Enjoy the Ride

I stumbled upon a set of train tracks near a cornfield in LaVista, NE...I was actually looking for a place to cry out and get out some things that were on my heart. It's amazing how cleansing that is...Well, God heard me and met me in an unexpected way.  What I experienced that day is simply expressed in this song.  The 2nd verse of this lyric was inspired while driving to the Grand Canyon with my sister and brother in law. While driving in the desert, I was noticing the landscape changing and how interesting and beautiful it was. It reminded me that even though I may be in a desert season in life..things will change. There's beauty and purpose here...this place and time is a place of learning to trust God in deeper measures and it's a reservoir of peace to draw from...I'm finding that to be true. 

You may click on the following link to hear Enjoy the Ride 
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=Sm6ZpNEBHZQ&feature=youtu.be
Enjoy the Ride- capo2f

Intro:  Em then Em G/B, C G then Emx2

The train track is like your arms

Strong as steel

For miles and miles ahead

Your support will be never ending

As you carry the weight of a train cart

You say jump in

You’ll take me from where I am

To where you’re going

Chorus:

Enjoy the ride Enjoy the ride

Enjoy the ride Enjoy the ride

As the wind blows on my face

We’ll wind to the next destination

So enjoy the ride

Ninety miles have passed         

I ‘m no longer looking back  

The landscape has changed

There’s new things to embrace

You say you say

You’ll take me from where I am

To where you’re going

Bridge:

The journey is more important than the final stop.  You’re in control; I’m not.

So I might as well enjoy the ride

Immanuel

I've been asking for a new song for Christmas...that my heart would be ignited and alive with the love of Christ. A podcast  from church was my inspiration...the realization that God is here with us right here right now...stop and think about that...a powerful truth that I pray would change each of our lives at this very moment..You will seek him and find him if you seek him with all your heart...He will show up...

Matthew 1:22-23 All this took place to fulfill what the Lord had said through the prophet:   The virgin will be with child and will give birth to a son, and they will call him Immanuel-which means, “God with us.”

Immanuel-

There's a mighty warrior who fights for us fights for us
There's a mighty warrior who call us to stand
There's a gentle shepherd
with a guiding hand
He's Reaching out to us...ooo.ooo.

Immanuel, Immanuel God with us right here right now
Immanuel, Immanuel God with us right here right now
There's a counselor who speaks to us through His love
There's a counselor who calls us by name
May we respond to him
and walk in His ways
He's reaching out to help us

Repeat Chorus

Passageway

I'm kind of a dictionary and thesaurus nerd...I'm sure other songwriters can attest...

Passageway definition=
a. A movement from one place to another, as by going by, through, over, or across; transit or migration. b. The process of elapsing: the passage of time.

(n.) Way for passing into, through, or out of something, as within a building or between buildings; corridor, hall, alley, or the like

This song speaks to taking risks and facing fears-desire for change and to be obedient- making a decision  and the resistance that often comes with that- and taking action/walking that decision out...Soooo what is a passageway you need to walk through or already have...perhaps something to think about. You can do it whatever it is!! Please drop me a note if you'd like to share...I'd love to hear about YOUR passageway.

Please click here to listen to Passageway...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=6ZmlOBxrtRE&feature=youtu.be

 

There’s a bridge for me to cross

With strong beams beneath my feet

All is gain nothing lost

If I choose to walk across this passageway

I’ve been taking life step by step

Forward, backwards and sideways

Wanting desperately

To move ahead not escape this passageway

Bridge:

I say yes to adventuring

Uncertainty’s being stared in the face

Laughter is calling while mockery’s marching

Through the dark tunnel

Of this passageway

With one foot on the bridge

The other close behind

A friend takes my hand

I’m still afraid but I’m entering into this passageway

Great, Black Hawk

A picture..counsel, encouragement..about a bird-well a hawk portrayed as myself in this season of life. A melody inspired after listening to Dar Williams.

Please click here to listen to song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=e_PwHno3FLA&feature=youtu.be

Great, Black Hawk

I see you as a great, black hawk
with outspread wings
But you're sitting in your nest wanting to be bold
Waiting for someone to tell you where to go
You need to know
You're a great, black hawk

I see you as a great, black hawk
with outspread wings
I'll sit by your side mount your wings upon mine
find a steady rhythm we'll soon take flight
So you might believe
You're a great, black hawk

Chorus:
So fly baby fly baby fly
Let's fly bably fly baby fly

I see you as a great, black hawk
with outspread wings
Catching the wind sailing on high
looking ahead not above not behind
focused with a keen eye
focused with a keen eye
like a great, black hawk

Chorus:
Go fly baby fly baby fly
oh fly baby fly baby fly

Tag:
You're a great, black hawk
Soaring flying, flying free
knowing who you are
what you want
fly baby fly

Spiritual Blessings...He Chose Us...

Meditating on who I am in Christ has continued pulling at my heartstrings this year. The truth is I am loved intimately and known by the creator of the universe...a journey I'll be on for life...I haven't arrived by any means in knowing God's great love for me..but I'm getting more glimpses and chewing on morsels from the word of God and the sacrifice of his son, Jesus. 

Friday morning I sat in a dimly, lighted room...with my guitar in lap and bible open to scriptures we discussed at church-Ephesians 1...I want to not have head knowledge but heart knowledge of how God sees me and who I am in Christ...walking in the inheritance I have as a Daughter of the Most High King and the spiritual blessings he gives....this saturated my mind and dripped into my heart as a melody came...an offering lifted on high..

To listen to song, please click on the following link:
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=H4L4nBwTTNA&feature=youtu.be


He Chose Us

Praise be to the God and Father
of our Lord Jesus Christ
Who has blessed us in the heavenly realms
has blessed in the heavenly realms

For he chose us in him
Yes he chose us
He chose us in him
before the creation of the world
to be holy and blameless in his sight
He chose us

A Blue Sky Holiday

After enjoying a most lovely day at The Botanical Gardens with a wonderful couple who I so enjoy...and who have been married for 50 years. That is something to celebrate!

My gaze went north to the sky. It was refreshing.  The lyrics to the song Bad Day by David Powter came to mind. That melody is a fun one...the bridge has a line in it that says.. well you need a blue sky holiday...It was a great day!

http://www.lauritzengardens.org/
Jun Kaneko's exhibit is a must see... See more than 50 drawings and large-scale ceramic sculptures flanked by lush greenery and colorful flowers throughout the 100-acre botanical garden, located in the beautiful riverfront hills. The placement of each sculpture in the garden setting is sensitive to the garden elements and evokes a sense of peacefulness...

To view pictures from Lauritzen Gardens and sculptures, please click here...(click the 4 arrows in right corner to view full screen)
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=gPbam-x9po0 
-background music written by local pianist, Sam Rutherford

A Blue Sky Holiday

A piercing sky not a cloud in sight
clears a clouded heart
lifts a spirit produces a smile
all the while feeling loved

A fragrance lingers with every step
a flower that's blossomed with no regrets
reeeaaaching out as to say hello
come in closer my friend

A precious couple
walking hand in hand
smiling, laughing just taking it in

A beautiful day with beautiful friends
and God who also joined into
His BLUE SKY HOLIDAY.

Strength of a Lion

Strength of a Lion

Please click on the following link to listen to song....   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=URe6nqdY0eY

All odds are against you your backed to the wall

No matter where you step you keep falling falling

Defeat is staring you in the face

You can be bold you can be brave

Chorus:

With the strength of a lion there’s no mountain too high

The strength of a lion is buried deep inside

open your  mouth let a roar come out

And climb, You can rise

With the strength of a lion

V2:

Battles will come they are part of life

An attack from the left another from the right

Will you let them devour you; become their prey

 Stand strong a triumph awaits

Chorus:

With the strength of a lion there is no mountain too high

The strength of a lion carries you to new heights

open your  mouth let out a victory shout

And climb, You will rise

With the strength of a lion

Bridge:

You are not meant to roam alone   
When you are weak when you feel small
let others help you along
let others help you along

Chorus:

With the strength of a lion there is no mountain too high

The strength of a lion is buried deep inside

open your mouth let a roar come out

And climb, together we will rise

With the strength of a lion

Habbakuk 3 and Psalm 40

You my click on this link to listen to the following songs...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=A7oxw8lyPW8

Habbakuk 3:17-18

Though the fig tree does not bud and there are no grapes on the vines
though the olive crop fails and the fields produce no food
though there are no sheep in the pen and no cattle in the stalls
yet i will rejoice in the Lord, I will be joyful in God my Saviour

I desire to have a thankful heart...when the sun shines and when the rain comes...and the rain does come...How will I choose to respond?

Psalm 40:1-3

I waited patiently for the Lord; he turned to me and heard my cry. 
He lifted me out of the slimy pit out of the mud and mire,
he set my feet on a rock and gave me a firm place to stand. 
He put a new song in my mouth, a hymn of praise to our God...

This is a song of deliverance...I like how it's raw. These verses have resonated in my heart through the years watching how God has done so much...sometimes my own words can't express it but these verses put a voice to the gratitude in my heart.

Hope's Rising

I was talking to my friend this morning from Wisconsin. She has a way of pointing out all the ways God has been moving in my life...and then it seems we flip flop in our conversation and I share things I see God doing in her life...I love to hear her share the evidence.  It's faith building.  He is always moving and working whether we see it in the natural or not.  I'm very grateful today to be a friend and have a friend who knows me inside and out.  Ahh the beauty of friendship and encouragment.    I always leave our conversation with HOPE... hope is an anchor...it doesn't disappoint!!... I was listening to this song yesterday. It reminds me Hope's Rising...

To listen to the song click here...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=JpZpHTI0X0E

Hope's Rising

One big question mark
is plastered over your life
You're not sure where you're going
but something tells you it's gonna be alright

Chorus:
Hope's rising
Faith's growing
Letting go of not knowing it all
Looking forward turning over control not holding on
hope is rising

The dreams you once had
have been shattered like glass
Your confidence may  be descending
but the truth is it's just begining when

Chorus:
Hope's rising
Faith's growing
Letting go of not knowing it all
Looking forward turning over control not holding on
hope is rising

Tag:
Just a little faith is all it takes

Inspired by Romans 5:2-5 And we rejoice in the hope of the glory of God...we also rejoice in our sufferings, because we know that suffering produces perseverance; perseverance; character; and character, hope.  And hope does not disappoint us....

Poems...Mountaintop Dreams...Awake...Seasons

I was reading a book on poetry forms while driving out to Colorado w/ family.  Thought I'd practice the forms and do some writing.  What a place for inspiration!

This poem is called Mountaintop Dreams...(Shapely or Concrete form for anyone who cares. I find this stuff fascinating..words and how they roll off your tongue, how they sound..how they create a picture...ahhh!)

                             Passion                                                      
           Uncertain                  Distraction                            Re-entry
Lofty                                                  Downtrodden pit                   Love



This is called AWAKE-(Diamante)

                                              AWAKE
                                              perky, alive
                                watching, laughing, running
                                yawning, drifting, bobbing
                                           eyelids shut
                                                Sleepy


Seasons

The rock that you stumble over
is as hard as a Nebraska winter
but as soft as a warm, fleece blanket

The grass beneath your picnic basket
breathes life like a Spring shower
Will you walk barefoot?

The sand is hot as tamales
baking your toes in a mid-July oven
Why does this season end so soon?

Talkin' Soup

Our next songwriter's group cd project is novelty songs.  This song was inspired from the world of online dating.  Now, I've tried a few different sites out with no luv connection per say...but good stories along the way, interesting people I've conversed with, and I've learned more about what a squirrel I can be when talking to someone on the phone for the first time.  Soooo I met a gentleman from Colorado. Along the way in our conversations, he was sick with a bad cold. I mentioned bringing him chicken soup if I were in the same state as him...all of a sudden the idea came for the soup to be personified...I re-read the lyrics of Gavin DeGraw's song, Belief... that was written from this perspective.  This was one fun song to write and come up with a harmonica part.  It was so out of my element.  Thanks to my friend, Keith, who wrote the music and got me out of my folk music box...refreshing!

Please click here to listen to Talkin' Soup...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=YhrupNcVQd8

Talkin’ Soup
Grotian/Heimann
I’ve got a broth that’s light and juicy
With a noodle that’s thick and yummy
and the meat is from a chicken
It’s the Chicken bok bok It’s the chicken bok bok I be
Chorus:
Talkin’ soup I’m talkin’ soup
Talk, talk, talk, talk
I’m talkin’ soup I’m talkin’ soup
I’ve got a home that’s round and cozy
Cooks my potatoes and carrots warmly
And the beef is soft and tender
In the crock pot in the crock pot I be
Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
When you’re sick I‘ll be calling you ready to fill your tummy full
With nourishment and lots of love that’s what I do best I be

Repeat Chorus

The Call of the Sea

My thoughts have been like the sea lately...tossing and turning as the tide comes in and while it goes out there's a peace that comes...Not sure where to go melody wise with these lyrics but I'm reminded of them today. Maybe if I were at the ocean I'd be inspired... I'm also reminded of Sting's Soul Cages cd...one of favorites.

...a melody came...To listen to the song please click here...   http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=DOOMha983Y8 

Call of the Sea 8-5-2011  (inspired by My Utmost for His Highest reading)

Verse:
Thunder’s rolling, lightening’s striking, raindrops falling on my face

Wishing it would wash away the troubles of today

There’s a stirring, there’s a stirring deep inside of me

Like the call, like the call, the call of the sea

Verse:
Message floating in a bottle like pent up words needing a voice

Open mouth uttering silence, a melody draws it out – loud

There’s a roaring, there’s a roaring, deep inside of me

Like the call, like the call, the call of the sea

Bridge:
Raging waters, crashing waves are not subsiding but they will not sweep me away

Verse:
Moonlight  shining, resonating a glow so beautiful

Reflections of a surrendered heart safely back at shore

Now there’s a peace, there’s a peace, deep inside of me

Like the call, like the call, the call of the sea

Altar of Love

A peace that transcends I can't comprehend...the struggle between unrest and peace is in front of me. I choose peace instead of dancing with fear.  I trust and receive God's love. Under the shadow of His wings is where I'm staying..not looking at circumstances that are unsettling and always changing but looking to and at Him. He never changes.  He's my refuge in the storm.  This song is a good reminder to me today of His great love for me.

Click here to listen to song...
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=mMjnMilqFPE

Altar of Love
                                  
I’m finding myself taking the time

To let you lead the way

Through stormy waters through shifting tides

I can not navigate

Chorus:

I will add this to the altar

I will sing this song of praise

May you alone receive glory all my days

I will add this to the altar

This altar of love

That you yes you are worthy of

The winds are gusting one hundred miles an hour

Right when I thought the storm had passed

A peace transcends I can’t comprehend

I’m less worried about the aftermath

Chorus:

I will add this to the altar

I will sing this song of praise

That you alone receive glory all my days

I will add this to the altar

This altar of love

That you yes you  are worthy of

Between the Notes

A piano...that's what this song needs to bring it to life.  Maybe someone will play the melody I hear in my head or come up with a completely new one.  Gotta love the piano! It changes the whole sound of a song vs. the guitar.  My wise friend, Marilyn, shared something with me while I was recently going through some struggles in life.  She said, "In order for you to move forward, you need to rest."  I took her advice and a new song was birthed. 

Between the Notes   

Are you living in a symphony
Where the music doesn’t sound beautiful
Is the volume getting louder
Clanging symbols with decibels out of your control
     Clashing notes that want to soar
     Like your life wrestling for control

Chorus:
Between the notes on the page there’s a rest that is placed
So you can breathe, discover and dream
Let yourself go let yourself into that space
Between the notes
Between the notes on the page
Like an invitation you RSVP
Willfully you respond
With a little hesitation it’s been a season
Where your spirit has felt parched
     Struggling just to make it through
     When you’re not sure what to do

Repeat Chorus
Bridge:
If you want to move forward step back fall back
don’t run away…don’t run away stay

Repeat Chorus

The Best Part of Me

This was one of my favorite co-writes ever...written with 2 friends from a songwriters group I belong to. Our group was asked to do a cd for the National Special Olympics games that were held in Lincoln, NE.  We wanted to write a song that would be encouraging and fitting for the project and cause.  It's always interesting in a writing session to see all the ideas that form, don't work and for the song to finally set sail.  This song began from a title called Young Courage.  We nearly wrote the whole song but the storyline was not coming together.  Then one night we switched gears and whala..out came The Best Part of Me.
We ended up raising a few thousand dollars and 100% of the proceeds were donated to The Special Olympics.  I'll never forget sitting around with our group for a jam session in Joy Huber's mom's basement... One of the athletes and his father were in from New York for the games.  They had co-written a song on the cd called Everybody Wins.  This precious, young man sang his heart out as his father played the song they'd written.  We were all pretty misty-eyed. 

Snipits of songs from cd at http://www.nebraska2nashville.com/Everybody%20Wins.html

Best Part Of Me
Bray/Grotrian/Heimann


Andy and Tommy born two years apart
Their Mother would say they were joined at the heart
They made up a game, what part of you’s best
Tommy would giggle and point to his chest
When kids mocked him Tommy didn’t know why
He’d turn to his brother with tears in his eyes     

      (Chorus)
      Oh Andy why is it this way
      I love to give hugs, dance and play
      I don’t know why some people can’t see
      My heart is the best part - the best part of me

Tommy had trouble with spelling and math
Sometimes the kids still treated him bad
When people stared he’d smile them away
But it still hurt and sometimes he’d say
Andy school’s easy for you to pass
I have to go to my special class

      (Chorus)

Tommy found work at the Jack and Jill store
Sacking up groceries and holding the door
He was good help showed up rain or shine
He loved his job and smiled all the time
Andy came in and said hi one day
It made him feel good to hear Tommy say

      (Chorus)
      Oh Andy I like it this way
      I have fun and I get paid
      I know people can see
      My heart is the best part, the best part of me
     

Circle of Friends

...Sitting in a circle booth at CRAVE restaurant for my birthday with a group of friends.  Looking at them all thinking what a gift it is to have these amazing women as friends...each so unique, different, lovely, and gifted. A friend beside me shared how we are who we are by the people we surround ourselves with...or something to that effect...This idea became the bridge of the song. I sat on my bed that night and out spilled this song along with a melody...A reminder of how so many different people have impacted and helped shape my life in such special ways.  Something I don't want to take for granted!

To view utube video of pictures and hear song you may go to
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=cyXGqYayslE

Circle of Friends   6-25-11       Intro C  G Am7 F

C                G      Am7                        C

I’m in a circle amazed at what I see

F                     Dm7  C             G 

Reflections of love sent to me

C                  G           Am7    C

A special package I open up

F                           Dm7                                C   G

When I spend time with each and every one


Chorus:

C                                   Am7       C

Friends, friends my circle of friends

          F                    Dm7    C                       G

I’m grateful to walk through life with them

C                                     Dm7            C            G            Am7

When the road gets rocky while on the straight pathway

C          G           Am7

I know I can depend

              Dm7  G     C

On my circle of friends

C                             G                Am7         C
There’s the encourager who lifts me up

F                        Dm7                        C                   G

I love the challenger who says reach for the top

C                           G                   Am7                C

When I need a good laugh I know who to call

F                                   Dm7                       C     G

She’s also got the biggest shoulders to cry on

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:

G                    F      C        G                  Am7

They say friends are reflections of who you are

            C                   G

and who you will become

Chorus:

D                                 Bm           D

Friends, friends my circle of friends

         G                 Em          D                      A

I’m grateful to walk through life with them
D                                     Em               D            A                  Bm

When the road gets rocky while on the straight pathway

D           G           Bm

I know I can depend 

               Em A        

On my circle

                           D

My circle of friends

Fog

Change...nahh...something I'm not too fond of nor embrace naturally...especially when it all comes at once.  After a season of the most change I've had in my life at one time... moving to a new place, having two of my dearest friends move out of state, a job of 11 years ended accompanied by some health issues..the result...being stretched in ways I could never otherwise be strrrrretched-it's in these times I've come to know God more intimately, being humbled, seeing God to provide financially one day at a time, casting fear out, and knowing I can't run from change because I will run into it....Hence, a new song birthed...

To listen to song please click here  http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=MS6JAsng00U

Fog  

Driving slower than I ever have
taking deep breaths that are more like gasps
winding roads that require trust
It’s all about the fog

Patiently waiting for the haze to lift today
hoping to see something else but gray
knowing you will guide my way
I’ll make it through the fog

I can see the white line
a hundred feet ahead
enough to know where the road goes
I’m being led

Some day I’ll be saying I survived the ride
seeing the journey from hindsight
lifting my hands to the sky
lifting my hands to the sky
lifting my hands to the sky
thanking God for the fog

The Open Heart

This song is part of the Unfolding of a Lovesong series that was written after watching the movie Once.  One day a street musician and a flower-pushing piano player meet. She shares a remarkable sonic rapport with the mechanically savvy guitarist. As their musical sensibilities quickly converge to striking effect, the talented pair soon determines to record an album together. (The music was great!...I could have done without all the language.)

While writing this song, I enjoyed reflecting upon the phases my heart has gone through...

The Open Heart  5-31-10
                    
I’ve been wondering when you’d get there
After years of rubble, rubble and ash
So much had to be burned away
The issues of the past
Look what I see

Chorus:
The open heart that was meant to be
The open heart I long for
The open heart sincerely
The open heart that was meant to be
The open heart I’ve longed for
Has a sign that says
I’m open not closed

I’ve been wondering what the next chapter
Of this story will be like what will it be like
Anticipation greets certainty that believes
Walk by faith not sight
Look what I see

Repeat Chorus

Bridge:
Welcome welcome there’s no closing time
Welcome welcome sit down let’s dine for awhile

Repeat Chorus

Also inspired by Ephesians 1:17-18
I keep asking that the God of our Lord Jesus Christ, the glorious Father, may give you the Spirit of wisdom and revelation, so that you may know him better. I pray that the eyes of your heart may be enlightened...

Unfolding of a Lovewalk...the song...

This song was birthed from prayer...a desire... a hope...a dream... Marriage and family has been a lifelong desire of mine and a series of songs have been written about this journey...this being the first one.  The course of the song completely changed after hearing a teaching on the throne of God and his love.  Several themes of God's mercy, healing in my life and unconditional love stream through the lyrics.  Although my desire has not been fulfilled yet...I continue to walk hand in hand with the "lover of my soul"... I still desire, hope, and dream...

Unfolding of a Lovewalk- 12-9-09
My heart is starving for what I need the most

I can’t help but find a way to gain control

When I feel scared; when I feel scarred

Something takes over me I have to be in charge

Chorus:

The unfolding of a love walk happens over time

What  a road to travel; this journey of mine

The unfolding of a love walk has a path that is paved

Where I don’t have figure out which turn to take

Honesty breaks chains that make me suffocate

It ushers in a cold wind to help me breathe again

Another step of faith; another step of hope

Freedom’s faintly ringing; I know it’s coming close

Chorus:

The unfolding of a love walk happens over time

What  a road to travel; this journey of mine

The unfolding of a love walk has a path that is paved

Where I don’t have figure out which turn to take

Bridge:
A hill top echo is ringing back

Child I delight in you and that’s that’s a fact

Chorus:

The unfolding of a love walk happens over time

What  a road to travel; this journey of mine

The unfolding of a love walk has a path that is paved

Where I don’t have figure out

No I don’t have to figure out … love’s the way