The power of a single song...

Have you ever read any of the stories behind the writers of our classical hymns? I have, and it is a sobering thought that so many of those beloved songs were born from tragedy and suffering.

Recently we have seen the song “How Great is Our God,” and it sweeps the charts and the airways like a full-force wind. Gaining momentum in church after church, people can’t seem to sing it loud enough or passionately enough. The song just gets into your spirit and resounds over and over again.

I believe, like the old the hymns, this song will live long beyond its writers and ring out over this earth for years to come.

Why? It's a good question. I like to think it is the supreme theme of “How Great Is Our God” that makes the song so amazing and enduring. It is a proclamation of the character and faithfulness of God. It is not a “me” centered song about God. It is a song in which you can lose yourself and your cares as you sing it.  You can so focus on the glory of our God, and your spirit can literally soar on the wings of its melody. The writer becomes a missionary through his gifted words, and the work does the work in a profound and beautiful way.

What a worthy goal to hold forth as a model for a song! It is the desire of songwriters to communicate the truth with passion and power, trusting God to do the transforming in the lives of those who sing and play.

Life Details and Honey for Our Hearts

A dear friend gave me the book Honey for a Woman’s Heart by Gladys Hunt for Christmas. I am enjoying reading it and letting it encourage me about the pursuit of reading, what makes a good book, and why.

I remember reading Honey for Child’s Heart when my 4 children were small, and what a wonderful resource it was to me then. Another book that I enjoyed was a book called The Read Aloud Handbook by John Trelease. These books spurred on the desire to read to my little one and, at the same time, gave some valuable guidance on selecting good books.

As I am now exploring Honey for a Woman’s Heart I am interested in the recommendations, but I am also interested in the thoughts and ideas of what makes a story/book great!

I am challenged today... we all know the grass is green... what else describes it? So, I will exercise myself today in adding some description to my writing.


Here is a scene from my life today...

I have sent out several emails this morning. Two of them I sent to publishers for whom I have written musicals and songs in the past. Both of the emails are presenting new ideas for work in 2011. I also worked on a song from the notes I took on my bulletin from this past Sunday. The idea is for a communion song.

I cleaned my bathroom (well almost) because I only did half of the shower walls, I just got so weary looking at that Turquoise Blue Tile…. Ugh! (We are presently living in a 1960’s cottage in Fairhope, AL, and one bathroom has the original pink tiles while the other has the turquoise tiles!) We have done some beautiful remodeling to this little place, but the bathrooms will be a large expense so we are waiting on those. I told my husband, Bob, until we remodel to just pretend he is at camp and then he will be thankful for the private shower and hot water!

I made some homemade vegetable soup and even cut fresh corn off of the cob for it. I am calling it "Everything Vegetable Soup" because I put lots of whatever was on hand in it. I think it will be decent, actually even good!

I went to the gym and worked out: 20 minutes on the rower (not too fast), 20 minutes on a bike (not too fast), and 15 minutes on weight machines and sit-ups! I wish I could say I love to exercise, but I only love the benefits afterwards. I listened to some of Michael McDonald’s music. That made me smile and almost sing out loud in the gym!

I am now grabbing a late lunch, probably a preview of tonight’s soup. Then I will tackle the office clutter one more time. Inventory on 21 years worth of work is overwhelming to me, but as my Mom says, “You can only eat an elephant one bite at a time.”

So off to eat some elephant... and can’t imagine that anyone would even care about these details.

Lullaby Hymns & Letting Go

I am finally posting a “blog.” Though I have been blogging in my mind since Christmas, between clearing out all the decorations, cleaning the house, a wonderful engagement announcement on New Year’s Eve from my youngest son Stuart and Ashley Kidd, Bob having pneumonia, and today cleaning out more storage from 36 years of marriage and 4 children… well… I am finally coming up for air. And I think I could list another dozen things, but that would only drag us all down!

Early this morning Bob and I headed into Fairhope to walk around the “town blocks.” We went into a couple of shops and ran into an old friend (she had just bought a Lullaby Hymns from Places Remembered, a local shop. After our sweet visit, we headed over to the quaint little shop where we were greeted with the oh-so-familiar melodies of the Lullaby Hymns playing. How rewarding and satisfying that was! It was fun to show Bob the CDs so beautifully displayed in their baby section. We held hands as we finished our walk and were so happy and blessed to be out in the beautiful weather (though it was really chilly… warm jackets, a must!)

BUT, later today I experienced more “letting go.” As Bob drove away with his truck loaded down with weary old Christmas decorations, our old broken Jenny Linn highchair (we used this with all 4 children), old books, the first Miss PattyCake chairs in colorful bright plastic (we used them in the first concerts), worn linens, and odd n’ end dishes and what-nots… I had mixed emotions. Bob was happy I chose Goodwill and not E-bay or a garage sale. I was being sentimental and struggling letting go of the stuff… stuff we didn’t use anymore, stuff none of the children wanted, stuff that required storage space and upkeep (time and money and clutter)… but as he drove away, I felt myself breathe deeply and say, “This is good, Nancy.”

I know I will find the “JOY” in less is more. I hope I make room for the “NEW” of today. We don’t need more things. We need more of God living in us, through us, around us and before us. His Word says, “He will perfect that which concerns me.” How beautiful is that. How trustworthy! How gracious and kind that HE doesn’t just take care of us, but HE perfects that which concerns us.

God is concerned about my issues with “letting go,” and HE will perfect that in me. This I know!

Merry Christmas!

I hope and pray that everyone has someone to love and share this most wonderful day of remembering Christ our Lord, Jesus born as a humble baby. For me, celebrating this mysterious miracle is always shrouded in aura of holy awe. Though the busy days of cooking, decorating and visiting can sometimes seem to hide this deep spiritual reality, for me my heart is always so aware of this scared miracle….. Jesus.

Personally, Bob and I are most grateful this season to be in our little home in Fairhope; spending time with our family and friends: that includes three adorable grandchildren. I think last night attending our Christmas Eve Communion service at Christ Anglican Church in Mobile was a highlight. The church, beautifully, yet simply decorated with lots of candles and greenery, set the stage for the timeless melodious carols that we sand together as a congregation. Watching our grandchildren’s little eyes twinkle in the candlelight of hundreds of candles lifted high as we sang “Silent Night” ... well, I choose that as my most precious gift. I will cherish that memory forever, along with a prayer that they too will carry that memory in their hearts for a lifetime.

The tire swing, a large pile of fresh straw, art journals, a new set of markers, reading the Christmas book “Holly and Ivy” (thanks Ellen Duke), Natalie Grace playing her violin, Amelia’s self-taught almost perfect cartwheel, and Hunter’s early morning solo concert from his pack and play….these are all the best gifts, sweet and pure and priceless.

We play “Crazy Santa” at our larger Christmas gathering at my Mom’s house. The rules are you have to bring something wrapped up that you want to get rid of. When you pick out your present, by numbers, you then have to sing it, share it or wear it. This little add-on has given the game a little drama and often some really funny moments! One favorite, was Ashley, Stuart’s girlfriend, who got an old Alabama, Roll Tide Championship hugger. She threw it like it was a “hot potato” and of course that started off a hearty round of the Auburn fight song from several confused family members :) :) !

I just noticed that it is time to dress for our Christmas Day lunch, but there is so much more to share and celebrate. Would love to hear some of your stories!

Friends

My dear friend, Himmie, turned 60 years old Dec. 6. She has never looked better, glowing as she celebrated with new and old friends. Himmie is the wedding singer, and I can still hear her beautiful voice at my wedding 36 years ago and more recently at my oldest son’s wedding ceremony in 2002.  His was  a Christmas Military Wedding so rich with wonderful traditions, hope and excitement. Strength and courage were undergirding the promises and vows being made with Himmie’s soprano voice filling in the tender moments of the making of a lifetime memory.  Friends are the rich background of life’s events and such rare gifts that we too often take for granted.

Monteagle, Tennessee… check it out.  Thanks Margret!

Kindergarten teachers… what is not to love about them!

Himmie’s friends now my friends! What a gift!

The ladybugs... joined together to do good!

Now, home… onward to prepare for Christmas, while remembering this thought:  “Christmas Ease.”

Finding the Happy Part

It was a wonderful Thanksgiving in West Point, New York with our son, Nolan, and his wife, April, and our three grandchildren. Arriving in the White Plains airport, greeted by the brightest big brown eyes of Amelia Claire, 4 years old, jumping up and down with squeals of delight……” Naaaannnn and Biiiiiggggg B” repeatedly made us laugh along with the rest of the folks in the airport. So Thanksgiving quickly became “Thanksloving” for us! Memories were made, prayers were prayed, songs were sung, and stories were told. To help ease our departure, we discussed making a “to-do-fun-list” for our upcoming time together for Christmas. Together we are thinking about the happy part…… and that brings me to the now of tonight.

My heart is sad about one of my children, and I need to find the happy part. It is so true that no matter how old they are my heart will always care and feel their struggle and their pains; but really learning how to trust God with their lives is easier said than done. It helps me to think about my childhood faith in Christ and to know that I need to rediscover for myself that “first-love with Jesus” once again.  Then that deep-knowing can settle my anxious soul and strengthen my spirit.  And then I can do this again tomorrow... and the next day... and the next. The trust lesson is in the “living of life.”

A dear friend prayed for me today “that God’s peace would be a 'garrison' (which means: a battalion, fort, stronghold, defense force, barracks and occupying force) around my heart.” She did not know I had been at West Point. How real and meaningful that word is to me. So tonight, I hide and rest in HIS garrison of peace as I trust God with his loan of love, my child.

An aside:

The local tangerines grown in Fairhope are delicious and my sweet kumquat tree is bent over with fruit. We are having frosty nights, but so far the vincas will not give it up, and I don’t have the heart to take them out. Just another happy part.

THANKSLOVING!!!!!!!

We are preparing for our Thanksgiving trip to New York to be with our oldest son, Captain Nolan Gordon, his wife April, and their three little beauties…… Natalie Grace, Amelia Claire, and Hunter Hayes. Just thinking about those happy hugs and squeals of delight when we first see each other makes me smile!!

We will be going to the Macy's Thanksgiving Day Parade. This is a first for me. Now, I am wondering how many layers are enough for their weather.  Natalie Grace is making a list of “to do” things for Nan and Big B! Hunter is already making tractor sounds and will love the little Tonka Chucky Dump Truck I am bringing him. Amelia made a beautiful card, and her mother April asked, “Amelia, will you tell me about that card?“ Amelia said, "Mama, it’s a 'THANKSLOVING' card." I think that says it all………………

SO, HAPPY THANKSLOVING!!!!

I hope everyone has a blessed and fun time with family and friends.  Remember to give thanks to our God who made it all possible!

I am so grateful that my little sister, Melissa, had good reports and is resting at home with her dear family! I Love You!

Barbara, safe travels flying home!

Sunday Morning

What beautiful days we are having here in Fairhope, AL. One of my favorite things to do is to walk on Mobile Bay. The pier is 1/2 mile total in length, up and back, and there are some wonderful stairs to climb up the bluff. The only problem is that when the sun is setting and you are walking down the pier watching it's splendor, on your return your back is to the sun.  I have been known to walk somewhat sideways in order to observe and cherish this amazing event! ( I must kind of look like a crab.) I promised myself when we finally moved here that there would never be another "casual sunset."  God's brilliant handiwork paints a new canvas in the skies everyday, and even when it is gray and cloudy you know the sun is still shining.  It's just another reminder of HIS faithfulness in all the seasons of our lives.

Today is Sunday. Bob and I got up very early (around 5 AM), and we walked about one mile away to McDonald's. Can you believe that most of their workers didn't show up and the doors were closed?  Only two people were there, and we stood at the drive-through window and ordered our "senior coffee" (that feels weird).  So we sat on the edge of a brick flower bed, in front of an old, closed Food World, and like two kids drank our coffee and talked about "life stuff".  Then we joined a group of Army National Guard soldiers in their morning run, although we walked. We surely felt safe and kind of special, like we were training with them! :) :)  We talked to one soldier who told us they were getting ready to deploy to Afghanistan.  Immediately, I was flooded with memories of Nolan's deployment. Prayers for these solders have been in my heart all morning.

I am going to help teach the three and four year old Sunday School and then sing "The Blessing Song" for church. Bob is finishing Frances Grace's playhouse today. We will rest together this afternoon, hopefully have a nap and maybe watch a movie.

I Corinthians 2 "The Spirit, not content to flit around on the surface, dives into the depths of God, and brings out what God planned all along." 

...I love pondering this...

Veteran's Day

Our oldest son is a Captain in the United States Army. Can I tell you how proud we are of him and his family? WE ARE PROUD!!!

Recently our granddaughter, Amelia, 4 years old, sang to us her new song, "The Star Spanking Banner."  It was so cute, but there was a passion in her voice that sang more than words. She and her big sister, Natalie Grace, 6, are used to their Daddy coming home from work in his army uniform and helping him take off his boots. They are so glad he comes home to them these days. He has been deployed three times, and for a season he is now able to have supper with his family, play a game  or two, tuck them in bed, say prayers and kiss them goodnight. WE ARE GRATEFUL.

It's not just a soldier that is deployed, but his family is deployed into a world without Daddy. April, his wife, became the children's all in all. The price is great and the sacrifice unseen.  WE ARE THANKFUL.

For all the soldiers who sacrificed for our freedom…. MAY AMERICA GIVE HONOR TO YOUR SERVICE.!!!!

"Grand Opening" and Fresh Bread

WOW!  How exciting to wake up to the “Grand Opening” of my new web site. NancyGordonMusic.com !!! I wish I could serve you some hot coffee and wonderful Atlanta Bread Co. cinnamon rolls! (Yea!  Bill and Holly Turk in Mobile, AL... the best!) Since I can’t offer you refreshments online, I will offer you the “Bread of Life,” God’s living Word.

Early this morning I was reading from a small antique book, Royal Bounty, by Frances Ridley Havergal. This songwriter wrote “Take my life and let it be, consecrated Lord to Thee...”  I remember singing that hymn as a young girl sitting beside my Aunt Nell in Calvary Baptist Church;` I was so happy singing to the top of my voice!  My cousins Joanne and Patsy played the piano, so I was surrounded by the chords and refrains of the beloved hymns.

I think those songs took deep root in me, somewhat like my potato vine which is now climbing towards the roof of my patio! I was overwhelmed with the joy in those songs of praise, and they had no where to go but up and “out of me.”   I guess that is just what they did.

My reading today was, “Then I told them of ... the king’s words that he had spoken unto me.  And they said, let us rise up and build.  So they strengthened their hands for this good work.”  (Neh. 2:18)

What good work are you called to today?  Perhaps it is as simple as being available to someone in need. Or, you could be sitting on a judges’ bench making decisions that protect and defend millions of people.  Maybe you are nursing babies and raising small children -- the most important “root work” that few see in the moment -- but fragile hearts would perish without your love.  Take some time today to allow God to strengthen your hands.  Just come to Him, give thanks and praise, ask and receive HIS new mercies for this day.  I would love to hear how HE strengthens you.

Have a blessed day!

Nancy