MUSIC FOR THE SOUL

My love for music is something that I have never really talked about in my blogs.  I have been in love with music my entire life.  I grew up helping my mom clean the house as we listened to Elvis, Beatles, and any music that spanned the decades from the 50’s to the 70’s.  She would put an album on or turn on the radio as we would dust and sweep our house on Fridays.  A lot of my memories of my childhood revolved around music.  From cleaning the house with my mom to riding in my dad’s 57 Chevy as we would visit family and friends at the Dog and Suds on Saturday nights; priceless memories with great music.

My love of music went deeper as my teenage years were spent in the 80’s.  In my opinion it was the best decade for music.  I will admit I loved hair metal, and still do.  I would go out cruising with my cousins and friends as we blasted out favorite bands.  Life was carefree and the music was amazing.  Attending general admission concerts was a favorite past time for us. 

Music has helped me along the paths of my life.  Certain songs take me back to an exact moment of time that I will always associate the two as one.  There are bands that speak to me on a personal level that I must see live when they come to town.  Music helps heal my heart and soul.  There are songs that remind me so much of Kirk.  Kirk was a self-taught guitar player and was in a couple of bands in his younger years.  I loved listening to him play.  When he died, he left behind three guitars that are priceless to me and Emily.  They are such beautiful reminders of Kirk’s love for music and his legacy of being an incredible guitarist.

Music has also played a role in my relationship with God.  Christian music takes my love for God to a new level.  The worship music at my church feels like a full blown concert.  Our band is so incredible and the songs we sing speak to my soul.  There are so many that helped me along my Christian life as well as my widowhood journey.  One such song is called “How He Loves” by John Mark McMillan performed by David Crowder Band.  Here are some of the lyrics:

“And He is jealous for me. Love’s like a hurricane, I am a tree, Bending beneath the weight of His wind and mercy.

When all of a sudden, I am unaware of these afflictions eclipsed by glory. And I realized just how beautiful  You are, and how great Your affections are for me. 

And Oh, how He loves us , oh Oh, how He loves us. How He loves us ohh..”

The song goes on to talk about God’s great love for us.  The lyrics remind us many times just how much He loves us.  This has to be one of my most favorite Christian songs and I wish our church would sing it more.  The lyrics speak to me and as tears rolls down my face, I raise my hand up in praise for my Lord and Savior; He does love us so!!!!

This weekend is Easter.  Easter is a celebration of Christ’s rescue plan for us fulfilled.  Christ came into this world as a humble baby, grew up as a faithful servant and Son of God, and fulfilled His mission by sacrificing His life on a wooden cross and resurrecting three days later!!!  He laid down His life for each of us.  When He was nailed to that cross, our sins were nailed with Him.  Isaiah 53:5 NIV says, “But He was pierced for our transgressions, He was crushed for our iniquities; the punishment that brought us peace was on Him, and by His wounds we are healed.”  Jesus paid it all!!!  He was beaten, mocked, spit upon, He was made to carry His cross to Golgotha and there His feet and hands were pierced with nails and they raised that cross so that He was suspended with His body weight hanging on those nails.  Can you imagine the pain and agony that had to be?  Imagine your body weight bearing down on those nails.  He did that for you and me!!!  In John 15:13 NIV Jesus tells us, “Greater love has no one than this, to lay down one’s life for one’s friends.”  Jesus loves us so much that He laid down His life so that we can be reconciled with Him.  He took on our sins, nailed each of them to His cross, and died in our place.  He fulfilled that promise on the third day, Easter Sunday, through His resurrection.  John 11:25 NIV Jesus is talking to Martha about His resurrection.  He says, “I am the resurrection and the life.  The one who believes in me will live, even though they die, and whoever lives by believing in me will never die.” And then he asked her, “Do you believe this?”  So I ask you..Do YOU believe this? 

I believe Jesus came to Earth on a rescue mission to save me from my own sins.  He tells us that to receive His gift of salvation all you have to do is believe in your heart and confess with your mouth.  In Romans 10:10 NIV tells us, “For it is with your heart that you believe and are justified, and it is with your mouth that you profess your faith and you are saved.”  And once you are saved you will spend eternity in heaven with Jesus and with your family and friends that were saved before they passed.  Can you imagine the reunions that await us in heaven? 

Jesus loves us so much that He carried all of that sin, even when He led a sinless life.  Oh how He loves us!!!  Just like the song tells us so many times.  Listen to the song and meditate on the words and His love for you!!!!

Happy Easter to you!!!  Love to each and every one of you as you celebrate Jesus!!!