Jesus Loves Me

Post Easter and I'm playing catch-up. The house was a disaster...every towel was dirty and I had several loads of sheets to wash. I haven't seen Facebook much in several days and I missed this weeks Hodgepodge.

I don't know about you but Holidays make life busy and stressful. As a church musician there is always more to do, practice and plan during the holiday seasons (although somewhat less for me now than in years past...more on that in another post to come), not to mention the stress of playing for a larger crowd and for those that have higher than usual expectations.
As a wife, mother and grandmother holidays revolve around family and food which once again means I am called upon to do more than usual. There may be stressful situations with family members as well which only adds to the overall stress of the day. Questions always are flashing in my mind, should I speak up, should I let it go, what's going to happen next, is this situation going to escalate? Then there's that one person that just seems to get under everyone's skin...like and itch you can't scratch. UGH! Don't get me wrong, I love holidays, I love being with my family even with all their quirkiness and brokenness but when I wave goodbye and watch the last ones drive away I experience emotions that throw me for a loop. I'm sad to see them go, I miss them while I can still see their car driving away...especially my precious granddaughter, but at the same time I'm grateful for some time to be quiet, calm my heart and spirit and finally have the chance to reflect on the meaning of the holiday that is now completely past and gone. 

Jesus Christ, God's Son, Savior, Lord. That's a lot to reflect on right there. 

I have to admit most Christmases and Easters find me not taking the time to reflect until the day is over and family is gone. This Easter I'm happy to tell you was amazingly a little different.

My precious granddaughter has always had a difficult time sleeping. I'm not sure what it is or why, but she just fights sleep...I know some babies can be like that for whatever reason. It wears on my son and daughter-in-law and of course being away from home can further complicate matters. It's my observance that the more they seem to stress about it the more of a struggle it becomes. Tempers flare between them and with other family members who are constantly shushed and told to turn down the TV, stop talking and laughing, etc. I learned to be a good mother-in-law/grandmother by watching my own mother. She was the best...yes, even my husband would attest to that. ;) Her way of navigating those waters was to only offer opinions or help when asked, so I've decided to adopt the same system. The second night here both my son and his wife had just about enough. They hadn't slept well the night before, the day was long, my granddaughter had kept us all busy keeping her out of trouble and they were on edge...just needed a rest themselves.

Finally they came to me and asked if I would try putting her to sleep...maybe I could think of something they hadn't tried. It's been 25 years since I've put a baby to sleep and I was a little afraid of not being successful but I gladly took that little angel in my arms and gave it my best shot. My studio was the only available space for her to sleep so I leaned back in my office chair and put my feet up on the piano bench and took a deep cleansing breath. As soon as I got comfortable she began to calm down while I patted her back and spoke to her softly. I never knew my heart could swell with so much love again! I haven't felt that way since I had my own sweet babies in my arms. I suddenly became aware of how blessed I am. More out of instinct that anything else I began to softly sing Jesus Loves Me and before I knew what happened the tears began to roll down my cheeks.

I was suddenly so aware of Easter and all it means. Jesus loves me...so simple yet so profound. 

I can't remember the last time I sang that song...probably 25 years ago. Jesus loves me...me...ME! Jesus loves me so much He came to earth as a baby, was born in a humble stable, lived a humble life teaching of God's love. Jesus loves me so much he suffered, bled and died on a cross then rose again to prove death has no sting...for Him or for me. Jesus loves me and is preparing a place for me with Him for eternity! Jesus loves me! It's in those quiet moments...even when we're not necessarily thinking spiritual thoughts or planning to say a prayer...just those quiet moments when we can finally be still and quiet that He puts His arms around us and reminds us of His love for us. He loves me just like I love that baby girl in my arms. Oh how precious that moment was for me. How blessed I was to be able to hold her, calm her, sing to her...love her.

She finally squirmed a little and I readjusted her so she wouldn't fall, then she squirmed again like she wanted down, but she was sleeping. I decided that must be her signal that she wanted her bed so I put her in the pack 'n play. She immediately found her comfort position and I patted her back for a few more minutes before leaving the room. I felt so blessed, so proud...so happy that I hadn't lost my touch and grateful that I was successful in the mission I was given. Because of those few precious moments of quiet with my baby girl the Lord reminded me in such a special way of His love for me...for her...for all of us on Easter...an Easter I hope I will never forget.

                                                        Thank you, Jesus. 

I was going to end this entry right here but this morning I found out my Aunt had a stroke and passed away on Easter. My Aunt Mary was my mother's brother's wife. She was born in 1930 on April 1st. She and my Uncle Ed were married when she was just 15!! They had four children together. I wasn't all that close to her really but for some reason it has been a difficult day. She was family and I no longer see my extended family anymore and though I have tried, only two of my cousins will make an effort to stay in touch with me. It's sad and I'm just missing family and the family connection today. 

I hope you all had a blessed Easter and have had your time of reflection on the love Jesus has for you.

Routines and Projects

It's VERY windy this morning and dark, for the second day in a row - I found it tempting to stay under the covers.

I've been doing a lot of thinking and planning regarding this week - I have a lot of projects on my plate and a new routine to put into place...discipline will be the key.

Positive comments continue to come from church people regarding the organ - some still talking about last week. Our music director who so rarely makes a comment about my music was very complimentary about the prelude. I was shocked! I mean, this guy will go years before saying anything and then it's usually an offhanded kind of compliment or one done mumbled under his breath as he leaves the room - but this time he looked me in the eye, said it was great and even wanted to know what it was because he wasn't familiar with the tune. A friend of mine said she had brought a guest who is just amazed at our music - mentioned the choir and organ specifically. She said she feels she has been missing out on so much in other churches she's attended. I asked her to encourage her friend to tell our pastor how she feels about the music. Hubby is afraid that might be viewed as pushing my own agenda...I would like your opinions.

The prelude I played yesterday is difficult to play from a physical standpoint - the hand is stretched a lot and that combined with the large amount of finger substitutions necessary, it is very painful to my hands and I woke up in pain this morning. Marc said I was rubbing my hands together in my sleep.

I told my Mentor yesterday how Easter went, he said: "That experience is what I've wanted for you for 22 years!"

This week looks to be pretty "normal"...teaching, practicing, etc. I am looking forward to a massage on Thursday morning - I may ask her to spend some extra time on my hands.

I do have some organizing in the studio that needs doing. It's a project that will take weeks, but it's starting to get to me in here. I haven't begun yet because I don't know quite how to make it function like it should and I don't know where to begin.

Daughter #2 still has not found her wallet. She came for lunch again yesterday and brought her friends. We had Ham and Cheddar Chowder and Oatmeal Cake...they didn't leave any leftovers.

Please pray again for my friend/teacher, Gordon. Last week he posted he was feeling better and was out in the yard doing spring clean-up and enjoying the physical work and fresh air. This morning his wife posted this:
Prayer Request for Gordon - He hasn't had a good weekend. He is tired of all of this. He is anxious and hurting and can't breathe very well. It would be wonderful for him to have something to give him hope. We soooo appreciate all your prayers! You are so wonderful to continually lift Gordon up and we are so thankful for you. He goes to the clinic tomorrow for blood work and will ask about the breathing problem. Please pray there are no more complications with all the chemo in his poor body. (I guess you can tell, I'm tired of all of this, too.) We know God is always with us...but we are frail humans. Thanks so much! 

Happy Easter!

The dishes are done, leftovers put away, the kids have all headed home, the shedded dog fur now finds it's way into corners and swirls around furniture legs, Easter baskets sit empty on the table and only a few candied eggs remain in the bowl. Another Easter celebration draws to a close.

Church went well this morning, both the service and the breakfast beforehand were very well attended. Playing the new organ is still a learning experience. What I thought was going to be "big organ" for congregational singing actually got lost in the crowd. The building was so packed with people that the nearly "full organ" registration that I was trying out for the first time was barely enough. Next year, I'm pulling out the trumpets! I'm glad I spent the extra time in practice this week - it paid off as most things went smoothly. The oddest thing happened today...for the first time in all my years playing for that church I began to play my prelude and the people instantly got quiet. They usually spend the time talking through it, most of them don't even know I'm playing, I don't believe. But I began to play and everyone stopped talking...I swear I could have heard a pin drop! It was a bit unnerving at first because I didn't expect it - but it was nice they actually got to hear it. Our new grad student/organ student of sorts I have mentioned before came up to me after church and was so full of excitement about the music I played that he wanted to look at it. He kept going on about how wonderful it was and when I mentioned I would be happy to make him a copy (it's already a copy of a copy lol), his eyes got big and he just beamed. I love watching him experience the organ and I love it when he comes up and asks questions because he reminds me so much of myself when I first became acquainted with the instrument. I can't wait to be able to take him on an organ crawl.

After church we came home and immediately began cooking lunch and we ate about 3:00. We had ham, cheesy potatoes, tossed salad, green beans, fruit salad, and oatmeal pie with ice-cream. I feel so awful that I forgot to send home left-overs with my son!!

All in all it was a wonderful day. There are things on my mind and heart, but I'm letting them go today and just celebrating the day and revelling in God's love and His promises to us.

HE IS RISEN!

A Quiet Afternoon

The winter storm arrived as predicted dropping about 6" on us overnight and continuing through most of the day. I had a massage therapy appointment for 9 a.m. and I didn't want to cancel so I braved the roads. It was pretty slick but at that hour there weren't too many people out (they were all still trying to dig out) so I was able to go slowly. The return trip home however was more difficult as quite a bit more snow came down in that hour and the road crews seemed to be ignoring the fact that it was snowing. I saw 2 plows go by on the highway, but the back roads were getting deep and one false move and I knew I'd be stuck. It took three tries to get back into my garage and I vowed I wasn't going out again for the rest of the day. Schools were cancelled and my students cancelled their lessons so since my therapy appointment took quite a bit out of me, I've only done what was absolutely necessary today...which wasn't much.

I did make a list of what I need to do between Friday and Saturday, which really doesn't look like too much:

Hubby's laundry
Crock-pot a roast with veggies on Friday
sweep and mop floors
dust and decorate for "spring"...whatever that is
fill and hide Easter baskets
grocery trip - get something for Saturday supper
PRACTICE
make: 2 Oatmeal Pies
           2 pans of cheesy potatoes
           large fruit salad
           Sunday after church - cook the ham and green beans

All that to say I probably won't be around much over the weekend. Son and his girlfriend will probably arrive on Saturday - I don't know if Daughter #2 will be staying over or just joining us on Sunday. Daughter #1 emailed and confirmed she and her Hubby will be spending Easter with his family this year.

Next week begins another big push to get into shape. I had a good start and then when I had company I got off schedule again and have struggled to get back. Next week...no excuses! The recital will most likely be scheduled for the 5th or the 12th of August and I want to be the best I can be in time for that. "Spring training" begins!

Wishing you all a very happy Easter.

Wednesdays Wanderings

Recital plans continue. I met on Monday night with my two fellow organists who have consented to help and it was decided May was much too soon and so I am now trying to choose a date in August. I have to avoid "Musical Mondays", "First Friday", Wednesday nights because of prayer meeting, Thursday "music in the park" and it has to be before the 14th as two of our musicians will be leaving town. That basically leaves Saturday the 2nd, Tuesday the 5th and 12th and Friday the 8th which might not work for my Hubby. UGH! I didn't realize this was going to be so complicated! When it was just my Mentor and I, it was so simple...only two schedules to work around. After the date is chosen then I'll be stressing over the music and putting the program together.

I have had so much on my mind this week that I just look at my 'To do' list and thumb my nose at it! I've decided to just try to manage only the most urgent things this week and try to get back to my projects on Monday.

Daughter #2 told me that Daughter #1 and her Hubby are not going to be able to make it for Easter this year, but Daughter #1 hasn't contacted me personally. Hmmm...

I thought I'd share a couple of things from the internet I found interesting this week:

The Little Turquoise House is small, so I have a difficult time imagining myself living in a house like this. Maybe if it were just me, but then again, there is no room for a piano. Could you live with so little and in such a small space?

I subscribe to a feed called Non-Consumer Advocate. I don't agree with everything they promote, but they do have some good ideas on saving money. Since I love antiques and things of the past, I found this article about a woman who lives as though she were in the 1930's very interesting and the pictures rather amazing. She says the only modern things she owns are her laptop because she needs it for work and a refrigerator because she hasn't found an ice-box that works well and because no one delivers ice anymore. Part of me wouldn't mind doing this, but I don't think I could take it to that extreme. What decade would you choose? I'm partial to the 1950's.

Have you seen this 80 year old woman dance??? I wanted to embed the video but I couldn't get it to work. WOW! I don't know about you, but I find her inspiring. Not only is what she does amazing, but she has such a graciousness and elegance about her...a true lady. I love the reaction of the judges - especially Simon.

Well, time to get some lunch and head over to the church for practice time. I'll be focusing on Easter music today. I won't be playing the offertory on Sunday, I'll just be responsible for the prelude, hymns and postlude. I do want to do a good job on the hymns though and I hope we get to sing some roof raisers!

A Little Time For Me

I trust you all had a wonderful Easter celebration. I have caught up on reading all of your blog entries, even though I did not make any comments as I was feeling a little out of the loop. 

I'm listening to the happy sound of melting snow dripping off the roof and enjoying a bit of sunshine through the studio window late this afternoon. We've lost about a foot of the white stuff so far this week.

My children all arrived late Friday evening; we spent a little time together before heading to bed...the travelers were quite tired. Saturday morning we all took turns showering...6 people and one bathroom makes for some interesting mornings, but we seem to make it work. 

Daughter #1 and her Hubby decided to go out to breakfast, just the two of them; the rest of us poured cereal or made toast and enjoyed coffee. Later, it seemed to be the plan to do some shopping...my phone had died and I needed to go to the Verizon store and see what could be done and I wanted to take the opportunity to take advantage of having my favorite tech expert home to help me choose a new printer and get it set up with my Chromebook. I thought we would all go together, but Daughter #2 chose to stay home but later went to the church with her dad to crack eggs and slice sausage for the Easter breakfast. Daughter #1 and her Hubby didn't want to go with Son and me...they wanted to do their own thing by themselves. 

My son and I ran an errand for Daughter #2...she needed some things from her house that she forgot. It was quite a challenge getting into her place, descending the ice covered steps. My son was patient with me and helped me step by step, supporting me as I inched my way down, then while I was inside finding the items we needed, he took the shovel and tried to chip away some of the ice to give me a little footing on the way out. 

The next stop was the Verizon store. I explained my situation...it was charged, but it would not come back on. Yes...we took the battery out to reset it...it still did not work. The man in the store took my phone, pulled out the battery, put it back in and....it lit up!! I still don't understand what happened, and I felt embarrassed to say the least, but my son had my back and told him..."no really, I tried that too". I told the guy it must have just needed his magical touch. 

The last stop we planned was Walmart for the printer, but when they didn't have what we needed it was on to Office Max where fortunately for us, they had it on sale. I had planned to take some money out of savings to cover it, but when we got to the checkout, my Son pulled out a $100 bill. I protested, but he insisted on paying me back the money that I forwarded him right after he got laid off. I still wanted him to use it for what he needed, but he insisted all his bills were current and he has been put back on the payroll, at least temporarily. 

On our way home, we drove by a new antique store I had been wanting to visit so chose to go in. My son and I share an appreciation for the old and worn...he has a love for the industrial stuff and this store promised to give us plenty to drool over. It began with a large bell just inside the door...list price...$1200.00. He also spied a small green safe the perfect size for an end table...$358.00. I wish I could afford to get it for him. We both had a big laugh when we turned around and saw this guy! We also found some great old trunks and I had to look through every record album to see if the one missing from my Bobby Sherman collection happened to be there...it was not. We had a good time...it's time spent like this that makes for wonderful memories. It's too bad the others' didn't want to join us. Once back home he helped me set up the printer and get it going and also helped with some other issues I had been struggling with on my Chromebook. 

Hubby left the house early Sunday morning to begin cooking the eggs for the annual Easter breakfast at church. When we were getting ready the sun was out and the moment we walked out the door it began to snow! I couldn't believe it. I was disappointed, but later I was reminded of 

Isaiah 1:18 Come now, and let us reason together, saith the Lord: though your sins be as scarlet, they shall be as white as snow; though they be red like crimson, they shall be as wool. 

Here I was complaining when I should have seen the message of Easter as it came...softly falling on my shoulder.  

When we arrived I went to the sanctuary first to set up the organ and play through my music and the hymns. My son came in to see if there was anything I needed and told me he was saving me a seat at the table. I hurried to finish and join my family. Breakfast was excellent as always. I wanted to share some pictures my daughter took of Hubby making the eggs, but she has been too busy to send them...I'll share as soon as I can. 

Church was also excellent and culminated in the baptism of four young girls, one of them being the associate pastor's daughter. He had related earlier in the week that in his desire to make sure she was ready for such a decision he told her that it was an important commitment, it was telling the world that you have put your faith in Jesus and in Him alone for your salvation and eternal life in Heaven. He told her about those who had been baptised in the early church that were often rejected or stoned for their faith. He sent her away to think about it and she thought about it for a day or so, then returned to her dad and said "Daddy...I want to be baptised...even if they stone me".  What a precious testimony! Just as the pastor dunked the first young girl, the sun began to shine brightly through the stained glass windows...I truly believe God was speaking through the weather that day. 

Daughter #1, her Hubby and my Son left right after church. Daughter #2 stayed the night and left the next morning for classes and work. For Easter supper I made ham, cheesy potatoes and vegetables with oatmeal pie for dessert. 

This week I was given an added incentive to start my spring cleaning...company! I had intended to start this week anyway, having done just what was absolutely necessary before the kids arrived. The plan is to take my time this year, both to do a thorough job and to keep from exhausting myself as I have done in the past. There is one exception though, and that is my kitchen/dinning room floor...it must be finished this week. I mop it weekly if not more, but it must be hand scrubbed with a scrub brush in order to get it clean. It's not a bad looking floor when it's clean, but it doesn't take long before the dirt settles into these small crevices and looks awful...though I have been told no one else notices or cares except me. You can see the difference between the clean tile on the left and the dirty one on the right. It's an exhausting job to scrub each fake tile, one by one, so I have divided the floor into sections and plan to do one section every day. An online friend said she would pray for strength for me today...I was given enough to scrub two sections and I knew I had nothing left to do any more. 

Back to my company. A college friend of mine sent me a message

via Facebook saying she and her husband were making a delivery about 120 miles from us and would like to continue on to visit with us and stay the night. They visited once before many years ago now when our kids were small. She and I were the only two piano majors at our small Christian college, so tho we were friends, there always seemed to be a competition between us. She was always so serious and studious and I always felt my skill at the piano to be inferior to hers. It will be nice to see them though and Hubby will enjoy the time with her husband. 

We are still in need of a paycheck...the house payment is now overdo as are all the other bills. There is some work in the shop, but no money changing hands as yet.

Well, that brings you up to date on the life and times here in the Little Turquoise House. I have enjoyed my afternoon chatting away with you in the sunshine...it was a nice break and a little time away just for me to collect my thoughts. I'll bet you didn't know that Suki stopped in to say hello...I was snacking on some popcorn and it is her favorite snack. 

Until next time, may the joy of Christ's resurrection continue in your hearts.