Wednesday, October 15, 2008

Rich Gifts

Today you are You, that is truer than true. There is no one alive who is Youer than You.
~ Dr. Seuss

I love Dr. Suess. He has a way keeping it simple. Clearly a gift that he used well.

Edie over at Rich Gifts posts a question every week. Her recent question asked about our unique design. I wrote pages in my head and had so much to say I couldn’t seem to get it through the computer. So I’m just going to comment on one thing that has been at the forefront for me because of recent events.

I love music. I breathe music. The way I tell it - I am bilingual. Music is my first language and English is my second. I mean it. And I’m a worshipper. Time has no meaning once I sit down at my piano and get lost in the sounds and the presence of God.

There’s a long story that I’ll make short about all this. I studied piano for 12 years when I was in school and was quite “fluent”. When I was about 15, an unnatural fear of playing in front of people took over. And for about 25 years, I only played at home. One day, I recognized that fear had stolen something precious and good and I determined to press through the fear. I continue to work on that. It’s crazy to me that I can speak or sing in front of 1,000 people and I’m not nervous. But when I put my hands onto the keyboard, it’s a different story.

Last week I was asked to play and do the music and worship during altar time at church. It was truly a God thing that I was asked, as pastor had never even heard me play. I started Sunday and I am so excited. This is a new season. This is a door of opportunity. And even though I was nervous, I felt a new freedom and it felt glorious.

“...For the thief comes to steal, kill and destroy….” BUT we’ve been made more than conquerors!

I know music is a part of me. It’s a gift that is being restored in ways I have yet to experience. I’ll be seeking out bloggers who lead worship for resources and such, so let me hear from you if this is your gift!

15 comments:

Edie said...

Oh Beverly I'm so glad you wrote about this. I never matters to me what day someone responds to my Random Question, I always love it that someone even wants to!! LOL

As soon as I read "I breathe music" I KNEW you "get it"! Yes that's exactly what I was going for. That is the thing God designed you to do. I found it interesting that in the posts I read on this question that often the enemy had tried to prevent that person from doing it. He does come ONLY to steal, kill, and destroy.

I'm thrilled for you in the opportunity God has placed before you. I pray that He will use you to bring much Glory to His Name.

Hey you might want to meet Lorie (Joyfulsister) http://encouragementfrommyheart.blogspot.com. She is in worship ministry and is an absolute sweetheart. I'm sure she can be of help to you, I know she will be full of encouragement.

Have a great day!

Kelly said...

I'm so happy that you were able to conquer your fear. What a blessing. And now others will be blessed by you. And you are definitely doing it for God.

Amen! What a wonderful post, Beverly. I just loved it.

My ADHD Me said...

Hurray Hurray for You!!

My fear was fire. I also have a claustrophobic thing going. I knew when I joined the FD I would have to face both of them. So I know, DOESN'T IT FEEL GREAT TO CONQUER YOUR FEARS!!

Also, I love music too. I took piano lessons for about 6-7 years. I didn't like it at the time. It was just something I was made to do as a kid. Of course now I wish I had practiced. I have only 3 songs that I can fumble through.
Fur Elise-I think all piano players learn this.
The Entertainer-Again, most players know this one.
How Great Thou Art--I love to play this one because it sounds really really hard and you go up and down the entire keyboard, but it is actually relatively easy.

Oh yeah, I played drums and percussion (not the entire drum set) in my middle school band.

I would LOVE to be able to sing. I CAN sing. Let me re-phrase that. I would LOVE to be able to sing on key!

Have a great day!

P.S> You're pretty stiff competition in the poem contest. How funny that we both thought of Doctor Seuss.

Qtpies7 said...

I think being a mom is my gift. I think about it constantly, always desiring another blessing. But we also went through a "steal, kill and destroy" phase where my husband has a vasectomy. We had to reverse it to get back in God's will for our lives. We've had two amazing blessings since then!

Even when they are no longer my babies, I will still be desiring to care for and love on them.

Merrie said...

I love Dr. Suess also. He speaks to me when nothing else can.
It is so exciting to see God move us into His plan. It is so frustrating when we realize what the devil has tried to steal and kill in us.
I also love music. I allowed stupidity and pride to prevent me from learning to play - simply because I had a friend who could play much better than me - so I quit. I'm so excited for you1 God's goodness is overwhelming.

sara said...

That is awesome. Isn't it wonderful when we can share a love and gift God has given us with others?

I have always said that in heaven I am going to be able to sing and play the piano!

Anonymous said...

I am so happy for you! I wish there were some way to hear you play from all the way here up north!

My ADHD Me said...

(I just left you a comment but it disappeared into the blogosphere)

ANYWAY. WOW.
Oh my.
I just don't know what to say.
That was probably one of the kindest things anyone has ever done. It was 100% from the heart and you are just SO nice.

OCD, ADHD, I guess we're all a little crazy in one way or the other. It probably makes life more interesting and fun.

Anyway, I just had to rush over and say thank you. You are too kind.

P.S. Don't know if you noticed, I FINALLY figured out how to add you to my blog role. (Kelly had put the original list on for me) Now I can always see at a glance when you have a new post.

Greg C said...

That is great. Each of us has a gift and we need to let it out and show others what we can do. I can get up in front of others if I feel passionate about what I am doing.

Leaon Mary said...

You just keep making melody to the Lord girl!
This post made even "my" heart sing!
Love n blessings,
Lea
<*)))><

Edie said...

Hey Beverly - I just wanted to tell you that your poem in favor of ADHD-Jo was a kindness that has not gone unnoticed. Bless your little socks off!!

Edie said...
This comment has been removed by the author.
Edie said...

Sorry, my comment posted twice so I deleted one.

Pinkshoelady said...

Hey Girl,
That explains it! I know now why I can relate to you so much!!!

I am not music but I come from a family that is and my daughter Zoie is 99% music, 1% human!

You always bless my heart and I find myself smiling hard as I read your stuff.

I hope we can meet face to face sometime. If not here WE WILL CELEBRATE IN GLORY TOGETHER!

Love to you
Pamela

The Equipped Life said...

Our God is so awesome... at the time when you realized the fear - and were determined to work past it - he was there with opportunity to restore to you the 'years that the locust had taken away'.

Satan's such a liar. Many blessings, as you get to worship again, with your entire being and soul - nothing withheld.