I love to sing. This time at home has me upstairs in the early morning hours worshipping with the help of Spotify or Youtube. So many worship songs are available and so many bring me into His presence where I find rest, peace, comfort, love, strength …basically more of Him. It’s been hard to not have a church to go to every Wed. and Sunday. I miss our praise band and making a joyful noise together in worship.
There is another side of my worshipping though that I have realized isn’t as readily available. Singable Hymns. Hymns sung with the sole purpose of letting others join in and sing together in worship. I think of Chetek UMC when I was a kid. Mrs. Hight would be on piano, Jennifer on organ, or maybe my mom. The best used to be when my sister, Heather, and I would sing together…harmonizing these wonderful hymns. There’s no doubt that hymns are rich and beautiful songs of worship and prayer.
So – then Covid-19 stops the world. I’m good. Like I said, I’ve got my spotify playlist that includes Hillsong, Bethel, All Sons and Daughters, David Crowder Band, Chris Tomlin and more. I spend hours singing…I have it playing in the background as I go through my day. What a blessing.
But then I realize…there’s something missing. What about the common man who just wants to worship but doesn’t like that ‘new modern stuff’ or just wants to go back to what they know and love. I thought about my parents and aunts and uncle. I thought about those in my home church in Chetek, WI, and those in my home church here in Austin, TX, who love the traditional service. I asked …what can I do..I am at home. I can’t play piano and sing…I can’t play tambourine and sing…If I sing…that’s all I can do. So … there. End of story.
Ha! As if. The verse that came to mind over and over…”Speak to one another with Psalms, hymns and spiritual songs. Sing and make music in your heart to the Lord, always giving thanks to God the Father for everything, in the name of our Lord Jesus Christ.” Eph 5:19 You know how He works…People would mention the verse in chatting, write it in an email, or whatever…It wasn’t long before I realized that I had means of recording music…just not accompaniment. Good thing I love a cappella!
And so the recordings started. They are not perfect because most (99%…the Summons was a hard start) are 3 takes…1 for each track..1 for each singer (Me, Myself, and I). I decided that creating a perfect recording would lead to stress…it is more important to sing together…mistakes and all. (God bless the piano/organ which hides a multitude of mistakes I’m figuring out pretty quickly.) So! I will keep recording with the help of a glockenspiel for a starting note and an amazing sound engineer. He’s really cute…oh — and also my husband! I have also started a song sheet of sorts – so if you are singing at home and don’t have a hymnal …I got you covered. Song Sheet
I am blessed to know that my small offering of music is bringing joy to others. I pray that you would share it with others who might enjoy some at-home worship. If you have requests, I take them! Add a comment here or on FB! I try to tell you a little something about each song in the song sheet…Amazing Grace which is an all-time favorite for many, was requested by my dad. When you are doing this for your parents and your dad suggests a song…you do it.
All I will say – it’s easier to harmonize when you have the piano or organ filling in the notes…but pick a note…any note…let’s sing to the Lord. You can find the music on Sound Cloud in the same playlist or if you would rather download the MP3’s from dropbox, you can go here. Don’t forget to get your song sheet to sing along! Send your requests and I’ll try to fulfill them! Wishing I had an old Cokesbury hymnal….feel free to drop one on my porch if your request is found in there! I’ll try and will record as long as Bob will keep helping!
Momical Musings 