As the name of my blog indicates, I spend a lot of time thinking about home. Of course, my Heavenly Home is the one that is eternal, so that’s where I need to lay up my treasures, and that’s the one I’m striving for. But in the meantime, I have been given this tiny piece of the here-and-now—this home on the edge of town, this family, this neighborhood—in which to serve Him. And, though this is in the earthly realm, I want the things that happen here to be investments in the Heavenly realm.




Monday, November 4, 2019

{30 Days of Thankfulness} Day 4


I am full of thanksgiving tonight! 



I am thankful for the gift of music. 

This evening, Bekah's piano students presented their fall recital, a mix of classical and sacred music. It was a delight to hear the students, to see how much they have improved since the last recital, to be inspired by the works that they played.

Here are four of her five students (one was unable to attend), ready for the program to begin!




I am thankful for all of the family and friends who came. 

Richard's family (who are also our neighbors and friends) . . . longtime friends Gary and Frances who come to support Eve, Nora, and Peter . . . and tonight, some extra special guests. Friends of Ryan and Sarah (John and his wife Susan who was Eve's and Nora's first piano teacher!), traveled from out of state so that they could visit and come to the recital! It was such a delight to meet them!

With both teachers!



I am thankful for rich discussion. 

As we enjoyed refreshments after the program, we (folks over eighteen) talked about the rapid passage of time. Two of the couples in the room will be observing their 50th wedding anniversary next year and were remarking about how quickly the years flew by. We talked about Psalm 90 (lots there about the passage of time).  Ryan told about 92-year-old man in their church who was asked if his years had gone by quickly. He whispered, "Like a vapor." Our guest, John, told us that the word "vanity" in Ecclesiastes (as in chapter 1, verse 2 which reads "vanity of vanities; all is vanity") can be translated "vapor." So when Solomon was referring to something as a "vanity," he was referring to its transient nature, its brevity.

Isn't that an encouragement to "number our days"? To invest in the things that are not transient, but the things that are eternal?

Good discussion. 



I am thankful for a new-to-me (or at least, I thought it was) song. 

In the comments on yesterday's blog post, Melissa mentioned the song "Ancient Words" by Michael W. Smith. I loved the lyrics she shared and did a search for a recording.

Well, come to find out, my daughter says that we have sung this at church! Bekah says that she remembers singing it, Ron says that he doesn't, and I am thinking that that must be why it sounded vaguely familiar but I never would have said that I knew it.

Regardless, I know it now and love the message.
Ancient words, ever true
Changing me, changing you
We have come with open hearts
Oh let the ancient words impart.

For the handful of people who are not familiar with the song (most of my Facebook friends were!), I'll share the video here:





I suppose this was one of those nights when I chattered on about my blessings! Feel free to leave some of your "gratefuls" in the comments. I love to read them! 

23 comments:

  1. What a lovely recital that must have been.
    Grateful for a sunny day today wfter days of storm and rain. My washing is blowing in the breeze!

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    1. It was a lovely evening!

      A sunny day after day-after-day of rain and storms . . . SO welcome!

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  2. Thank you for sharing that song. I've never heard it and it truly blessed my heart and encouraged my soul. Happy Thanksgiving month - FlowerLady

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    1. I'm glad you like it! Happy November to you too, Lorraine!

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  3. Beautiful room for a piano recital... How lovely that the former teacher came to support Bekah and her students. Now I must listen to the song, which is unfamiliar to me.

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    1. I have heard the song, but have never sung it in the congregation. It’s nice.

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    2. I am so thankful for a space that accommodates groups of people. (That could be another of my posts this month!)

      I love the words of this song!

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  4. Great to hear! I should have thought ahead and provided you with the link in the first place! It is a beautiful song.
    So that's what's Bekah is doing with her days now, how wonderful for her and her students!

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    1. No problem . . . it was an easy search!

      Bekah has been teaching piano for several years. She has taught eight students altogether, but not at all the same time. It is delightful to see their progress!

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  5. Beautiful post and I very much enjoyed reading this.
    Listened to this beautiful song that ministered to my spirit. Thankful you shared.
    Blessings,
    d

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    1. Thank you, Deanna! I am glad that the song ministered to you too!

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  6. “I haven’t understood a bar of music in my life, but I have felt it.” – Igor Stravinsky
    This is me! I don't read music but I sure do appreciate it.
    And how special to have Bekah's Piano Teacher there to see and hear! How sweet!
    (Thank you for the video)

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    1. Great quote, Christine!
      Actually, the teacher who was our guest was my granddaughters' first piano teacher. When my son and his family moved back to Maryland, Bekah began teaching them. Susan came to hear their recital and support Eve and Nora (as well as Peter who now takes lessons too). It was so kind of her and we enjoyed meeting her and her husband!

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  7. Bekah has a lovely group of students. Congratulations to her on sharing her gift of music with her students. I love how you open your home, Cheryl. You are the ultimate hostess. I'm not familiar with the song you shared, but it truly touched me. "Ancient words will guide me home."

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    1. Thank you for your kind words, Martha Ellen! I feel so blessed to have a home that accommodates a number of people. I am happy that you were blessed by the song and its message.

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  8. Sounds like a very special evening, and thanks for sharing the song (Ancient Words). I've heard it before, but enjoyed hearing it again, and saved it to my Favotites Bar so I can listen again.

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    1. It was a special evening! Glad to know that you enjoyed the song. I have listened to it quite a few times since I discovered it. :)

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  9. How lovely to host the recital in your home! There is so much to amen, in this post. I've never heard before that the Vanity from Solomon was refering to a time period. Makes it even more impactful!

    I love the song Ancient Words! We listened to Michael W. Smith's worship cd over and over while we were painting walls and fixing this house into our home, 18 years ago!

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    1. It was a special evening! I, too, found that explanation of "vanity" fascinating. I had never heard it explained that way before.

      I love imagining all of you painting and working on the house while worship music played! So that song is at least 18 years old?

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  10. I don't know that song, but I'll go listen for it.

    The recital must have been such fun for everyone. I used to love my piano recitals when I was a girl.

    Beautiful music, rich discussions, sharing refreshments. Fellowship sweet. Your whole evening sounds like heaven to me.

    Brenda xox

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    1. It was such a wonderful evening, Brenda! Bekah has always loved recitals too! The ones she organizes for her own students, however, make her nervous . . . because instead of playing the piano (which doesn't make her nervous at all!), she has to speak (which gives her butterflies). She rises to the occasion though, and I tell her it will get easier the more she does it.

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  11. I have loved this song by Michael W. Smith ever since I first heard it. You certainly have a lot to be thankful for! (really, we all do)

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