This morning I went to my third and final Harvest Festival of the year. Once your children get to school, you don't do these things once - oh no... once is for wimps!
The first of these was Joel's. Years one and two in school trek off to the local parish church; sing some songs, and listen to a chat from the vicar there. All good fun. I particularly enjoyed not having a squirming toddler on my knee. In years gone by, I have been the parent chasing a wiggly and noisy toddler about whilst everyone else is trying to hear their pride and joy say their one line in the school production. It was nice to not have to think about taking enough toys / snacks / nappies to get through thirty minutes, plus the always-longer-than-you-think waiting for something to actually happen time. I also particularly enjoyed the kids singing 'Cauliflowers fluffy'; with additional dance moves. Marvellous.
The second Harvest Festival was actually a harvest / thanksgiving / 1st birthday service at our church (how's that for multi-tasking?!) Our congregation have been meeting in the local primary school for a year now. It was a good chance to celebrate all that has happened over the last year; and to thank God for all He has given us individually and corporately. We did this through the medium of huge ice-cream Sundaes, Charlie and the Chocolate Factory, singing, bacon sandwiches and prayers of thanks chalked on the playground. We have learnt a lot over the past year, and look forward to what God has for us in the years to come. I'm sure God would have us dream big dreams for our future together; after all, as Bill Hybels would say: "The local church is the hope of the world".
My third and final part of my Harvest Festival trilogy was this morning. The Nursery and Reception age children aren't traipsed down to the church - they do their celebrating in the school Hall. They all came in wearing headbands with certain vegetable pictures attached; Nathan was a cabbage... They told us the story of Oliver's Vegetables; where a small boy searches his Grandad's vegetable patch in the hope of finding some potatoes to make some chips; in the process, he finds lots of other vegetables, which of course turn out to be very tasty... My favourite part of the proceedings had to be the rousing rendition of 'Big Red Combine-Harvester'. They were brilliant.
So what have I learnt from my Harvest Trilogy? Well, I've certainly learnt that it's hard to pick songs that are perky tunes, fun for the kids and that actually thank God for the amazing things he gives us. What's your favourite harvest song? My personal favourite is probably 'Blackberries in the Hedges', but no-one around here seems to know that one...
Also, and I know this makes me sound old, but there is always something to be thankful for. I think whether it's the joy on a child's face as he sings, the fact that you don't have to worry about wiggly toddlers, or something bigger like the sun and the rain that help things grow. God has given us so many things, and I think it does our perspective and mental health endless good to be grateful. Life might not always be easy (I know, no surprises there) and I'm not advocating pretending life is all shiny when it isn't; however, I know I'm more likely to be content if I focus on the multiple blessings from my heavenly Father than on the things that bug me, or that I don't have.
Today, try to cultivate (ooh, appropriate gardening term alert... pleasing!) an Attitude of Gratitude. What are you thankful for?
Showing posts with label Singing. Show all posts
Showing posts with label Singing. Show all posts
Tuesday, 18 October 2011
Wednesday, 4 May 2011
I was made for this
What do Bruce Springsteen, Steppenwolf and Vin Diesel's character xXx have in common?
*Obscure connection alert*
They all know what they were born to do.
They were born to run, be wild, and 'for this ****' (ie jumping off tall buildings whilst shooting at random bad guys etc...) respectively.
I know it's sometimes difficult to know what you were made to do. Sometimes it's difficult to know what to do from one day (or hour) to the next. I know that life with small children can make it very difficult to see beyond the end of your own nose, and that actually - just keeping everybody fed and clean, and not so sleep deprived that they are constantly crying (this applies to both big and small people) is enough to be managing, without thinking about anything more long term.
I know young people (I know this makes me sound like an old bag, but bear with me...) find this whole thing particularly stressful. From early on at secondary school they are expected to be making choices with an eye on their future career path. Just studying History because you like History isn't seen as good motivation... You have to know where you are going with everything. It's easy to feel completely at sea. Like you're drifting aimlessly with no real purpose.
It's at times like this when I cling onto the promises I find in the Bible. Things like:
In his time on earth, Jesus was passionate in his desire to help people become all they were created to be. He claimed:
And yet, sometimes I catch a glimpse - a tantalizing taste - of what life can be like.
I had one of those moments on Sunday evening at church when I was leading the worship. All the elements of the service had come together as if we'd spent hours planning it (which we hadn't!), and we were singing a song that I just knew was going to be right for that moment. The band and the congregation were altogether as one unit, singing about the amazing God who we have come to know and love, because He first loved us - and gave everything for us.
And I just felt like God whispered in my ear... "I made you for this". In that instant, I knew there was nowhere in the world I'd rather be, and nothing I'd rather be doing. I was 100% me, living life to the full, and loving every second.
I felt humbled and yet so joyful that - for that moment in time at least - I was doing exactly what I was created for.
I guess that's maybe how it works. We don't always see the big picture, or where it is we're heading. All we can do is try to offer up each moment to the God who has the plans, and do our best to walk where He's leading.
*Obscure connection alert*
They all know what they were born to do.
They were born to run, be wild, and 'for this ****' (ie jumping off tall buildings whilst shooting at random bad guys etc...) respectively.
I know it's sometimes difficult to know what you were made to do. Sometimes it's difficult to know what to do from one day (or hour) to the next. I know that life with small children can make it very difficult to see beyond the end of your own nose, and that actually - just keeping everybody fed and clean, and not so sleep deprived that they are constantly crying (this applies to both big and small people) is enough to be managing, without thinking about anything more long term.
I know young people (I know this makes me sound like an old bag, but bear with me...) find this whole thing particularly stressful. From early on at secondary school they are expected to be making choices with an eye on their future career path. Just studying History because you like History isn't seen as good motivation... You have to know where you are going with everything. It's easy to feel completely at sea. Like you're drifting aimlessly with no real purpose.
It's at times like this when I cling onto the promises I find in the Bible. Things like:
"For I know the plans I have for you,” declares the LORD, “plans to prosper you and not to harm you, plans to give you hope and a future. Then you will call on me and come and pray to me, and I will listen to you." Jeremiah 29:11-12I find it amazing that God has even given me a single thought. After all, He does have quite a lot to be getting on with. But there it is in black and white; He doesn't just think about me - He has plans and purposes for me and my little life. Amazing.
In his time on earth, Jesus was passionate in his desire to help people become all they were created to be. He claimed:
"I have come that they may have life, and have it to the full." John 10:10It's reasonable to state that this is still what Jesus longs to do for every person. I'm sure that it is. However, sometimes I wonder if I would recognise 'life to the full' if it jumped up and bit me... I can be so preoccupied with other things. So easily distracted.
And yet, sometimes I catch a glimpse - a tantalizing taste - of what life can be like.
I had one of those moments on Sunday evening at church when I was leading the worship. All the elements of the service had come together as if we'd spent hours planning it (which we hadn't!), and we were singing a song that I just knew was going to be right for that moment. The band and the congregation were altogether as one unit, singing about the amazing God who we have come to know and love, because He first loved us - and gave everything for us.
And I just felt like God whispered in my ear... "I made you for this". In that instant, I knew there was nowhere in the world I'd rather be, and nothing I'd rather be doing. I was 100% me, living life to the full, and loving every second.
I felt humbled and yet so joyful that - for that moment in time at least - I was doing exactly what I was created for.
I guess that's maybe how it works. We don't always see the big picture, or where it is we're heading. All we can do is try to offer up each moment to the God who has the plans, and do our best to walk where He's leading.
Monday, 28 February 2011
"I feel pretty..."
Don't ask me why I'm wandering around singing songs from 'West Side Story'... Heaven only knows. I am (completely unreasonably) blaming my friend Sarah - who I recently went to see perform spectacularly in a local production of Iolanthe (no - not even close to West Side Story - I know)... Just seems to have made me remember every musical theatre production I have ever been in, or even seen...
Still, any excuse for a good sing...
Today I am extra pleased having bought a couple of items of new clothes from the local fashion house (Sainsbury's), that not only fit, but were in the sale, and look nice. Marvellous.
Brilliant timing too actually, as I have recently killed yet another pair of jeans... I don't know what it is about me and jeans - but generally speaking - the relationship never lasts long, and they always end up dead! Ah well, just as well my relationship with jeans has no correlation with my relationship with people...
Anyway, moving on...
Last week when it was raining (again), and we were stuck in the house (again) I decided to calculate my BMI. BMI (or Body Mass Index) is a guide which uses your weight and your height to calculate whether you are a healthy weight - or not. There are other ways to do this, and it's by no means a cast iron rule, but it gives you an idea.
I guess writing about my Dad losing weight in my last post made me think about it. Since having my children I've lost a little bit of the weight I gained through having them, but not all of it... I guess that's not unfamiliar territory to a lot of mothers. In my experience, looking after small children is very tiring - but not actually very good exercise... It seems a bit unfair really.
So anyway, my BMI actually worked out at 26.2, which really isn't bad at all considering the healthy range for BMI is 20-25. It made me think; actually my perception of my figure and how I look is probably not very accurate. I think (or thought) of myself as an overweight person, when really - I'm a 'slightly-less-fit- than-I-could-be' person...
So - what to do... Hmmm... Time for some action points I think:
"See that pretty girl in that mirror there!...."
Still, any excuse for a good sing...
Today I am extra pleased having bought a couple of items of new clothes from the local fashion house (Sainsbury's), that not only fit, but were in the sale, and look nice. Marvellous.
Brilliant timing too actually, as I have recently killed yet another pair of jeans... I don't know what it is about me and jeans - but generally speaking - the relationship never lasts long, and they always end up dead! Ah well, just as well my relationship with jeans has no correlation with my relationship with people...
Anyway, moving on...
Last week when it was raining (again), and we were stuck in the house (again) I decided to calculate my BMI. BMI (or Body Mass Index) is a guide which uses your weight and your height to calculate whether you are a healthy weight - or not. There are other ways to do this, and it's by no means a cast iron rule, but it gives you an idea.
I guess writing about my Dad losing weight in my last post made me think about it. Since having my children I've lost a little bit of the weight I gained through having them, but not all of it... I guess that's not unfamiliar territory to a lot of mothers. In my experience, looking after small children is very tiring - but not actually very good exercise... It seems a bit unfair really.
So anyway, my BMI actually worked out at 26.2, which really isn't bad at all considering the healthy range for BMI is 20-25. It made me think; actually my perception of my figure and how I look is probably not very accurate. I think (or thought) of myself as an overweight person, when really - I'm a 'slightly-less-fit- than-I-could-be' person...
So - what to do... Hmmm... Time for some action points I think:
- Stop worrying about it - the more I worry about this sort of thing, the more I want to eat cake anyway...
- Try to keep up the exercise - I find this is good for the mental health as much as anything, but I'm sure it would help with the toning up a bit too. So God, if you could stop the rain - and make it nice and sunny - I'll do some more cycling...
- Try to dress with a bit more thought... After all, the kids are big enough to not cover everything I wear in snot now... I know there are things I wear that look nice, and things that make me look like a slob. It's not rocket science... That said, we all need to slob sometimes; everything in moderation!
- Pray. After all, God promises He can renew my mind (see Romans 12), and I'm sure most of my issues with my body are actually in my head.
"See that pretty girl in that mirror there!...."
Sunday, 10 October 2010
Has anyone seen my show-off gene? (or La la laaaa 2)
I've had another couple of singing lessons now. (I know - it's taken us a while to get going - we're very busy people...) The thing that continues to strike me, is how frustrating it is being a bit shy.
This is so very true in singing. I can sing so much better when I'm relaxed. I can hit notes I thought were well out of the reach of a die-hard alto like me.
I understand why this is. Everything seems to tighten in my throat / pharynx / larynx when I'm nervous... Why I'm nervous doesn't seem to matter. The same thing happens whether I'm worried about what the people listening are thinking, or if there's just a tricky / high note or phrase coming up. I guess I just need to learn to chill out, and practice deliberately relaxing those muscles... Easier said than done though.
It's times like this that I wish I was more of a show-off, hence the blog title. There are times in life when it's easier to be a 'look at me!' sort of person. I used to wish for this when I was teaching antenatal classes; but actually - once I got into it - I actually quite enjoyed it. For me in this context, confidence came through feeling like I knew what I was talking about.
Singing seems different though somehow. There are so many uncontrollable variables. Will my voice crack? Will I breathe in the right place - or will I run out of air halfway through? Will I hit that note, or end up flat? Will people like what they hear? The list is endless...
Helpfully, the place I sing most in public - is in church. When other people can hear me, it's generally because I'm leading the worship at the front - and thus I have a microphone. Singing in this context is immensely liberating, as I know a number of vital things:
This is so very true in singing. I can sing so much better when I'm relaxed. I can hit notes I thought were well out of the reach of a die-hard alto like me.
I understand why this is. Everything seems to tighten in my throat / pharynx / larynx when I'm nervous... Why I'm nervous doesn't seem to matter. The same thing happens whether I'm worried about what the people listening are thinking, or if there's just a tricky / high note or phrase coming up. I guess I just need to learn to chill out, and practice deliberately relaxing those muscles... Easier said than done though.
It's times like this that I wish I was more of a show-off, hence the blog title. There are times in life when it's easier to be a 'look at me!' sort of person. I used to wish for this when I was teaching antenatal classes; but actually - once I got into it - I actually quite enjoyed it. For me in this context, confidence came through feeling like I knew what I was talking about.
Singing seems different though somehow. There are so many uncontrollable variables. Will my voice crack? Will I breathe in the right place - or will I run out of air halfway through? Will I hit that note, or end up flat? Will people like what they hear? The list is endless...
Helpfully, the place I sing most in public - is in church. When other people can hear me, it's generally because I'm leading the worship at the front - and thus I have a microphone. Singing in this context is immensely liberating, as I know a number of vital things:
- The people there are there to focus on God - not on me
- I'm singing primarily for God, the fact that this then helps lead others is secondary
- Most of the people there know me, and love me - so they're not going to be bothered if I throw in a bum note occasionally. (This is just as well - as the likelihood of a wrong note increases exponentially when I'm playing the guitar as well!)
Tuesday, 31 August 2010
La la Laaaaa!
I mentioned in a post earlier on that I'm playing my guitar and singing more in public these days. (See 'a side order of self-confidence' post.) One of the things that I've been doing for this is having some singing lessons. I'm doing this for a number of reasons, although my voice isn't bad - I want it to be stronger, especially on the high notes!
This has been fun; partially because my singing teacher Sarah is a very good friend of mine. Also, because she encourages me to use my comedy opera voice sometimes (You know the one, it's the one you use when you're trying to get your kids to open their mouths whilst you brush their teeth! - or is that just me...)
Sarah's encouraged me to find some songs that I really like, that I think will challenge me vocally. It's been great trawling through the CD collection and finding some really great songs. My sister Sharon has already introduced me to Joni Mitchell who has an awesome collection of interesting songs (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTVjCWekS1Q&feature=related,) and then there's Tracy Chapman and Nina Simone. I'm also remembering bits of my childhood, where Carole King was required listening... If I can master even half of these - I'll be pretty darn good.
I know it's difficult to pin it down - but I was wondering - what is your favourite song ever? If you like, you can narrow it down to 'favourite song ever - for singing purposes'...
I'm not sure I can answer this question for me, but for the kids (thanks again to Aunty Sharon, and the power of Singstar) it would probably be 'I believe in a thing called love' by The Darkness, or possibly 'Song 2' by Blur. They really are too cool for school...
This has been fun; partially because my singing teacher Sarah is a very good friend of mine. Also, because she encourages me to use my comedy opera voice sometimes (You know the one, it's the one you use when you're trying to get your kids to open their mouths whilst you brush their teeth! - or is that just me...)
Sarah's encouraged me to find some songs that I really like, that I think will challenge me vocally. It's been great trawling through the CD collection and finding some really great songs. My sister Sharon has already introduced me to Joni Mitchell who has an awesome collection of interesting songs (see http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pTVjCWekS1Q&feature=related,) and then there's Tracy Chapman and Nina Simone. I'm also remembering bits of my childhood, where Carole King was required listening... If I can master even half of these - I'll be pretty darn good.
I know it's difficult to pin it down - but I was wondering - what is your favourite song ever? If you like, you can narrow it down to 'favourite song ever - for singing purposes'...
I'm not sure I can answer this question for me, but for the kids (thanks again to Aunty Sharon, and the power of Singstar) it would probably be 'I believe in a thing called love' by The Darkness, or possibly 'Song 2' by Blur. They really are too cool for school...
Thursday, 19 August 2010
A side order of self-confidence
Have you ever wished you could just go to the super market and buy something completely ethereal? I know I have... When the boys were small, I used to wish (and sometimes still do actually) that I could just go and buy 48 hours sleep. Or maybe a second pair of hands...
I think we can probably all list a number of impossible purchases that would make our lives better / easier / less stressful. Personally, at the moment, I would really like a portion of boldness, with a side order of self-confidence.
I'm doing a few things that go against my naturally reserved state at the moment, but the thing I really want to feel confident about is playing my guitar and singing at the same time. This is not easy; I'm profoundly impressed by anyone who does it well, as it takes an awful lot of my brain power. I'm playing and singing more at the church I go to; and so far, I think it's gone really well actually. I would just love to be able to do it without feeling nervous and self conscious - after all - these people know me and love me, so how bad can it it actually be?
One of my favourite verses in the Bible is Joshua 1:9. It says:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."(New International Version)
This is pretty clear really. I don't need to worry, because God is always there with me; whether I'm playing the guitar in public or actually doing something properly scary. Now I know not everyone believes in God, or that what the Bible says is true. I do though - and I'm just wondering how amazing life would be if we could actually manage to live out our lives according to some of these awesome promises.
John Ortberg has written a fabulous book (actually - he's written many - check out http://johnortberg.com/?page_id=2) called 'If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat'. It looks at the famous incident in the Bible where Jesus walks on water, and Peter tries to walk to him (see Matthew 14). The book explores how although this looks like a big failure for Peter, he was actually the only one brave enough to have a go; and how much he learned from this experience. Then it goes on to look at how we only develop as people if we step out of our comfort zones and try something new.
So although it would be easier to just buy some boldness from a shop - I know I'll learn more from the process of doing the challenging thing. I think the only true way to gain confidence is by facing up to the scary thing and doing it anyway. So I guess it's time to just 'woman up' and get on with it...
I think we can probably all list a number of impossible purchases that would make our lives better / easier / less stressful. Personally, at the moment, I would really like a portion of boldness, with a side order of self-confidence.
I'm doing a few things that go against my naturally reserved state at the moment, but the thing I really want to feel confident about is playing my guitar and singing at the same time. This is not easy; I'm profoundly impressed by anyone who does it well, as it takes an awful lot of my brain power. I'm playing and singing more at the church I go to; and so far, I think it's gone really well actually. I would just love to be able to do it without feeling nervous and self conscious - after all - these people know me and love me, so how bad can it it actually be?
One of my favourite verses in the Bible is Joshua 1:9. It says:
"Have I not commanded you? Be strong and courageous. Do not be terrified; do not be discouraged, for the LORD your God will be with you wherever you go."(New International Version)
This is pretty clear really. I don't need to worry, because God is always there with me; whether I'm playing the guitar in public or actually doing something properly scary. Now I know not everyone believes in God, or that what the Bible says is true. I do though - and I'm just wondering how amazing life would be if we could actually manage to live out our lives according to some of these awesome promises.
John Ortberg has written a fabulous book (actually - he's written many - check out http://johnortberg.com/?page_id=2) called 'If you want to walk on water, you've got to get out of the boat'. It looks at the famous incident in the Bible where Jesus walks on water, and Peter tries to walk to him (see Matthew 14). The book explores how although this looks like a big failure for Peter, he was actually the only one brave enough to have a go; and how much he learned from this experience. Then it goes on to look at how we only develop as people if we step out of our comfort zones and try something new.
So although it would be easier to just buy some boldness from a shop - I know I'll learn more from the process of doing the challenging thing. I think the only true way to gain confidence is by facing up to the scary thing and doing it anyway. So I guess it's time to just 'woman up' and get on with it...
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