My Grace

My oh my do I wrestle at times with God.  I had a week where I was really struggling with some  pain in my body.  There are waves that come when I feel get so frustrated and feel defeated...When my hearts gaze gets off the Lord, I get into some deep waters in my thought life...and it's not so pretty.  I was ushered back into the shore while reading a friend's devotional called Power Perfected...relating to 2 Corinthians 12:9.  I knew I needed to meditate on this scripture and renew my mind...a melody was birthed...It's easier for me to remember things if I sing them. Please click on the link below to listen to "My Grace".  May you be encouraged. 

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Yk5XJWfPxqQ&feature=youtu.be

Below is my friend's online blog with real life, encouraging words of wisdom and truth.  Enjoy!

http://restoringhearts.wordpress.com/

Ice Cream Store

I had the priviledge of working with a group of senior citizens for 8 weeks teaching them about music, songwriting and doing a visual art project.  It was an amazing time! By the end of our time together my goal was to have them write a song as a group.  They wrote a song influenced by the idea and song form from Sound of Music's, My Favorite Things.  They wrote about their favorite joys, times at their assisted nursing facility and the last verse was their favorite ice cream flavors...which they created new names for. We were all laughing by the yummy and interesting titles they created. Sooo I thought it would be fun to write a song about an ice cream store with wacky flavors....
now the song needs a melody and a harmonica ditty to go along with it!

Now if I had an ice cream store

I’d make the most unusual

Flavors that would make you smile

Or make your eyebrows really wild…how about

 Chorus:

Pumpkin pumpernickel, heavenly popsicle

Sweet and sour tasty, mud slide candy

Or blue strawberry kiwi pie

Chocolate cherry cupcake, fruity tutti gumdrop

Tangerine tornado, lemon lime potato chip mm

Or triple brownie moo moo delight oh my

 

Now I would have some wacky hours

Open breakfast, lunch and dinner

Anytime of the day it’s great

Instead of coffee or steak you can replace them with

 Chorus:

Peanut butter mush mush, rainy day squish squish

Licorice disaster, chimechanga have ta

or mocha chocolate mousse mm

Rapunzel razzle dazzle, princess pineapple

Raspberry brain freeze, hamburger tomato beet-seriously it’s a treat

or blast of berry fusion


Bridge:

Eat and savor a bite at a time

Or mix them together let your taste buds take a ride oh

 Chorus:

Octopus gummy worms, red hot topsy turvy

Screaming peppermint ice, death by chocolate think twice

or orange grape lemonade

Rock n roll banana split, walnut pecan jelly twist

Caramel popcorn crunch, barbeque fruit punch- how about that for lunch there’s more

Butterscotch sunshine, zebra cheesecake bite

Fudge fudge happy heart, dreamy fluffy coconut

Battle star galactica, super snickers awesome treat

Finally mama’s secret cinnamon streusel

Gotta love ice cream!

Grocery Bag...a song about just wanting to be available to give away God's love...  song to come once I get an application on my computer to convert my digital recordings... :)  It's a little folky tune that was inspired after listening to a singer/songwriter who writes for the Canadian tv program Heartland...Matthew Barber...One Little Piece of My Heart..

There’s got to be someone who needs a touch
a touch of love today
My eyes are open I’m looking around
for someone who might be down
for someone whose head is down

I see someone who needs a touch
a touch of love today
She is standing in front of me in this line
I heard her make a sigh
Then tears ran from her eyes

Prayed and asked what should I do
Lord what should I do
She was looking for money in her purse
She began to curse
Oh it got worse and worse

My heart was moved I’ve been there before
I’ve been there before
I paid her bill she cried, “thank you ma’am
wish I could pay you back”
No no need let me give you a hand
please let me carry your grocery bag

Go the Distance

Go the Distance...

Well...I am at story #4 with the healing, art and music project I am working on. Go the Distance is in another re-write. As songwriters know a song is rarely written but often re-written.  Song to come. Story to share...

One hot July evening, I had the privilege of hearing a young woman's story. She has a spark in her eye that makes you want to get to know her.    Her story began when she was in the 5th grade when her entire family got the stomach flu.  Everyone recovered but her.   She lost weight and had stunted growth.  In sports, she was knocked down easily and was slow to get up.  This is not what a ten year old generally experiences.  Her doctor did some tests and discovered she had both celiacs and crohns disease.  She soon began a gluten free diet along with trying different steroids which made her puff up and break out.  As a result, she was quite embarrassed as a child. She eventually began IV injections and currently gets them every two months for three hours at a time.

 

During her junior year in high school, she switched doctors and he suggested prednisone shots.  One of the not so fun side effects made her hair fall out.  The meds she was taking were no longer working so they tried another drug.  The side effects were such that they could cause a rare form of skin cancer and could suppress her immune system.  After much consideration, she began getting IV injections every two months for three hours at a time. 

When asked about the hardest part of her journey she said, "There was one trial after another and I had to trust in God's plan."  The steroids were consistently hard for her not knowing if they would even work.  Even though her journey has been difficult, she is grateful that her relationship with God has grown.  She gets encouragement from her faith community and one very special teacher/coach of hers from high school.  She knows that people are made to be in community and that support has gotten her through.

When asked what advice she would give to someone who is going through a difficult time, she said, "I suggest strengthening your relationship with God so you can learn to give it all to Him!  It is also important to build a community of support."  In addition, her source of joy comes from taking spiritual retreats, spending time with friends, relaxing, playing soccer and camping with her family.  Her outlook from here on out is..."If I can get through the lowest of times, I can get through anything.  I've never blamed God.  I take up my cross daily and I'm learning acceptance in my journey with Him."  Above, is her journey depicted through a piece of artwork.
 

Pondering

This song  just came while I was doing some morning writing time.  We all have times that we reflect on...perhaps regrets, mistakes, times we failed and how we grew from them.  I think about times I kept doing the same things over and over expecting different results=insanity.  When we see others going down paths that are harmful it's easy to want to judge or rescue when sometimes people need to hit rock bottom and take personal responsibility...sometimes it is appropriate to intervene...This song speaks to reflecting and having gratitude that God uses everything in our lives for our good and His glory.  I also know that I am just a step away from falling backwards to where I used to be and pondering those places makes me press forward, get counsel, and give much thanks!!

Pondering

Like a square that is trying to fit into a triangle sized hole
Ooo no
Like a foot that is trying to fit into a glove not a shoe
Whoa wrong thing to do
If you try to use a hammer to cut down a tree believe me
You'll stand there for many, many years
If you want to get to shore you will have to ride on a boat not a bike
I am just making observations about choices in life

Chorus:
Pondering
Pondering
I am looking at you but seeing me
I am looking at you and pondering

Even with 20/20 vision things can get blurred
From the messages of this crazy, crazy world
There is a narrow road that leads to life
The path of destruction is right by its side
The path of destruction is right by its side

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
I could have avoided many mistakes
if I would have stopped filling the ache in my heart

Tag:
God still needs to fill my heart
Everyday is a new start

Anywhere But Down

Story #3 of music, healing art project.. Anywhere but Down

Sitting in a circle at church with a few other women, we began to share and pray for one another. One woman shared how God recently healed her of Celiacs disease (a lifelong autoimmune disorder). Then a beautiful, joy-filled burst of laughter and praise burst forth! I knew her story was one I wanted to hear and use as part of this project to bring glory to God.  

In 2006, she was diagnosed with Celiacs disease and was accustomed to learning to live with the affects of it.  The diets she was instructed to follow didn't work and she found herself deteriorating more and more.  She eventually got down to 95 lbs. and felt as if she was wasting away.  She was barely able to work.  In 2011, she moved from Indiana to Omaha by the encouragement of some family.  While staying with them, she began attending a small group through their church.  One evening, a couple shared about the power of forgiveness and a local ministry called Fresh Start.  She knew she needed to process some issues of her heart from her childhood.  She couldn't move forward without dealing with the pain in her heart.  She began to release and forgive people in her life.  Simultaneously, some family insisted that she go to the doctor to get some tests done for her deteriorating health.  She was re-tested for Celiacs and it came back negative...YES completely negative!  Of course she had a party eating pizza and donuts..all the things her body rejected for so long. This experience has led her closer to God.  Today she has a different perspective on everything and what God can do.  She takes joy in the little things and she treats herself and others differently than she used to.  She feels invincible...going anywhere but down!  The above artwork depicts her spiritual journey...beautiful!

Anywhere But Down

You may not know my name or my story
I was drowning God came in perfect timing
He rescued me when I needed it most
Let me tell you where I am going

Chorus:
Anywhere but down
Kicking my heels up like an umbrella
or a hot balloon that's rising in the sky
Anywhere but down
Jumping and skipping, smiling, believing
in a newfound faith that has turned my life around
Anywhere, anywhere but down

There was a gain when I dealt with my losses
Covered pain began to surface
I was suffering then began to release
Hey hey let me tell you where I am going

Chorus

Bridge:
I know there is more healing to come
I am willing to move through it not around it or behind
Now let me tell you where I am going

Chorus

Untied Shoestring

I wanted to write a song in an AABA song form..one I don't write in too often.  It's always refreshing to mix up my writing. This song was influenced by a group of women that I pray with.  We pray into many issues including marriage...this song is liquid prayer and a hearts cry that there would be strong marriages in our community, nation and world for God's glory to be displayed. Sooo here's a little ditty called Untied Shoestring.  Needs a melody... I hear a folksy tune mixed with strings oooya!

We are still laced together in this tennis shoe
We have walked in the valley barely made it through
Your end was flying mine was too
Untied shoestring

We are still laced together in this tennis shoe
Worn and tattered now what do we do
We get tripped up but choose to move on
Untied shoestring

We are one
We are not giving up
We are one
This battle to love is worth fighting for

Remember when we used to have a double knot
Nothing could come between us we were solid as a rock
We have slowly unraveled those days are not forgotten
Untied shoestring

We are one
We are not giving up
We are one
This battle to love is worth fighting for

Pick Out a Red One

Pick Out a Red One...

I am continuing to interview people to hear their stories about their journey of healing and writing a song about it.  My aunt's experience with MS began when she was 26...now in her early 70's with a recent cancer diagnosis...  She shared her dream of becoming an artist, the loss of her health, advise she'd give others.  She's a woman of prayer, wit, and genuinely cares about what is going on in others' lives.  I weep, pray, and celebrate her life...and her story through song.

As I was walking up the stairs to her house, I noticed the bright, tulips that were not opened up because it was too cold outside.  As I opened the door I told her about the tulips in her front yard.  She asked if I’d go pick a red one and then went on about picking the other colors I mentioned since she is too weak to get out.  So I did. As she was sharing, I was taken away by the vase of tulips that were opened up so wide.  It was as if God was saying there is life in her heart that’s unfolding as she shares memories and stories that have lied dormant and never had a listening ear. Someday I believe she’ll be up in heaven painting and drawing in her favorite colors…blues, NOT red red but a roseish red,and soft yellow…and picking tulips because she will be able to. This a treasured memory I will never forget!

Pick Out a Red One

 

It was the fourth of May the snow just melted
nothing but gray and a patch of color

took my breath away oh how I longed to pick
the tulips in her front yard

the tulips in her front yard

Then I knocked at her door she said come in
Put my purse on the floor I said your flowers are growing
It started to pour so I ran to pick
the tulips in her front yard

Chorus:

She yelled
Pick out a red one

A yellow one too

How many are there

Are they in bloom
There is a tall vase

in the living room
Pick out a red one, pale pink, purple,

orange one too

Something divine was orchestrated
The flowers made her smile as they were opening
I took it as a sign God was speaking through
the tulips from her front yard

the tulips from her front yard

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
She was weak and tired cancer kept her in
she couldn’t get outdoors but wanted more and more ..she said
Repeat Chorus

Above is a piece of artwork that was created right before my aunt passed away.  She picked out colors that she liked and I painted.  I was reading Psalm 23 to her.  The artwork is a depiction of that Psalm.  I treasured moment I will never forget. Her eyes lit up when she saw the bucket of acrylic paints...she got to partake in the process of creating a piece of artwork. Now she is in heaven painting with the great artist himself!

Singing Telegrams for Mother's Day!

Mother's hold their children's hands for a short while, but their hearts forever...

Mother’s Day is around the corner.  Would you or someone you know like to send a unique gift to show your appreciation and love?  I will be delivering Singing Telegrams on Mother's Day (Sunday, May 12th from 5-8pm) and the day before (from 2-6pm). 


You can choose from one of the three characters listed below. 
For ordering details you can send me a message here or at www.bhsammy@yahoo.com

Currently updating facebook page… for an idea of character costumes please go to... http://www.facebook.com/UpsideDownCrownMusic
 


“Groovy 70’s” Personalized lyrics to Feeling Groovy by Simon and Garfunkle will be sung with guitar accompaniment along with sharing some fun paraphernalia.

“The French Baker” will share a Recipe for Mother’s Day and special lyrics to All You Need is Love by The Beatles or The Rose by Bette Midler...sung with guitar accompaniment.

“The Mime” will share some miming and lyrics to Martina McBride's She's a Butterfly...sung with guitar accompaniment.  There will be limited availability on delivery times due to makeup requirements.


Package includes:

•   §  One song performance with personalized lyrics

•   §  Personalized Certificate of Appreciation stating reasons why you love and appreciate the individual

•   §  Personalized lyrics to recipient

•   §  Mileage to and from Singing Telegram (if more than 15 miles from Aksarben Village area there will be an additional charge).

The first 3 people to order will get a discounted rate of $40.  Orders after that will cost $50. Your mom is worth it!


Thank You!!  


Beth

A Slow Thaw

This is the first of a compilation of songs from stories about people and how they've dealt with physical ailments..hope, feeling defeated, being healed, not being healed..many unsung heroes (in my eyes) that continue walking amongst the pain that often makes you feel as if you are a prisoner in your own body.  I can relate as I have struggled with years of chronic pain.  I'm not giving up hope but the journey does take a toll on one... I hope these songs inspire you, humble you to pray for others,  and overwhelm you with gratitude for the blessings in your life... I'm working on the music to this song.

Backdrop to the song...a beautiful woman feels trapped in her house, bound to her couch, barely getting  by at work... She underwent radiation therapy, had a hysterectomy when all she's ever wanted was a family, has struggled with digestion issues since childhood and anxiety much of her life along with much chronic pain that limits every day of her life. If you met her you would see behind her blue eyes a depth of love that puts others first, has compassion for you, and genuinely cares about your pain.  She's selfless and one of the most generous and kind people I know.  Welcome into her story...

A Slow Thaw

Winter in Nebraska is not supposed to last ten years

The blizzard winds keep blowing even when spring appears

The frost keeps nipping not just my fingers and toes

This chronic pain keeps my heart frozen

Chorus

Oh it’s a slow thaw

Oh it’s a slow thaw

I would like to change

The time it takes to heal

This is my appeal

To a slow thaw

Spreading its colors all around as most people awe in wonder

Budding trees flowering leaves and the sound of thunder

The storm is real my bones are chilled with the coming of  the next spring season

You wonder why my shoulder is cold endless pain is the reason 

Chorus

Bridge

Today I gave hope another chance

I pray it won’t leave me disappointed again
I need something to hold onto. Something to hold onto

Chorus

Oh it’s a slow thaw

Oh it’s a slow thaw

I would like to change

The time it takes to heal

By not demanding an appeal

To a slow thaw

Tag

Now there’s a trickle of water where there used to be only ice 

I believe her healing is unfolding and pray that the fullness of time would come... The picture above is a depiction of this woman's journey of healing that she created.

Singing Telegrams for Valentine's Day!

for Valentine's Day... a memorable gift idea...

Valentine’s Day is around the corner.  Would you or someone you know like to send a unique gift to someone you appreciate and love?  I will be delivering Singing Telegrams  on Valentine's Day and the day after.  I am available to go to workplaces, restaurants (with consent by owner), schools, nursing homes, hospitals or catch somebody by surprise…

You can choose from one of the four characters listed below. 
For ordering details you can send me a message here, at bhsammy@yahoo.com or http://www.facebook.com/UpsideDownCrownMusic

“The Love Bug” Personalized lyrics to All You Need is Love by The Beatles will be sung with guitar accompaniment.  For those of you who would like it to be less formal for a friendship, etc.  “The Hug Bug” will deliver the song changing the lyrics to All You Need is a Hug.

“Marsha Brady” Personalized lyrics to Feeling Groovy by Simon and Garfunkle will be sung with guitar accompaniment along with some fun 70's paraphernalia.

“The French Baker” will share a Recipe for Love and special lyrics to All You Need is Love by The Beatles will be sung with guitar accompaniment.

“Cher” Valentine's Day lyrics to I Got You Babe by Sonny and Cher will be sung with guitar accompaniment along with a few props.


Package includes:

• §  One song performance with personalized lyrics
• §  Personalized Certificate of Appreciation stating reasons why you love and appreciate the individual
• §  Personalized lyrics to recipient
• §  Mileage to and from Singing Telegram (if more than 10 miles from Aksarben Village area there will be an additional charge).

The first 5 people to order will get an introductory rate of $30.  Orders after that will cost $50.

Gift packages are available upon request for balloons and flowers

Thank You!!  :)

Beth