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I'm so glad you stopped by! What you will find here are musings from my own personal Bible study, quotes from authors whose work I respect and other random items I come across. I am a Christian woman, the wife of a pastor, and the mother of four teenagers/adults. My deepest desire in life is to live a life that points those around me to the cross of Jesus.



Sunday, December 04, 2011

Feeling Reflective

Maybe it's because of the season we are in.  Maybe it's because I've been sick for most of the week so I'm emotionally already a little worked up.  Or maybe it's just because.  

Sang in the Sonshine Singers Christmas concert tonight.  Great music, great people . . . just wish I'd felt better!  But at least my voice held out till the last note was sung.  Have nothing left, but I'm okay with that!  One of the biggest treats of the whole experience was the two gentlemen I stood between.  They are both basses and anyone who knows me well will tell you that I LOVE hearing a bass sing!  I think it might have something to do with the fact that my daddy is a bass!!  Just standing between these two gentlemen was a special treat for me!  I have had the chance, in my teen years especially, to sing a duet or two with my dad so standing between Z and Marty tonight took me back to those cherished experiences.  Once again, I'm feeling very grateful for the love of music that was nurtured in me and encouraged by my parents!

There's a song we did that has stuck with me and I thought I'd share some of the lyrics here:

How is it, Lord, we can feel so alone

When we're standing in the pressing crowd?

And why is it, Lord, we feel overwhelmed

By the sights and sounds all around?

Take us back to the place where we knew your grace;

Help us once again to see

That the manger holds the answer:

Jesus came to bring us peace.

Later, in the second verse:

O lead us, Lord, to the stable again

Give us respite from the pressing crowd

A moment in time when we're undisturbed 

By the sights and sounds all around.

Take us back to the place where we knew your grace;

Help us once again to see

That the manger holds the answer:

Jesus came to bring us peace.

I can only speak for myself, but I know that peace is definitely something I could use a dose of. I'm not speaking of an end to armed conflict on a national level.  I'm talking about the concept in Philippians 4:7 - "And the peace of God, which transcends all understanding, will guard your hearts and your minds in Christ Jesus."  It is my wish for all those I come into contact with, whether personally or "virtually",  that they will find at least a moment of peace in an otherwise hectic season.


7 comments:

Connie Arnold said...

I love music too and agree that it would be great to sing between too good basses! Sorry you've been sick, but having your voice hold out for the concert was a blessing for you.
Thank you for sharing the song lyrics. Just what I needed to read!

Vintage Whimsy Studio said...

Hi MaryJo - just popping in from Ruby for Women to let you know we are featuring your post in the Ruby community and on our blog today. If you would like the button code for Ruby to post on your blog, just let me know!

Thanks, too, for sharing your heart in this post. It is through our honesty and openness that we can truly get to know one another. I appreciate your words and encouragement. Thanks so much, and I look forward to seeing you again soon in the Ruby neighborhood, Nina

Vintage Whimsy Studio said...

PS you have also been featured in the Ruby community as our Blogger of the Week! Please stop by and take a peek: http://rubyforwomen.ning.com/group/girlswhoblog

Thanks, Nina

Unknown said...

Mary Jo, I love your beautiful site and your postings. I am sorry you've been sick and pray you'll soon be well. I can see your heart in what you've written and you have encouraged me. God bless you ~ I'll be back for a visit soon! P.S. Congratulations on being Ruby's blogger of the week!

God Mission Possible said...

Mary Jo - great post on embracing the joys of the season and craving that true peace that can only come from Jesus. I managed to catch the nasty flu during Thanksgiving - and seem to be moving in slow-motion lately. I'm tired of the hustle and bustle of the world's "Christmas" and long for the quiet moments reflecting on the true reason for the season - JESUS :)

Please visit me at my Blog for women in unequally-yoked marriages at http://www.Godmissionpossible.blogspot.com

Blessings,

p.s. I'm also a Ruby for Women gal :)

Cecilia Marie Pulliam said...

I agree with you. Yes, the peace that trancendes every circumstance and every situation.

Hope you feel better soon and can really enjoy the season!

Faith said...

Glad to your voice held out!! We love your site. Hope you have gotten better since you wrote this!