I grew up with music.  My mother was a piano teacher and both pianist and organist for churches from my earliest memories (Baptist, Lutheran, Wesleyan)  Family gatherings in north Florida ALWAYS included several hours of the entire family singing hymn after hymn - my Granny was a choir director and soprano, my Denden an amazing bass, my uncle a choir director and amazing baritone/tenor, my aunt and mother altos and all the rest of us cousins rounded out the choir from one end to the other.  My father played the radio...


Hymns certainly were not the only tunes to be heard in my home - oh no, 50s classics, country (old style), blue grass, folk tunes, 50-60s rock - music always.


I suppose it is no surprise that all my children play instruments and carry music with them always as well.


Because music played such a large roll in my life from birth on, situations almost always bring some song to mind.  Key phrases uttered by people can trigger a song - my kids often are startled when they say something to me and suddenly I start singing some ancient song at them - You've got your green alligators and long neck geese...


So here's the deal - I've found myself singing this over and over the last few weeks...




I know not why God’s wondrous grace
To me He hath made known,
Nor why, unworthy, Christ in love
Redeemed me for His own.
I know not how this saving faith
To me He did impart,
Nor how believing in His Word
Wrought peace within my heart.


I know not how the Spirit moves,
Convincing us of sin,
Revealing Jesus through the Word,
Creating faith in Him.


I know not what of good or ill
May be reserved for me,
Of weary ways or golden days,
Before His face I see.


I know not when my Lord may come,
At night or noonday fair,
Nor if I walk the vale with Him,
Or meet Him in the air.

..... pray....

Now seriously, I can kind of understand losing your place in the song - but she is a professional right?  Been singing in public since she was knee high to a grass hopper? So at the end of the day there is very little excuse - I've watched 8 year olds do a better job with it.  And all of you future singers of the National Anthem?  It is not your song, it is our song, so please... for the love of God and Country.... sing it as written.  Stop playing with the words, and go easy on the improv.

Thank you.

(There is a better vid of Whitney's performance on YouTube - here , but it is not embed enabled)

I still miss him.  Reagan, The President.  The first I voted for.  I've never since been more proud of any vote I have cast - not one.

Vive la Reagan Revolution!