Lenten meditation

A page I wrote for my church's Lenten meditation book. Granted, this is my first effort at any such project!

Saturday, February 17, 2018

Psalms 30, 32, 43, 45

Ezekiel 39:21-29

Philippians 4:10-20

John 17:20-26

Today’s lectionary scriptures carry themes of restoration. They speak of emergence from the darkness of adversity, just as we emerge from the somberness and mourning of Lent to the light of Easter. They rejoice in prayer and thanksgiving for God’s “steadfast love” (Psalm 42.8). And they form a wonderful basis for Lenten devotions. 

Psalm 30 is a song of praise and thanksgiving at the dedication of the temple, after King David had recovered from a severe illness. The image here recalls Jesus’ descent into death and his resurrection. 

Psalm 32 expresses joy in confession and forgiveness of sin, confidence in God’s protection and guidance. Both psalms are lovely poetry reminding us that indeed “Weeping may linger for the night, but joy comes in the morning” (30:5). To me this joy reflects that of Easter morning.

Like the Psalmist, we long for God “as a deer longs for flowing streams” (42:3). Our need for him is as basic as our need for water, and it is a major theme of the last two psalm selections. They raise questions: “Where is your God?” “Why are you cast down, O my soul, and why are you disquieted within me?” And a poignant question presaging the one uttered by Jesus just before his death: “Why have you forgotten me?”

However, in the midst of this pain and feeling of abandonment, Psalm 42 recalls parade, festival and singing. It recalls the power and presence of God: “By day the Lord commands his steadfast love, and at night his song is with me, a prayer to the God of my life.” At the end of the psalm there is no answer to the questions, simply a quiet confidence in God.

God’s words in Ezekiel 39 reassure the Israelites further that although he has punished them for turning away from him and sent them into exile, he loves them and will restore them to their homeland. He will reveal himself in his glory to them and the world. I see in this a foreshadowing of God’s plan, through Jesus, for restoration of his creation.

In Philippians 4, St. Paul also rejoices in the midst of sadness. He expresses confidence in the faithfulness of the church family of Philippi and in God’s ability to satisfy his needs and theirs. Jesus’ last prayer (John 17) is focused on his disciples and loved ones, and it expresses serenity and the same quiet confidence in God, that they will be with him again one day.

May the faith expressed by David, Paul and Jesus serve as examples to us all.

Happy New Year!

As a lifelong fan of all kinds of music, especially that of the classic rock era, with "Share My Dreams" I chose to appeal to those who love this kind of music. My main character is a professional guitarist who is also a music scholar and completes his college’s jazz studies program. I intended to make him a little different, not strictly a rock star. Share My Dreams is also about the woman he loves, who keeps him grounded and keeps him from the pitfalls of a performer’s life. I hope you enjoy Chris and Val, their romance and their life together.

With the new year and a possible new edition, I'm working on new details, such as the creative rift that leads to the band's breakup and a new singer. I think this part enlarges on the character of Mitch and makes him more complete and realistic.

Progress update: Reworking "Share My Dreams," which is a fun project and I think will result in a much improved product. A new edition, however, is not in the immediate future. Importantly, I'm thinking about how the world has changed just in the few years since the narrative of "Share My Dreams" ends. We are in a darker place, and I think more than ever we need artists to promote positivity. That is what my character Chris is all about. Maybe I'll end up writing about those who were affected by his music carrying on that legacy and doing some real good through their music (and the influence and money it brings). I'd be interested in any comments about how you'd like to see that story carried out. Any of several characters from the original novel have potential.

Easter

A poem I wrote a couple of years ago, but it seemed a good one to bring back:

I sat in church this Easter morning feeling exultant,

Full of joy and peace.

I rejoiced at every “alleluia”

Thinking of the One whose death conquered death.

And I accepted the symbols of His body and blood

As He told us to do to remember Him,

Knowing I was worthy to do so only by His grace.

The choir, the organ, the brass, the bells,

All the glorious music

Warmed my heart, set it soaring.

Perhaps I’m better with words than some,

Yet I had none for this feeling

That didn’t seem old and trite.

Who would comprehend anyway?

People misunderstand His words so badly.

Yet I was overflowing with emotion

That I wanted to articulate

And I prayed that somehow I’d find a way.

Then the answer came to me:

“Just live the way He taught us,

Keeping love in mind above all.

You’ll need no words at all

For everyone to see Him in you.”

Review of Eric Johnson's show at House of Blues Dallas, 16 February 2017

Eric Johnson's "evening of acoustic guitar and piano" last night at House of Blues Dallas was an evening of superb musicianship on both instruments. But audiences can always expect that from Johnson. This one-person show was very relaxed and low-key. He jokingly asked the audience how we liked the band and was conversational and full of stories. The mellow, soothing quality of his vocals lent itself well to this performance, as did the intimate venue and the excellent audio quality. To me the highlight was the last song, a piano version of "Nothing Can Keep Me from You," which he explained he originally wrote on piano. All in all, a great change of pace. Well worth attending, although I look forward to hearing an electric guitar set again soon.

Share My Dreams with Me is finally published!

A link to my ebook on Amazon

Summary: Share My Dreams with Me

Still fine-tuning a summary that I hope will help sell Share My Dreams.  Here's the latest version.  Any comments are appreciated.

Valerie and Christopher, friends from their home neighborhood, reconsider their relationship when she enrolls at his university.  They fall in love, but will they deny love for fear of losing a friendship? He has extraordinary musical talent and an incipient career, and she aspires to study for advanced degrees and to teach.  What do their ambitions mean for them as a couple?  The performer and the professor navigate the complexities of busy lives that challenge their love.  Their favorite music from the classic rock era is generously interwoven and helps tell their story.