Each Shade and Hue

  I was thinking today: my heart/soul is God's dwelling place. Not the car I drive (or don't drive, since no one wants me driving lol), it is not a home or a job. He can empower the gifts He gives, but those are not His dwelling place. He is present in the middle of the 2 or 3 people that might be around, but His dwelling place is not a social circle. He says to close the door, go into a private place and talk to Him, and when I do that, He will both change and cleanse my heart and show outward evidence (in His way and time) that I have been with Him. His presence is in me. That is how most of my songs have come about, including this one. Just God and me and a quiet place with my piano. I have always really loved this song, simple as it is. Here I am, God. Do what You can.

B efore Kim & I were married (and for several years after, until their deaths), we spent a lot of time with an elderly couple named Gene and June Covey. There are not words to say how much we loved them, and how much we knew they loved us right back.  June could not see, and she could barely walk, but she would hobble over to the electric piano in her living room and become a different person. She pounded out boogies and old tunes she once played for silent movies. Gene would often accompany her with his violin. (Don't anyone dare call it his fiddle!) She was sweet and kind and spunky, and she kept Gene in line when he got a little cantankerous. I can still hear her sweet voice chiding him, saying, "Now, DEAREST ." She was so sweet, she even forgave me when I put a pineapple rind down her garage disposal, backing up all their plumbing. One of the most difficult things we were ever asked to do was sing for her funeral a song she would always ask us to sing during a vis...

  Hebrews 12:2 Looking unto Jesus the author and finisher of our faith; who for the joy that was set before him endured the cross, despising the shame, and is set down at the right hand of the throne of God. Isaiah 53:5 But he was wounded for our transgressions, he was bruised for our iniquities: the chastisement of our peace was upon him; and with his stripes we are healed.