The Melody of Our Lives

 We've been in the music ministry since before we were married nearly 37 years ago. In those years we have raised three boys, who found three amazing girls, and now we have six kids plus more family that we love beyond measure. During those years, our sons learned to play instruments and/or sing and joined us in leading worship. I cannot explain the way it feels to lead worship with your children. It is such a blessing! 

Now that they are grown up and married, and two have moved away, we still lead worship with our oldest and his wife. Our family is passionate about music. I fully believe that God gives us talents and abilities for a reason. Music isn't just what we do. It is who we are...who God made us to be.

Over the years we've sung or played many different styles of worship music, from hymns to choruses to contemporary to country to instrumental. We love it all! We love singing worship music, and my kids love playing worship music, whether on guitar, bass, violin, keyboard, clarinet, trumpet, or flugelhorn. God put that love and passion in our hearts to use for Him and that is what we strive to do each time we lead in worship.

To say that I am thankful for the music God has placed in our lives is an understatement. It is a huge blessing, and a huge responsibility. I pray every day that we would be worthy of the charge. I learned music growing up from my father, my uncles, and my grandfather and great uncles. The sweet sounds of cowboy songs, bluegrass fiddle, and hymns were the background music to my childhood. It made me love music and love to sing. I can still sing you a cowboy song if you like. :)

Over the last six years, my voice has changed due to the treatments and many surgeries I've had, but my love of worshiping God through song has not changed. I may have a different voice, it might be a little rough around the edges, but I will not be silenced. I have fought anxiety and depression most of my adult life, and worship music has always brought comfort and helped pull me out of the shadows As the worship song says, "I could sing of your love forever!" 

When I've been unable to sing for periods of time, it has burned like a fire inside of me trying to escape. I have heard pastors say something similar about times they've been unable to preach for a brief time. The message of God's unfathomable love for us, whether spoken, sung, or played on an instrument will be set free, one way or another. 

Music speaks to our hearts without the need for words. Its melodies have the power to reach deep within, touching our souls and inspiring us to worship and praise Him. In moments of joy or sorrow or even battle, music becomes a bridge between the earthly and the divine, guiding our spirits closer to His presence. Who can listen to Bach's Jesu, Joy of Man's Desiring or Handel's Messiah and not imagine the very heavens opening up as our Lord returns? Music stirs emotions that words alone cannot express, allowing us to experience His love, grace, and majesty in profound and personal ways. 

In total, there are over 100 verses in the Bible that reference worshiping God through music, whether by singing, playing instruments, or lifting songs of praise. These passages remind us that music has been an integral part of worship throughout biblical history, serving as a powerful expression of faith, joy, and reverence for the Lord. From the Psalms of David to the celebrations in Revelation, music is a universal language that connects us to God, allowing believers to glorify His name and experience His presence in a profound and personal way.

Ministry is often challenging, and sometimes downright painful. Yet, through the challenges and sacrifices, there is a deep and abiding joy in fulfilling the purpose for which we are called. Ultimately, it is through perseverance and trust in Him that we find meaning, purpose, and the strength to continue the journey, even when it's hard to see the path forward, and it is my prayer that as our journey continues, no matter where that may lead, we would continue to serve Him with everything we have.

Psalm 150:3-5 (NIV)
"Praise him with the sounding of the trumpet, praise him with the harp and lyre, praise him with timbrel and dancing, praise him with the strings and pipe, praise him with the clash of cymbals, praise him with resounding cymbals."

2 Chronicles 5:13 (NIV)
"The trumpeters and musicians joined in unison to give praise and thanks to the Lord. Accompanied by trumpets, cymbals and other instruments, the singers raised their voices in praise to the Lord and sang: 'He is good; his love endures forever.'"