I had this picture on my sidebar for-e-ver because it brought me so much joy when I logged in to my blog in the morning and caught a glimpse of those cheeks. Then I took it off my sidebar and wept for about a week.
If you’re feeling blue, please look at this picture.
How bad can things be?
Not so bad, I say, with a face like that in the world.
I predict that this picture will reduce the future therapy bills in my life by 95%. I hope it does the same for you.
So you know how I mentioned Friday I kind of maybe perhaps might have maybe written a song?
Well, here it is. Our band has performed it at our last two gigs, and I decided it was high time to share it with you all. It’s a simple lullaby that talks about the blessing of sleep and the protection that God brings–from the lions and tigers in the outside world as well as the evil and heaviness in our own hearts. As you’ll hear on the recording (live from last month), my friend Carrie is singing the lead, and I’m on harmony.
I can’t embed the audio directly in this post, so just click here to listen.
The song was birthed from an old tape from my high school days that I unearthed last fall, labeled in black permanent marker: “Mis Composiciones.” Most of the content of the tape was rather ridiculous, but there were a few treasures. So I took the good scraps of melody, put them together, and wrote some lyrics with the help of my wonderful and creative husband.
I’m tempted to say that songwriting is new to me, but it’s really not. What’s new is that I’m actually finishing what I start, and bringing songs to completion . . . and to the stage to share with others. For me, being in a band really helps give me the kick-in-the-butt style of motivation that’s necessary to put everything together until the final chord and final lyric is in place.
I’ll be sharing more with you here!
Under the Shadow
Concern thee not for the night
I’ll be by your side
and if you wake from bitter dreams
I’ll hold you close until morning’s light
I know we’ll be safe in our Father’s arms
though cast adrift in helpless sleep
he’ll guard us with his angels from harm
Safe beneath the shadow of his loving wings
comforted and guarded by the peace he brings
lulled to sleep ’cause I am in his hands
And lions from the pit
and tigers of the night
will flee before his sight
And every bitter thought
and every wicked deed
is taken off of me
Concern thee not for the night
I’ll be by your side
and if you wake from bitter dreams
I’ll hold you close until morning’s light
I know we’ll be safe
in our Father’s home
whatever ghosts may roam the night
he promised he won’t leave us alone
I know that I have fallen and forgotten
and I know I don’t deserve the Father’s care
but he chose to lavish me with love and grace
promised he would go and make for me a place
I belong with him forevermore
And lions from the pit
and tigers of the night
will flee before his sight
And every bitter thought
and every wicked deed
is taken off of me