Category: Music

Posted on in Challenge, Collection of Quotes, Faith, Family, Just do it, Memories, Music, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Yield

Nothing Impossible

I saw an advertisement recently that used a quote from Audrey Hepburn. I had never heard this one! She said,

I just love that! The word itself says I’m possible. That is just the optimism I believe the Lord had when He created you and me! He makes us possible and He provides what we need to fulfill His plan on the earth.

His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of him who called us by his own glory and goodness. Thus he has given us, through these things, his precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature.

2 Peter 1:3-4

He has given us His Son. The power of resurrection life through the sacrifice of Jesus and the indwelling Spirit. Everything we need for life and godliness is ours. Are we taking advantage of the things we have been given? Are we telling ourselves “I’m possible.”

There was a time when it would have been thought impossible that people of color could star in Cinderella, and I would ask “Why not?” There was a time when my mother took my sister for modeling lessons while I stayed home to strip the wax off the kitchen floor on my hands and knees. I called myself “CinderLinda.” (Molly is a nickname.) Yet the following shows how very possible “impossible” things are!

You may have asked God if there is some way He can use you in His Kingdom. I would cheer a resounding, “Yes!!” Our Pastor often quotes Henry Blackaby.

“We don’t choose what we will do for God; He invites us to join Him where He wants to involve us.”

― Henry T. Blackaby, Experiencing God

So have you asked the Father where He wants to involve you? If He shows you where He is working will you be willing to join Him? Even if it is not a place you choose to serve? Are you willing to declare through His power “I’m possible!”

Many years ago the following praise chorus was popular. Praise choruses are a great way to learn Scripture. This one quotes Jeremiah proclaiming praise in The Amplified Bible Jeremiah 17:32. ‘Ah Lord God! Behold, You have made the heavens and the earth by Your great power and by Your outstretched arm! There is nothing too difficult or too wonderful for You—. The outstretched arm is the weakest position. You will get the idea after the first minute!

God can use anyone yielded to Him for the growth and building of His kingdom. The best question is “Are you willing to serve Him?”

Posted on in Faith, Family, Music, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Ode to Joy

Bob’s favorite hymn came to mind recently as MUSIC WEEK developed on this blog! Praise can be a powerful part of your spiritual discipline. The word says that God inhabits the praises of His people. (Psalm 22:3 KJV) Christianity. com comments on that verse saying

The word “inhabits” is not suggesting God is only present when people are singing praises about Him. Obviously, God is not confined to one place. As the Creator of the universe, the world, and all the people and things within it, God has no bounds. But what the writer of the psalm seems to be saying is that God is present and glorified when His people lift His name in honor. God enjoys it—perhaps it brings Him peace and rest. He draws nearer to us when we praise Him.

https://www.christianity.com/wiki/bible/what-does-it-mean-that-god-inhabits-the-praise-of-his-people.html

Have you ever attended a symphony performance of Beethoven’s Ninth? It is very difficult for me to be there and not break out in loud singing when they get to this melody. One of my favorite hymnals has it as selection #1. Below is an updated version that I like also!

The keyboard work is so fun to watch! And participants of all ages! Love it!

Original lyrics Henry J. van Dyke, not exactly what they are singing, but I like this updated version!

  1. Joyful, joyful, we adore Thee,
    God of glory, Lord of love;
    Hearts unfold like flow’rs before Thee,
    Op’ning to the sun above.
    Melt the clouds of sin and sadness;
    Drive the dark of doubt away;
    Giver of immortal gladness,
    Fill us with the light of day!
  2. All Thy works with joy surround Thee,
    Earth and heav’n reflect Thy rays,
    Stars and angels sing around Thee,
    Center of unbroken praise.
    Field and forest, vale and mountain,
    Flow’ry meadow, flashing sea,
    Singing bird and flowing fountain
    Call us to rejoice in Thee.
  3. Thou art giving and forgiving,
    Ever blessing, ever blest,
    Wellspring of the joy of living,
    Ocean depth of happy rest!
    Thou our Father, Christ our Brother,
    All who live in love are Thine;
    Teach us how to love each other,
    Lift us to the joy divine.
  4. Mortals, join the happy chorus,
    Which the morning stars began;
    Father love is reigning o’er us,
    Brother love binds man to man.
    Ever singing, march we onward,
    Victors in the midst of strife,
    Joyful music leads us Sunward
    In the triumph song of life.

Keep praising! There is so much power in praise.

Posted on in Aging, Faith, Music, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

YouTube

In 1970 when Judy Collins’ recording of Amazing Grace was on the radio my Mom was furious that it was being played in the bars. I asked her, “Where better, Mom?” My thinking was why not reach the lost in the bars? Give them hope that Jesus could touch them, too?

Now we can watch church on YouTube and sing along to almost every hymn ever recorded. The possibilities are limitless with the computer in our pocket that we call a telephone. I have access to the entire Bible in various versions, sermons from New York City, my local Pastor preaching, all on my iPhone.

Renaissance Church, New York City, Harlem

Whether it is a song from my childhood (“How Much is that Doggie in the Window?) or a lyric line like “More than you know,” yep, You Tube has it. I can even post my own videos of Lucky watching a doe and her fawn or monarch caterpillars devouring milkweed plants.

But the earth will be filled

    with the knowledge of the glory of the Lord,

    as the waters cover the sea.

Habakkuk 2:14 NRSV

Be exalted, O God, above the heavens.

    Let your glory be over all the earth.

Psalm 57:5and Psalm 108:5

Mom had no idea where things were headed. I must admit I did not either in 1970!

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Collection of Quotes, Faith, Journal, Just do it, Memories, Music, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Total Surrender

It was perhaps 1981 when I read Freedom From a Self-centered Life/Dying to Self Selections from the writings of William Law, edited by Andrew Murray. Page 91 reads:

When God created man, to find his blessedness in entire dependence upon Him, and in receiving all life and goodness each moment from Him, humility was the one condition of his continuing in that blessed state. When man disobeyed and fell it was self-exaltation that drew him from God and became the ruling power of his life and the cause of all sin and wretchedness. When Christ became man it was to restore in humanity that blessed dependence upon God: by His humble, meek, patient resignation to God to atone for our sin and create anew in us the nature of man before the fall.

From morning to night – you want to begin every day very definitely with an Act of humility, recognizing it as the first duty of the day and of your life to get into the right place of dependence before God, in meek, patient, humble resignation to Him.

Freedom from a Self-centered Life

Entire dependence upon God. What a concept and it can be ours in 2022! Meek, patience, humble resignation to Him. Why? Because Isaiah 55:8 is true. His thoughts are higher than our thoughts and His ways higher than our ways. Because Jeremiah 17:9-10 is also true.

The heart is devious above all else;
    it is perverse—
    who can understand it?
I the Lord test the mind
    and search the heart,
to give to all according to their ways,
    according to the fruit of their doings.

Praying about this all those years ago a melody and a verse came to me. it goes like this.

Total Surrender ©2018 Molly Lin Dutina 
Total surrender brings total power; 
Spirit of Christ in me, 
Totally yielded to Thee every hour, 
Until Thy will I see. 

Death to my passions and every desire, 
Living wholly for Thee. 
Have Thine own way, 
Spirit of love, 
Totally flow through me.

Entire dependence upon Him. Dan Cooksey taught a course called The Shepherd’s Staff. In the midst of that course he emphasized the same idea. I adapted it to what I am to say to Jesus if I am to remain part of the Bride of Christ. The traditional marriage ceremony words are “I do.” Dan taught us I stands for Intimacy, D stand for Dependence, and O stands for Obedience.

As part of the Bride of Christ I live my life practicing Intimacy with Christ, Dependence upon Him and Obedience to what He asks me to do. Total Surrender. I DO.

Oh Lord, draw us closer and closer to Your heart. Help us to bring You joy and delight as we live our lives in and through You.

Posted on in Challenge, Faith, Memories, Music, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Yield

The Garden Song

My mother taught my sister and me this hymn as we traveled in the car. I do not remember her singing at home, but always on a road trip! She made me learn the alto part so we could harmonize.

Only 2 of 3 verses, but tight harmony!

Now if you are asking, “What if I do not have a garden, Molly? I do not even get out much to walk anymore!” Well the theme is about abiding with Jesus. Sharing your life with Him and discussing everything that occurs. Remember Charlene who was dying of cancer and told me she talked to Jesus all day long? ( see https://wordpress.com/post/treasures-in-plain-sight.org/8062) That sort of garden walking!

Reading Matilda Kipfer recently I was drawn to this Message version of Psalm 84.

And how blessed all those in whom you live, whose lives become roads you travel; They wind through lonesome valleys, come upon brooks, discover cool springs and pools brimming with rain! God-traveled, these roads curve up the mountain, and at the last turn—Zion! God in full view!

Psalm 84:5 The Message

For those of you who are not familiar with The Message, Eugene Peterson published this interpretation in 1993, 1998 and 2000. Each portion took considerable time, thus the 3 dates.

The Message is a reading Bible translated from the original Greek and Hebrew Scriptures by scholar, pastor, author, and poet Eugene Peterson. Thoroughly reviewed and approved by twenty biblical scholars, The Message combines the authority of God’s Word with the cadence and energy of conversational English.

NAV Press Review

Reading the portion above of Psalm 84, I could just hear the song In The Garden. “Those in whom You live,” we are indwelt by the Spirit of Christ. “Whose lives become roads You travel,” yes, He walks with me and He talks with me. { Aside I once had a Lutheran minister ask if I really believed that. I looked him right in the eye and answered, “Absolutely!” } Yes, God travels with us. He will open our eyes to understand that if we ask Him to do it.

Posted on in Challenge, Memories, Music, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth, Thanks

Did He Die In Vain?

Is there an area of your life where there is warfare? Once you become aware of the warfare and oppression are you doing anything about it? Are you feeling hopeless or ineffective against the darkness?

For in Him the whole fullness of deity dwells bodily, 10 and you have come to fullness of life in Him, who is the head of all rule and authority. 11 In Him also you were circumcised with a circumcision made without hands, by putting off the body of flesh in the circumcision of Christ; 12 and you were buried with Him in baptism, in which you were also raised with Him through faith in the working of God, who raised Him from the dead. 13 And you, who were dead in trespasses and the uncircumcision of your flesh, God made alive together with Him, having forgiven us all our trespasses, 14 having canceled the bond which stood against us with its legal demands; this He set aside, nailing it to the cross. 15 He disarmed the principalities and powers and made a public example of them, triumphing over them in Him.

Colossians 2:9-15

Looking at the passage above you can read some of the mighty things the Father has done for you through Jesus/in Him. God raised you with Him (Jesus) from the dead. He made you alive together with Him (Jesus). You have resurrection power within you. Have you used it? Have you asked the Father how to use it to alter your circumstances? Jesus died to give us the Holy Spirit. If we are not using the Spirit in our lives did Jesus die in vain?

Warfare and oppression can feel like a wet, cold, gray blanket thrown over your mind and soul. Father has given us power to throw that off. One image is to push it back, away from you. When I become aware of a situation like that in my life, (and I am not usually aware the first few times it happens), when I become aware of a pattern of discouragement or negative thinking I have to bring myself to my senses. Inner conversation usually goes something like: “Wait a minute. I have been here before and I don’t like it! In the Name of Jesus I push that away. Father You promised to make me a new creation. Help me form my thoughts around Your word. By Your Spirit instruct and guide me, I pray.”

If I am having difficulty I go get my Bible or look up one on my phone. I especially like the Bible Gateway app as they offer many translations easily.

If I face a situation where others are at unrest, I must be careful not to give them advice but just go to prayer. I do the same prayer pattern: “In the Name of Jesus and by His blood I order that (whatever I sense, I sometimes just say darkness) out of this room. Holy Spirit comfort and guide that one. I pray peace over their soul. I ask the Spirit to bring them thoughts of life. Shower them with Living Water, Father. Fill this place with Your holiness I pray.” Then I start praising God for His Presence, Life, and Love and Holiness. I sing praise songs in my soul. Reiki people would say to focus all your positive energy upon the person.

If you are starting to think I might be nuts, read this.

His divine power has given us everything needed for life and godliness, through the knowledge of Him who called us by His own glory and goodness. Thus He has given us, through these things, His precious and very great promises, so that through them you may escape from the corruption that is in the world because of lust, and may become participants of the divine nature.

2 Peter 1:3-4

Everything we need for life and godliness. Everything we need for spiritual warfare. His very great and precious promises. Through them we become participants of the divine nature. We need this stuff if we are to succeed as Christians and maintain our disciplines. This is part of our work in the Kingdom. This is powerful, holy and a gift to us.

In keeping with music week LOL imagine my surprise a few years ago when I heard this for the first time!

https://music.youtube.com/watch?v=Vgr93X2_cJQ&feature=share

As Jesus said, “Go and do likewise!”

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Memories, Music, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Why The Shamrock?

A tool to teach the Trinity!

Father, Son and Holy Spirit dwell with us today

I had one prayer partner who prayed this with me many mornings each week for about half a year. There are many, many versions of this in various prayer books and online.

I arise today through a mighty strength,
the invocation of the Trinity, through belief in the Threeness,
through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.

I arise today through the strength of Christ with his Baptism,
through the strength of His Crucifixion with His Burial,
through the strength of His Resurrection with His Ascension,
through the strength of His descent for the Judgment of Doom.

I arise today through the strength of the love of Cherubim
in obedience of Angels, in the service of the Archangels,
in hope of resurrection to meet with reward,
in prayers of Patriarchs, in predictions of Prophets,
in preachings of Apostles, in faiths of Confessors,
in innocence of Holy Virgins, in deeds of righteous men.

I arise today, through the strength of Heaven;
light of Sun, brilliance of Moon, splendor of Fire,
speed of Lightning, swiftness of Wind, depth of Sea,
stability of Earth, firmness of Rock.

I arise today, through God's strength to pilot me:
God's might to uphold me,
God's wisdom to guide me,
God's eye to look before me,
God's ear to hear me,
God's word to speak for me,
God's hand to guard me,
God's way to lie before me,
God's shield to protect me,
God's host to secure me:
against snares of devils,
against temptations of vices,
against inclinations of nature,
against everyone who shall wish me ill,
afar and anear, alone and in a crowd.

I summon today all these powers between me (and these evils):
against every cruel and merciless power that
may oppose my body and my soul,
against incantations of false prophets,
against black laws of heathenry, against false laws of heretics,
against craft of idolatry,
against spells of witches, smiths and wizards,
against every knowledge that endangers man's body and soul.
Christ to protect me today against poisoning,
against burning, against drowning, against wounding,
so that there may come abundance in reward.

Christ with me,
Christ before me,
Christ behind me,
Christ in me,
Christ beneath me,
Christ above me,
Christ on my right,
Christ on my left,
Christ in breadth,
Christ in length,
Christ in height,
Christ in the heart of every man who thinks of me,
Christ in the mouth of every man who speaks of me,
Christ in every eye that sees me,
Christ in every ear that hears me.

I arise today through a mighty strength,
the invocation of the Trinity,
through belief in the Threeness,
through confession of the Oneness of the Creator of creation.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of the Lord.
Salvation is of Christ.
May Thy Salvation, O Lord, be ever with us.
Amen.

the lorica (the deer's cry) - breastplate of st. patrick - 433 c.e.

Then I found this musical rendition. Turn up your volume. It is also called the Deer’s Cry.

I encourage you to use this prayer daily for several months. Your heart and mind will be changed. The Trinity is ever-present with those who believe. Remind your heart and soul of this reality and you will walk in a new awareness.

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Journal, Music, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Christy Nockels and Morning Song

Praise to the Lord, The Almighty

Why is this important? After journaling partially about my failings in Practicing the Presence of God, this song came into my heart. The last verse says:

Praise to the Lord, oh, let all that is in me adore Him!
All that hath life and breath

come now with praises before Him;
Let the Amen sound from His people again,
Gladly for aye we adore Him.

Yes, Lord I adore You, even when I get lost in distraction. Forgive me Lord when I forget You.

Brother Lawrence says to waste no time but confess and return promptly to talking with You and abiding with You. Waste no time beating yourself up. Confess your failing. Promptly return to the practice. Have you noticed yet how the enemy would have you stall and stay stuck in your failings rather than move on to God’s Presence? He is a crafty one.

So here I am Lord, Your Molly Lin. You ask me to stand and tip, be Your lily shield. Help me to obey. I return to You.

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Music, Prayer, Spiritual growth, Thanks

Reading Guideposts

While away by myself I began reading my back copies of Guideposts. I subscribe because that little magazine almost ALWAYS moves me in some way. Then I get busy and miss an edition, throw it in a drawer for later. Something happens and I do not read the next one. Eventually, feeling guilty, I do not renew my subscription. So here I was during February, 2022 in a motel room reading the August/September 2021 edition.

The cover story was written by Harry Connick, Jr. about himself. Wow! He found his world turned upside down like all of us did when the pandemic began. He began to get in touch with his faith. His dad “took charge” of his faith when Harry was a child. His mom was born Jewish and did not have a problem with dad taking Harry to church. Then, like many of us, he lost track of his faith in the shuffle of life.

While staying home during the first year of the pandemic he searched his heart concerning his faith and made music – as in wrote, performed and sang very part- in his home studio – until he had created a new album entitled Alone with My Faith. I was able to hear it on You Tube and it is wonderful.

Harry did some arrangements of old time hymns like The Old Rugged Cross as well as writing some original songs such as Thank You for Waiting for Me and All These Miracles. I was amazed to learn he knew so many instruments including the tuba. Guess if you create New Orleans style music you need that tuba! I told Bob I was certain he had added some harmonies by other people when the quarantines were lifted. Reading the article again I read that he did ALL the vocals. You will be amazed by his talent if you listen to God and My Gospel. Sure sounds like a group of folks! Bob was startled by some of the familiar hymns set in a new arrangement!!

Just imagine this 54 year old, worth $45 million is willing to share his renewed faith with the world!

Even if you are not a Harry Connick, Jr fan but love the Lord, I encourage you to check out this music for yourself. The album and one of the songs are entitled Alone with My Faith. His daughter helped design the cover made from the broken down useless piano he is standing on.

I keep returning to “Thank You for Waiting for Me” as the refrain reminds me of walking in the ways of Brother Lawrence. “If I’m listening, really listening, I’ll hear. If I’m looking, really looking, I’ll see. If I’m praying, really praying, I will try to understand..”

Are you listening, really listening? Are you looking, really looking? Are you praying, really praying? I hope so! Blessings abound if we only will begin!

Posted on in Book quotes, Challenge, Faith, Just do it, Music, Prayer, Spiritual discipline, Spiritual growth

Start

“Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can do.”

Arthur Ashe

“Arthur Ashe is easily recognized as the first male African American tennis player to win the US Open and Wimbledon singles titles. Before he was ranked, there was no other African American man in the world’s top 10. He was also the first individual to be inducted into the Tennis Hall of Fame.” He believed that we can each do great things, but we must begin where we are. Thomas Merton is quoted as saying,

“It is important to know where you are put on the face of the earth.”

Thomas Merton

So where are you? What service can you provide for the earth and people of the earth?

Our pastor urges us to join God in what He is doing. What can we do about Ukraine and the suffering there? Of course, we should be praying. We can give money for the millions of refugees who will lose everything in the bombing and fighting. Our pastor also said as part of our reach to Ukraine we should “get in the game,” meaning become active in our church community. Share how we walk with Jesus and make disciples. I try to encourage others to authenticity. As the power of God moves in and through us it will reach to the ends of the earth.

Use what you have. Do not dream about a someday to come. Right here, right now! wrote Jason Gray in the song Good to Be Alive. Part of the lyrics read:

Is this really the life I’m living?
Cause I don’t feel like I deserve it
Every day that I wake, every breath that I take You’ve given
So right here, right now
While the sun is shining down

I wanna live like there’s no tomorrow
Love like I’m on borrowed time
It’s good to be alive, yeah

The video below is an interview with Jason.

Start where you are. Use what you have. Do what you can. Be grateful and joyous throughout life.

There is a female goldfinch on our feeder at this moment. She is still in her drab winter feathers. She will never look as glowing and bright as her male counterpart. She is doing her best to be a female goldfinch in February. Are you as grateful as this finch feeding upon the seeds Bob just put out front?

I pray that you may be strong enough to grasp what is the breadth, and length, and height, and depth and to KNOW the love of Christ that surpasses knowledge, being filled with to all the fullness of God and then do His Bidding – walk in obedience to Him.