RIP Merle

I grew up with an appreciation for classic country, and Merle Haggard was always my favorite classic country musician. It was with tears that I heard the news of his passing yesterday, which happened to be his 79th birthday. So, today I put together a playlist of some of his songs. His career spanned 6 decades and produced 38 number one hits. With so many great songs to pick from, I was choosy and included only my favorites. I hope you enjoy them as much as I do.

I’m adding this one last song separate from the playlist because it’s special to me. My dad used to sing this song all the time, and I can’t hear it without thinking of him.

Through It All

When I was a little girl, there would occasionally be singers who would come to our church to minister. There was a couple who came whose names I can’t remember. Dad bought their 8-track. (Yes, I said 8-track. Yes, I’m that old.) This song was on that album, and it was one of my favorites way back then. The other day, the song came to mind as I was thinking of some of the tough times I’m been through. As I thought about the words of the song, I realized that it could have been written about me and my life. Well, except for the fact that sometimes I don’t think I’ve quite learned to trust God like I should. Through my trials, I have often failed to trust Him, and I’ve made some huge mistakes. However, because of those trials and even the mistakes I’ve made, I’ve learned that God has never once failed me, and as I go through the rest of my life, including the bad times, I know God will be there to help me through.

Saturday Night Playlist

If you’ve read my blog much at all, you’re aware that I love music…all kinds of music. When I’m wanting to just chill and listen to soothing music, like I am tonight, my choice is a male vocalist with a mellow tone. No one fits that description better than Don Williams! I put together a playlist of some of his songs I found on youtube. Most of them are old favorites, and every one of them has some sort of significance with some time in my life. The next-to-the-last song, in particular, evokes memories of late-night walks in Colorado years and years ago. I’m going to sign off now and listen to Don Williams’ soothing voice until I become so drowsy I can’t keep my eyes open. I hope you enjoy this playlist as well.

My Theme Song for 2016

This song is not only catchy, but it also speaks to me on many levels. Right now, Sam and I are both going through some intense situations, and we are having to lean on each other’s love as well as God’s love for us and our love for Him. We have both taken on the challenge of asking “What would Jesus do?” before making decisions, and I believe this song is a fitting theme since it was God’s love that sent Jesus to die for us.

Over the next few weeks (or possibly months) our lives are going to experience some drastic changes. To be honest, the prospect of change is frightening to me, but love is what propels me…mostly my love for God and my desire to do what He wants me to do.

My Playlist

I’m feeling nostalgic…obviously.

My Playlist

Here’s my playlist tonight:

Draw Me Nearer

Although the song in my last post is modern, I actually tend to me more old-school. I love hymns. I find them more comforting and soothing than any other genre of music, and I listen to them often. (I have a favorite Pandora channel just for hymns.) When I first started attending Discovery Church, I didn’t care for the music at all because it’s all new music and rarely ever a hymn. Now, I appreciate the music at church and sometimes even listen to it in the car, but I still listen mostly to hymns when I’m at home.

At work, because of the loud machines and mandatory ear plugs, there is often not much opportunity for conversation with co-workers. Instead, I talk to God…a LOT; I have a lot to talk to Him about. I also sing to myself (in my head, not out loud). Most of the songs I sing are hymns because those are the songs I know all the words to, given my upbringing in church and Christian schools. They have been a great encouragement to me, often helping me have a better attitude about work and my co-workers.

The other night, I started singing the hymn “Draw Me Nearer” (also called “I Am Thine, O Lord”). It had been a while since I had heard it, and I surprised myself by remembering all the words. As I pondered on the words I was singing, God spoke to me, especially through the last few words of the second verse: “…And my will be lost in Thine.” I often pray with that intent, but then, as I go about my life, I find myself doing my will again. I believe the secret is in the chorus: “Draw me nearer…” The nearer I am to God, the more apt I am to do His will and not my own.

Here is a beautiful version of the song, in case you don’t know it, have forgotten it, or just want to hear it again:

Month of Thanksgiving: Day Eight

Today, I’m thankful for music. I can’t play any instruments nor sing very well, but music is still a huge part of my life. Certain songs will evoke memories from the past, some happy, some sad. I’m thankful that Sam shares my love of music and has become an accomplished musician. Below is a video of a song I heard for the first time on the radio a few weeks ago. While the tune is catchy, the lyrics are so true of my life. I hope you enjoy it as much as I do.

Love Makes Me Smile

Someone made me smile tonight, and I thought of this song. Naturally, I had to post it. I love you, too!

Iris DeMent

Fifteen years ago, I was introduced to the music of Iris DeMent. She is a talented singer/songwriter with a uniquely amazing voice. Tonight, she performed at the Paramount Center here in Bristol. I didn’t realize until tonight that she was here for Rhythm & Roots a couple years ago; I’m not sure how I missed that.

Her step-daughter, Pieta Brown, opened for her. Although her performance was more or less unremarkable, she has a sweet voice and seems like she is probably a geniunely good person.

Iris’s performance was awesome! She opened with “Mama’s Opry” as a tribute to both her mother and to Bristol, “the Birthplace of Country Music”. She performed a number of songs from her new album, “The Trackless Woods”. The album is a collection of Russian poems which Iris set to music.

My favorite song of the evening was “Our Town”, which is one of, if not the, first song she wrote. Here is a video of her performing it several years ago:

 

The place wasn’t packed, but the audience was very much into the concert and gave Ms. DeMent a standing ovation at the end of it. Although I would have been able to get a decent seat if I had waited to get my ticket at the door, I didn’t want to take any chances, so I ordered it online in advance. I was in seat D118, which was right down front, on the right side. Here’s my ticket:

Next on the agenda is to find out who will be performing at Rhythm & Roots this year. I’ve heard that Steve Earle will be here. If that is indeed true, I’ve got to be sure to go!