scripture was "just right" for me. I return to it often, whenever my heart needs a fix. So it's not surprising that its words started turning up in my songs, beginning with Behold He Comes.
It seems right to include one other song here - Song Of Songs - written this past winter. I found the words in a journal entry from back in 2010. I only wish I had the voice to proclaim the song from the roof tops. The words have that kind of effect on me. I hope you will get a taste of God's love while listening.
Song of Songs 2 -
8 The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills.
9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice.
10 My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away;
11 for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
During my first Alpha retreat, in the fall of 2002, a scripture - actually a book - was shared with me. It was the Song of Solomon, or Song of Songs, an epic love poem near the centre of the bible. I had experienced a spiritual healing of the heart that weekend, so this scripture was "just right" for me. I return to it often, whenever my heart needs a fix. So it's not surprising that its words started turning up in my songs, beginning with Behold He Comes.
It seems right to include one other song here - Song Of Songs - written this past winter. I found the words in a journal entry from back in 2010. I only wish I had the voice to proclaim the song from the roof tops. The words have that kind of effect on me. I hope you will get a taste of God's love while listening.
Song of Songs 2 -
8 The voice of my beloved! Look, he comes, leaping upon the mountains, bounding over the hills.
9 My beloved is like a gazelle or a young stag. Look, there he stands behind our wall, gazing in at the windows, looking through the lattice.
10 My beloved speaks and says to me: “Arise, my love, my fair one, and come away;
11 for now the winter is past, the rain is over and gone.
12 The flowers appear on the earth; the time of singing has come, and the voice of the turtledove is heard in our land.
There's a song by Matt Maher that's worth mentioning here - Set Me As A Seal, also from King Solomon's love poem. He's an exceptional singer/songwriter, originally from Newfoundland.
E.
E.
Wednesday 3 April 2013
The Voice Of The Lord
In February 2010, I noted a goal in my journal to write one song a week. On October 5, 2010, my father's birthday, I made the decision to pick up the guitar again... to just start. It was the most simple and most necessary step toward the goal. I got out a little praise book that my friend Karen, from Lighthouse Community Church in Bridgewater, NS, had passed on to me a couple of years earlier (later saying she felt it was to "prime the pump"). I looked up the guitar chords for a few songs, and started to play.
One of those songs, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, eventually became the genesis for The Voice Of The Lord. I love those minor chords. And I love the way King David searched for words powerful enough to describe God's voice. It's the first psalm that ever jumped off the page to me. The final prayer is a comfort, "May the Lord give strength to his people. May the Lord bless his people with peace." - Psalm 29:11
With the "pump primed" and the first song completed, I continued the daily discipline of picking up the guitar to see what would come. New melodies began and my journal became a great resource for lyrics. By the second week, I had a second song, again from the psalms. I didn't know then that the psalms were to play a large role in the songs I would come to write. Song Of Victory was almost too simple. It's more like a chant that you would hear at a pep rally. It's like a battle cry - the post-battle song of the Spirit as it moves over the land. Do you hear it? - Psalm 118:15-16
To end on a softer note, but to continue with the theme of the voice and song of the Lord, I share this little lullaby The Sweetest Of Sounds. It's lovely to think of God singing over me - knowing an atmosphere of his love is around me all the time.
Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
E.
One of those songs, O Come, O Come Emmanuel, eventually became the genesis for The Voice Of The Lord. I love those minor chords. And I love the way King David searched for words powerful enough to describe God's voice. It's the first psalm that ever jumped off the page to me. The final prayer is a comfort, "May the Lord give strength to his people. May the Lord bless his people with peace." - Psalm 29:11
With the "pump primed" and the first song completed, I continued the daily discipline of picking up the guitar to see what would come. New melodies began and my journal became a great resource for lyrics. By the second week, I had a second song, again from the psalms. I didn't know then that the psalms were to play a large role in the songs I would come to write. Song Of Victory was almost too simple. It's more like a chant that you would hear at a pep rally. It's like a battle cry - the post-battle song of the Spirit as it moves over the land. Do you hear it? - Psalm 118:15-16
To end on a softer note, but to continue with the theme of the voice and song of the Lord, I share this little lullaby The Sweetest Of Sounds. It's lovely to think of God singing over me - knowing an atmosphere of his love is around me all the time.
Zephaniah 3:17 - The Lord, your God, is in your midst, a warrior who gives victory; he will rejoice over you with gladness, he will renew you in his love; he will exult over you with loud singing.
E.
Tuesday 2 April 2013
Welcome
Welcome to the micro-publishing house of original songs by Elizabeth Skinner - that's me!
I launch this site with the hope that the words and music will touch hearts and ultimately find a larger audience through other performing and recording artists. So if you like what you hear and want to adopt a song, let me know! Lyrics and lead sheets are available.
I thought I'd begin with a song from early in my christian walk. It was 2004, and I was fresh out of the Alpha Course and fresh out of a job with MUSICNL. I spent a few weeks at my old apartment, while its new occupant, my then ex-boss and blues guy, Denis Parker, was on holiday. I picked up his guitar and started to learn to play again, after almost 10 years away from songwriting. I Will Walk With You came along.
A second song soon followed which I enthusiastically shared with a newly formed home group of fellow Alpha goers, only to have it pointed out (in a very public way) that it had an almost identical chorus to a song that I can only guess I had heard during Alpha. Disheartened by the humiliation of presenting unoriginal material, the playing and writing ended. It would be six years later, November 11, 2010, when I would revisit the song and have a new chorus present itself. Thank God for Precious Gifts not giving up on me.
So here I am, after over two years devoted to songwriting, beginning a journey with you through songs, recorded on a borrowed phone, in a borrowed room, in borrowed time. It doesn't begin any more humble than this!
Let's see where it leads...
E.
I launch this site with the hope that the words and music will touch hearts and ultimately find a larger audience through other performing and recording artists. So if you like what you hear and want to adopt a song, let me know! Lyrics and lead sheets are available.
I thought I'd begin with a song from early in my christian walk. It was 2004, and I was fresh out of the Alpha Course and fresh out of a job with MUSICNL. I spent a few weeks at my old apartment, while its new occupant, my then ex-boss and blues guy, Denis Parker, was on holiday. I picked up his guitar and started to learn to play again, after almost 10 years away from songwriting. I Will Walk With You came along.
A second song soon followed which I enthusiastically shared with a newly formed home group of fellow Alpha goers, only to have it pointed out (in a very public way) that it had an almost identical chorus to a song that I can only guess I had heard during Alpha. Disheartened by the humiliation of presenting unoriginal material, the playing and writing ended. It would be six years later, November 11, 2010, when I would revisit the song and have a new chorus present itself. Thank God for Precious Gifts not giving up on me.
So here I am, after over two years devoted to songwriting, beginning a journey with you through songs, recorded on a borrowed phone, in a borrowed room, in borrowed time. It doesn't begin any more humble than this!
Let's see where it leads...
E.
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