Day 15 of Thankfulness - Music and Worship

Music speaks to me in ways nothing else ever has.

I hear a song and I am instantly transported to another place, another time.  I hear Firehouse, Garth Brooks, or Bad Company and I am instantly back in high school at a school dance in the cafeteria, dancing in a circle.  I hear show tunes or Elvis and I think of my parents growing up.  I listen to the Carpenters Christmas album and I am a little girl again, helping my mom decorate the Christmas tree - throwing strings of tinsel in gobs on the branches.

I hear certain hymns and I am standing there in the pew at my home church, singing from memory without looking at the hymnal.  I can visualize the choir loft and see our Minister of Music directing the congregation.
I think of specific people who sang and can hear their voices.

God speaks to me through the words of songs.  The songs of my youth group and college days flood me with memories of special times like summer camp and retreats and remind me of the millions of ways God has connected me and provided for me repeatedly throughout the years.  Avalon, Point of Grace, Rich Mullins, Amy Grant, Sandi Patti, Crystal Lewis, DC Talk and others were huge groups/individuals that I loved to listen to and they spoke to me.

I am SO grateful to be on an amazing worship team at my church.  The musicians are lively and funny and real.  Drew leads us and loves on everyone and really cares about the state of our hearts as much as the harmonies we produce.  I have had some of the most provoking and thoughtful discussions and devotions with the different team members.

Tonight, I had practice because I sing on Sunday.  I just left there so full of HIS Spirit!  It was energizing to be there and just sing.  I wasn't caught up with what it sounded like.  I just sang and let my HEART sing.  I am so looking forward to Sunday when we focus on God's blessings in our lives and give back to our church.  God has ABUNDANTLY blessed my family and I am excited to see how he takes our gifts and multiplies them for his kingdom work!