Music ~ Soul Speech

"For the common things

Of every day,

God gave men speech in the 

Common way.

And He gave the poet

Words to reveal

The deeper things men

Think and feel;

But for the heights and depths

No words could reach,

God gave men Music - 

The soul's own speech."

Music.  It is such a part of our family heritage.  Every large family gathering eventually culminates in breaking out the instruments and joining our hearts with memories of good old fashioned tunes.  Whether it is Grandpa Jay's "coupon song" - I'm saving up coupons to get one of those - or Uncle Tom's rendition of "Tom Dooley", the songs are rich with heritage and emotions.  

There are times when the monotony of scales, working over hard measures and tears of frustration rule the moments.  Those moments are so worth it, when there is joy unspeakable in Great Grandpa's eyes as our girls play for him.  There is something precious about watching tears roll down the cheeks of a beloved old man as he listens raptly to a little lady play "Come Thou Fount"  

And then there are the lighter moments...Alabama impersonations, Cinco De Mayo dancing with Jeff singing "Spanish" at the top of his lungs, performing "Ghost Riders" behind his back 

or a little gypsy jazz improvisation with Uncle Corey...

We have been working hard to instill the concept of the word "gift" to our children.  A gift, rightly used, must be stewarded, shared, and practiced regularly.  It has been our prayer these last many years of lessons that the children's music would be something that they could share with others.  By God's grace, we are beginning to see the results of their hard work.  Samarah has the honor of playing at Pybus Market this week.  She is mixing some fun patriotic songs with some soul touching hymns - will you pray with us that her music would be "soul speech" to someone who needs it this week?