Plumbline Girls Christmas Party and singing...

...Year number seven...We call ourselves The Plumbline Girls..we celebrate, we cry, we pray, we encourage, we do life together, we serve, and yes we SING... O Holy Night and what we pieced together from The Little Drummer Boy...  :)  Savored memories and fun! Pics taken on link below..
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=I5tw4XEmT24&feature=youtu.be

Can I Give You a Gift

A group of about 8 women were sitting around a table over lunch...our leader, Pam, was sharing about walking through the holidays and stresss that seems to be waiting to be put on us like a coat...but we can add our own stress as well.   The question was posed at the end as we were being reminded about the true meaning of Christmas and how to keep our gaze upon Christ.  What gift could we give God for Christmas??...the gift of forgiveness, choosing not to "do it all" and just taking more of the season in...taking more of Christ in...is what came to my restless heart...I also think these are gifts we give to others...my heart is more at peace because my heart is right with God, I'm not running around trying to do it all and that in turn affects my interactions with others. We'll see as Christmas is still 10 days away and I think of the list of things I think I need to do...maybe they'll all get done and maybe they won't~and that's ok.

To listen to the song, please click on the following link and have a MERRY CHRISTMAS!!!!
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=8QfumY7e9s4&feature=youtu.be

Can I Give You a Gift

Can I give you a gift
Can I give you a gift
Can I give you a gift this Christmas

        

How about the gift of forgiveness I have had enough of withholding love
I will lay that offense down, down, down

How about the gift of staying home
Saying no to all the seasons busyness
I will lay my burdens down, down, down

The gift of simply saying I love youThe gift of time
to speak to this restless heart of mine

Dooo Waft

waft

   /wæft, wɑft/ Show Spelled[waft, wahft] 

verb (used with object)

1.

to carry lightly and smoothly through the air or over water: The gentle breeze wafted the sound of music to our ears.

2.

to send or convey lightly, as if in flight: The actress wafted kisses to her admirers in the audience.

3.

Obsolete . to signal to, summon, or direct by waving.

 

A song dedicated to the awesome group at my Wednesday night class at Waypoint Church.  I had never heard of the word waft that I know of...So the word worked into our conversation that night and Matthew mentioned I should write a song...The ideas began to perculate and I kept hearing a doo wop accapella type song...It took me back to the Huey Lewis and the News concert at Memorial Park this summer...Yes Huey...He's great- Come on how can you not sing Power of Love! His band sang an amazing accapella song that night. So here's the little ditty of Doo Waft.

 

Song to come...

Riddle

Sitting at The Side Door Lounge with some friends...listening to music at an open mic night...inspiration...hence The Riddle.  I wanted to write a song that was personified.  Gavin DeGraw wrote an amazing song called Belief...not quite personified but I was thinking about the way the angle he wrote the song while coming up with these lyrics. 
 

Now I need inspiration for a melody...finally a melody came...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=BaqgQ0G0QT8&list=UULevGOiwnuoDepe2K4sLJFw&index=1&feature=plcp

Riddle                         (Please reply if you have any guesses??)

Put down your binoculars

No need for a microscope

You don’t have to look for me

I blow in and out like a breeze

What do you think I am?

 

Nothing ever comes easy

How would you expect to grow

I’m here to break you down and build you up

Show you what you’re made of

What do you think I am?

 

I may try to test you

Will you make the grade?

Pass or fail.  It doesn’t matter

I’ll be back again

What do you think I am?

Song Called Lovely

This song simply came from a conversation with a friend who said that I like to use the word lovely...I love this word! It's feminine and yes lovely...so I thought... I need to write a song with the word lovely in it.. and here's what spilled out. Little did I know the message was on God's heart knocking on my heart (and it's always on his heart because we've been created for His love) ..for me and you women out there (and yes for men, too- you can change the word to - well...macho, handsome, chivalrous, wonderful). It's true. He's furiously, crazy about us.. afterall he formed and fashioned us.  After watching a documentary called Furious Love, this song resonated even more.

I'm especially thinking about a few women I know who have had treatment for cancer...they are so beautiful and courageous.

You may click on the link below to hear this Song Called Lovely...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=VtS4tOZbRKA&feature=youtu.be

One Fall Saturday (Metro Songwriting Workshop students)

Today...a beautiful, fall Saturday... At La Vista Metro Campus teaching a songwriting workshop...and conversing with 4 wonderful people.  I can't believe I get paid to do something I love!
The last writing assignment was for the class to incorporate what they learned about song structure and the elements of song writing following a 3 step writing process.  The title they chose was One Fall Saturday.  They did a great job of coming up with ideas for the song and they wrote the first verse and chorus...and came up with the tone and emotion they wanted the song to convey.  I will post the song lyrics and come up with a melody sometime by the end of October..fun!!

Well...here it goes co-writers..I'd love to hear if you have another take on the melody or the lyrics for that matter...Email me and I'd love to hear if you re-write this song with a melody of your own...a new assignment :)

You may click on the following link to hear One Fall Saturday
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=ZiO8799_dvM&feature=youtu.be

One Fall Saturday     Co-written by Jay, Beverly, Leslie, Paula, and Beth

I could sing, I could sing about the weather and the trees

I could sing, I could sing about the highway and the breeze
Or I could talk about the falling of the leaves
But I’d rather sing about you, and you, and you and me

CHORUS:
One fall Saturday
What a trip we’ve taken
New steps we’re making
One fall Saturday
What a trip we’ve taken
New steps we’re taking

I could drive, I could drive away wearing my same black hat (Jay's hat)

I could think, I could think today maybe I’ll get around to that
Or I could make some changes like the falling of the leaves
Since our paths crossed on this journey

Repeat CHORUS

BRIDGE:
A bend in the road, a risk to create, a passionate flow…coming together, coming together

Repeat CHORUS

The Ocean Has a Shore

I can smell the ocean breeze- feel the sand on my feet- the moist wind is blowing my hair in my face as the water gushes over my ankles and I look out into the deep, wide blue. 

God is always speaking.  Just as the tide comes in and out...Sometimes I'm more in tune with Him than other times..When I've got a lot of heart and head clutter I don't always hear as clearly ...This song speaks to  how God teaches me things through the simple things in life..usually the same things over and over (it takes me awhile to get things)... They eventually drop from my head into my heart and that's where transformation takes place.  Also, how I compare myself with others who are way beyond me who seem to be effortlessly wading in deep waters...agreeing with the lie of comparison is a thief in my eyes and it robs us of many things... There are a lot of themes in this song...I hope it will speak to you or at least make you think of being on the beach watching seagulls and letting the water dance over your feet :)

You may click here to listen to song-
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=4hIGUGDBlwU&feature=youtu.be

My ankles are covered with water
but I’d rather be submerged
Diving into places of depth                                    
trying to find something of worth
      It’s in this place I face my heart
      where pride is shown and gratitude sparse

Chorus:
            
The ocean has a shore a deep and shallow end

where the tide comes in and goes out again

A simple, steady rhythm I don’t think much about

The ocean has a shore  x2

Here I stand

I’m splattering and shattering  
The views I used to hold close            
How bigger is better than the simple things I’m being told
     It's in this place I face my heart
     Where pride is shown and gratitude sparse

Bridge:

You’re quenching my thirstwith one or two little words
You're quenching my thirst
Oh I like it here
Your breath is near
Oh I like it here Oh I like.. the ocean has a shore

@2012

 

Swing the Door

There have been times lately where I've wanted to hide away and pray..lay down burdens, pray for others and listen to God.  I reach for the door knob to walk into my room and I think of 5 other things I wanted to do...and I do them...I get into my room and begin talking to the Lord and turn on my computer then do the other two things that come to mind...There is a battle that goes on...I continue to press through. This song came after reading a devotional from Oswald Chambers..My Utmost for His Highest..it constantly speaks to my heart and challenges me. 

Swing the Door... song not finished yet. I figure if I start a post I will more likely to keep working on the song :)  Well..a month and a half later I did finish the song...Click here to listen..

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MfYUlnPmZ1k&feature=youtu.be

Resistance is keeping me from your heart

Distraction’s enticing me  It’s not hard
Contending I finally made it out, out of the dark
Like a magnet I’m being pulled, pulled away

Chorus:

Swing the door wide open
Step inside
Close the door tight real tight


Submission is echoing from these 4 walls
Gradually one knee’s on the floor face in my hands
Wrestling I don’t have a chance no no chance
Like a magnet, I’m being pulled, pulled away

Chorus:

Swing the door wide open
Step outside
Close the door tight real tight

Bridge:
A dance is taking place
Three partners can’t occupy the same space anymore
So here I go
I’m choosing to

The Realist, The Dreamer and Me

Kermit the Frog...who doesn't love that lil' frog? Well, the song he sings called The Rainbow Connection has a catchy melody and leaves me feeling...a bit unsettled along with interweaved glimpses of hope.  I'm kind of a music nerd and love to read about the lyricists and songwriters meaning behind their songs.  Song Facts is the website I usually go to learn more.  This song is about the meaning of life, a spiritual journey and much more..

So I've been thinking about writing a song about my dreams, taking risks (something I don't do very well), etc. ..the title idea is The Realist, The Dreamer and Me.  After having a conversation with my friend and fellow songwriting pal, Daniel, he encouraged me to never compromise doing what I love...music and singing..that's who I've been created to be...the joy it brings to use and develop the gifts God's given me. Sooo... I was reminded of Kermit singing this song...and decided not to recreate the wheel as some ideas of my title fit into The Rainbow Connection song and underlying themes...

The Realist is the voice that says, "Don't pursue your dreams...you need to play it safe."  Others in my life who say the same thing looking through then lens of today...being rational, practical...feeling squashed in that.

The Dreamer is the voice that says, "Step out and take a risk...exercise your faith muscles...and fly baby fly!" (See Great Black Hawk song)

Me- Muddling through the scenerios of what could and could not be. what has and has not been..what steps to take next...what voice is the voice of truth...struggling just like Kermit. 

Feel free to take a listen to Beth and Kermit sing...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=RdwhMPdhJGM&feature=youtu.be

Hush Down

torment (noun) extreme pain or anguish of body or mind: agony

A head FULL of thoughts kept rolling like a train, plowing like a tractor, destroying like a wrecking ball..was what I felt like this week.  Then something severed in my brain after some people prayed over me...it broke!  I had to stand on truth to combat the battle of the mind..a fear of cancer was rearing its head again...

mock (transitive verb) treat somebody or something with scorn or contempt, to imitate closely

Mocking soon tried to move in and dance with me...so I layed in bed praying a Psalm and a new melody called "Hush Down" came while playing my harmonica...goodbye mocking...hello sleep.

spirit of fear and mocking...Hush Down!...

song to come once my computer gets working again..ugh!

Psalm 4:8 As I lay down and sleep in peace, you alone O Lord make me dwell in safety.

Psalm 16

Live Snapshot

Snapshot... A song inspired after watching a compelling documentary called Nefarious. 
To listen to the song please click on the following link.  To learn more about this film read on...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=m-Dc5Ok1kds&feature=youtu.be

Nefarious, Merchant of Souls, is a hard-hitting documentary that exposes the disturbing trends in modern sex slavery. From the very first scene, Nefarious ushers you into the nightmare of sex slavery that hundreds of thousands experience daily. You’ll see where slaves are sold (often in developed, affluent countries), where they work, and where they are confined. You’ll hear first-hand interviews with real victims and traffickers, along with expert analysis from international humanitarian leaders.
From initial recruitment to victim liberation—and everything in between—the previously veiled underworld of sex slavery is uncovered in the groundbreaking, tell-all Nefarious, Merchant of Souls.

The Cold Facts of Modern Slavery


• A child is trafficked every 30 seconds. – UNICEF
• The average age of entry into commercial sex slavery in the United States is 13 years old. – United States Department of Justice
• Human Trafficking occurs in 161 out of 192 countries. – The United Nations
• Pornography is a 96 billion dollar per year industry. – The Internet Filter Review
• Up to 96% of women in prostitution want to escape but feel they can’t. – United Labor Organization
• Human Trafficking is a 32 billion dollar per year industry. – The United Nations
• In some countries it is estimated that 70% of men purchase sex. – Victor Malarek; The Johns
• Over 27 million people are enslaved around the world. This is more than double the number of Africans enslaved during the Trans-Atlantic slave trade. – Kevin Bales; Free the Slaves

Shallow--Inspired while in Uganda

Drums...lots of them...
Children...playing them with passion and fervor
Singing that was coming from a deep place of gratitude, intimacy and love towards Heavenly Father
...left me speechless, in awe of God, and helped my heart connect with the lover of my soul in an inexpressible way... This song called Shallow came from worshipping with children in Uganda on a Friday night...the best Friday night of my life!!

Here's a link to some of the songs we sang with them along with Shallow...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=dux3SQvzXU0&feature=youtu.be

Pearl of Africa

Uganda Africa...As I reflect on this missions trip, I was invited into a symphony of love.  God used many "instruments" to show me more about his love and heart for the nations of the world.

Intruments included-

The children-Selfless, full of love, still kids and awnry stealing my heart even more, and they worshipped God at a depth I have never seen nor experienced before...beautiful and humbling.
The mothers-Each one was a widow who cared for 4 boys and 4 girls.  They worked hard, cared deeply and had untold stories in their hearts I wish I could have heard.
My teammates-Honorable men and women who serve the Lord with passion.  I look up to them all and value each one of them and the ways they showed me how to love in greater measures...and they made me laugh daily!
The missionary couples-They have laid down the comforts most of us are used to and live sacrificial lives to serve at Restoration Gateway. They have testimonies of God's faithfulness in calling them to Uganda.  I wish you could have heard them share about how God made this orphanage a dream come true...His dream...vessels who said yes...and miracles still unfolding.  Check out their website... http://www.restorationgateway.org/
Click here to see pictures and listen to the song Pearl of Africa

http://www.youtube.com/watch?
v=9IVYmZHzOuE&list=UULevGOiwnuoDepe2K4sLJFw&index=1&feature=plcp

Can you imagine a childhood where mere survival is often a luxury few can afford? Where HIV, war and fear of being
abducted or killed are the norm?

Since the 1980s, AIDS and war have ravaged northern Uganda. A million have died from AIDS. 60,000 children have been abducted and forced to be soldiers or slaves in a war they did not want. [Read More]

For more than two decades, the


Lord's Resistance Army (LRA) has been terrorizing and victimizing the people of northern Uganda. The LRA is a brutal rebel group that has abducted from 30,000 to 60,000 children, often younger than 10 years of age. Throughout the 20-year war against the Ugandan government, children were forced to serve as soldiers, slaves or wives. The LRA has killed and mutilated many thousands of other children and adults.
1.8 million people were forced to flee their homes and villages to live in squalid Internally Displaced People (IDP) camps, relying on humanitarian aid for mere survival. Peace finally has returned over the last few years as a result of the LRA being forced out of Uganda. People now are returning to their villages to rebuild their lives, though many in the younger generation have lost the opportunity to learn job skills and many have felt abandoned by God. Most families in northern Uganda have felt the trauma of losing loved ones to the LRA, either through murder or abduction. Every family has felt stark terror at the possibility of attack.

If the atrocities of the LRA weren't enough, Uganda also has long been plagued with an HIV/AIDS epidemic. 1.2 million people are living with the disease -- 150,000 of these are children. Uganda has the highest percentage of children orphaned by AIDS worldwide. Although medications exist that can help those living with HIV, very few Ugandans can afford them. Often these medications cannot even be found by those in need. This problem increases exponentially in the rural bush of northern Uganda, where medical care is woefully inadequate. HIV/AIDS continues to pose a very significant threat to the population of Uganda.

The needs and wounds in Uganda are staggering.           

Only God can heal deep wounds, but He uses people like you and me to do it. Restoration Gateway exists to join Christ in restoring peace and healing wounds among the vulnerable children and war-torn people of Northern Uganda. 500 acres of land overlooking the Nile is being developed into a holistic, reproducible community through Orphan Care, Health Care, Empowerment and Ministry to the Church. You can help.

The Scourging

A man...the Son of God...sacrifice...tortured...crucified...love poured out...for you and me.

http://stations-of-the-cross.com/ 
...This is a visual art and music experience created by a group of artists from Madison Wisconsin.  I was invited to create a music piece on The Scourging of Christ.  The website is being finished.  In the meantime, you may click on the following link to listen to a two minute piece of  "The Scourging".

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=X1ns36aaSNY&list=UULevGOiwnuoDepe2K4sLJFw&index=1&feature=plcp

Tapestry

This song was inspired by two friends..one who said her life is but a weaving between God and her. Another wonders what her life has come to the older she gets...the disappointments loom. This picture of a tapestry came to mind to unfold stories in their hearts..in my heart as well. I believe God can use all things in our life including pain, suffering, heartache, mistakes...and use it for our good, the good of others and mostly for Him to be made known.  The artwork above is the song communicated on canvas board. 

Please click on the following link to listen to song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Cp76K-ySzrQ&list=UULevGOiwnuoDepe2K4sLJFw&index=1&feature=plcp

Tapestry

From the backside of this tapestry you see tangled threads

Nothing but a mess

Knot upon knot you’re confused and lost

It’s not making sense

Wondering when you’ll get

to see the other side

of this tapestry, this tapestry, this tapestry

From the front side of this tapestry the colors tell a story

There’s movement forward

Stitch by stitch each one’s in place

The weaver knows what He is doing        

There is nothing to change

even from  the other side

of this tapestry, this tapestry, this tapestry of life

Bridge:

You don’t see

You don’t know

The big picture’s not always shown

but it’s making something beautiful

On the inside of your heart believes the best

There’s got to be a purpose

Knot upon knot you’re still confused and lost

What’s this story all about

Wondering when you’ll get to see other side

On this side of heaven

Oh this tapestry, this tapestry, this tapestry of life

Painted Red

I've found I need to hear simple truths over and over because I just don't get it the first, second, or twentieth time...
The anecdote to anger is submission to God.
The anecdote to sadness and depression is hope in God...(that seems so simple or a pad answer but walking through it is not always easy..a surrendered heart...sometimes feels like it's getting ripped up but it's being -exposed-vulnerable-broken down- to be built up and restored...and I find beauty in that..hope in that. Hope in my heavenly father who is gentle and kind.  Wanting my heart to be right before a loving, merciful and Holy God...I continue to let go, ask for forgiveness, responding to that nudge when bitterness, frustration and disappointment rise up...I lay my heart before Jesus knowing my sins are painted red...A reason to praise today and everyday.

Please click on the following link to hear this song...

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=NH17DmdbbYA&list=UULevGOiwnuoDepe2K4sLJFw&index=1&feature=plcp

Painted Red

There’s disappointment in your eyes
A loss of sparkle to your smile
Something’s bringing you down
Something’s bringing you down
You say you’ve got a broken heart
Been mad your whole world’s torn apart
Anger’s taking ground
Anger’s taking ground
     Maybe it’s time to let it go

Chorus:

It’s painted red- the finest shade
It’s painted red- for your sake
Love came the perfect sacrifice
It’s painted red-Jesus paid the price

There’s a burden on your back
When’s the last time you laughed
Something’s bringing you down
The load is getting heavier
You’re not meant to carry it alone
Sadness is taking ground
Anger’s still around
     Maybe it’s time to let it go

Repeat Chorus

Bridge: 

Come to him Lay it down He forgives Be set free
Let your heart agree

Repeat Chorus

He Winked

I was driving back from a Christmas gathering and I looked up at the sky.  I get a little crazy about the moon and God's creation.  Sometimes I stop in my tracks if I'm walking and just gaze in awe...it blows me away at the art work around me.  Well, the moon was bursting at the seams as if it were knocking on my car window saying, "look up here." Just a half a moon that night but it was so plump and robust...and God winked at me...I sensed that His eye is on me..I'm not forgotten. My heart needed that touch and truth.

He Winked

Driving south on I-80
half a moon caught my eye
like a boulder it was solid
but cracked on one side
                Then sent from above
                a gift of love
               it looked like an eyelid was shut

Chorus:

He winked he winked
It wasn’t just a blink
intention extended
to capture my heart
Oh he winked he winked
with no second thought
I know it was from God

Sometimes I’ve wondered
when sudden things appear
like an orchestra of birds
am I the only one who hears
                 I sense a nod
                 A gentle nudge
                 I smile bashfully because

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:

It was once a mountain covered in snow
Dew dripping from a rose
Kissed by the sunlight on my nose

Exposed

Suicide is a horrible thing.  I've been wrestling with sadness and anger of losing a friend who committed suicide.  I knew the battle that was raging for years...unfortunately, she was a casualty of the battle.  I was looking at a picture from her memorial one day..I had to put it away because I just could not look at it.   I knew I had some unfinished business in my heart that needed to be voiced.  So I decided to write a letter to my friend for some closure.  I had been avoiding her in my mind and I wanted to share the things that were on my heart.  It really helped.  I was looking out a window noticing the bare trees.  I am a fan of trees especially in the winter when they don't have leaves.  You can see their bare bones per say...they have nothing to hide.  Well, my heart was raw and bare and I began to write and write.  A new song was also birthed as I looked out the window at the bare trees and saw the horizon...I saw hope....

Please click here to listen to Exposed  www.youtube.com/watch?v=eCGvQ38gbpQ&feature=youtu.be 

Exposed

What if I never felt bare
like a tree without leaves
What if my heart never unthawed
wrapped in a layer of frost
fully covered
fully covered
how far under would I be

Chorus:

Here I stand exposed
shedding secrets that have poisoned my soul
not wanting to let go
knowing you see right through me
what I need the most
is to stand exposed

What if the cold north wind
never sent a chill
What if my hands never reached up
like the branches of
a tree saluting
a tree saluting
how far under would I be

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:

I can see the horizon from where I am

Chorus:

Here I stand exposed
shedding secrets that have poisoned my soul
being vulnerable
knowing you see right through me
Here I stand exposed