365 ribbons.

By Cheri, on January 26th, 2012

Years ago a thoughtful fan gave me a gift bag full of what I like to call “scripture scrolls.”   There were 365 of them, one for each day of the year.  I can’t imagine how long it must’ve taken her to roll up that many little pieces of paper and then tie each one together with a small, white ribbon.  But, the encouraging Bible verses, quotes, and song lyrics were much appreciated.

I enjoyed reading them in the beginning, but as life goes, eventually the bag ended up on a shelf in my closet.  Rediscovering them during the move of 2010, I decided to resurrect the little notes and I now display them in a decorative basket in my kitchen.  Whenever I need a boost, the scripture scrolls rarely disappoint.

Last night, looking for inspiration for blog #4 of my once-a-week blogging resolution, I unfurled another scroll and this is what I read . . . “But as for me I shall sing of Thy strength:  yes, I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness in the morning, for Thou hast been my stronghold, and a refuge in the day of my distress.  O my Strength, I will sing praises to Thee; for God is my stronghold, the God who shows me lovingkindness.”  (Psalm 59:16-17 NASB)

Tomorrow when I rise, I will head to the studio to sing the final lead vocals on my new album.  Last week, while singing the line, for He is good, His love endures forever, I got so choked up with emotion that I had to stop in the middle of the session.  After a brief tissue break I was able to continue.  Like the psalmist, I have known distress, but the tears came because I have also known the goodness of God and that is precisely what compels me to carry on.

So, in the morning, “I shall joyfully sing of Thy lovingkindness” once more.  Perhaps one of my song lyrics will give somebody a boost.

Looking to Him, from one ribbon to the next . . .

Cheri

 

 

 
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A ukulele?! Why not?

By Cheri, on January 16th, 2012

We’ve been busy in the studio working on the new album.  I’m feeling good about the ten songs we’ve chosen to record.  There will be some firsts on this record . . . including, but not limited to . . . a ukulele.  Yes, that’s right.

I remember the circumstances surrounding the song, “Air, Food, & Water.”  I didn’t know if God would miraculously heal my marriage, if I would be single the rest of my life, or, and this so hard to imagine, if I would ever remarry.  With our house on the market, I didn’t even know yet where I would live.  There were so many unknowns, so many unanswered questions.  I was afraid and overwhelmed.

But, one of my pastors preached a sermon I would not soon forget.  His message about the three things we need to survive was a turning point for me.  And somehow, in that moment, I knew I would be O.K. 

Even though the song was written in a very desperate place, it actually feels rather jovial, even lighthearted.  Thus, the ukulele.  Here’s a sneak peek at the lyric.  Take note of Daisy Doo’s honorable mention, another first . . .

AIR, FOOD, & WATER
Written by Cheri Keaggy

Luggin’ in the heaviest burden
I went to chapel one night
If you saw the heart that was hurtin’
Well, it was probably mine

I couldn’t say where I’m goin’
Can’t make make sense of my life
But, then I heard what the preacher said
That I have all that I need in Christ

CHORUS:
(He’s given me)  Air, food, and water
A house, a dog, and a lovely daughter
Air, food, and water
As if that wasn’t enough, I’ve got the presence of God

 

Sorry, you’ll have to wait to hear the rest of the lyric live or on the new album.  But, once again, I am intrigued by what I found on my dictionary app this morning.  The definition for “jovial” is full of or showing high-spirited merriment.

Could it be that God really can turn mourning into dancing?  The ukulele says, “Yes!”  And I agree wholeheartedly.

Play on,
Cheri

 
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