........Think about this

Try to keep a bird from singing after it's soared up in the sky

Give the sun a cloudless day and tell it not to shine

Anybody remember this old Steven Curtis Chapman song?
This was one of his upbeat songs in the nineties that I probably blasted in the car contributing to the hearing loss I have now.

Jason and I worked out this morning. We've been faithful to go to the gym even when we don't feel like it. We've been eating healthy for a week too. We've steered clear of wheat; a goal we sat for ourselves last week.

There has been a frosting on the cake (that we haven't eaten).  This week has been full of old friends. We celebrated a friend's entrance to glory and remembered a life lived for God. Last night Jason and I had a fabulous date night. This summer is ending knowing that I spent more time with my family than I did on laundry and dishes.  Rylie shared the best news possible.

I've learned how to better live on something other than "bread alone".  I must admit, I'm feeling pretty good. Those of you who know me,  have heard me complain on a regular basis though I've learned to try to throw in a jovial Ha Ha to make light my admissions of misery.

Just as I share my faults and failures, mishaps and other gripes, I should likewise be sharing a joy I'm finding undeniable. 

Today I am.

While I was on the rowing machine this morning I had my headphones plugged in. I typically only jam on the inside. But this morning I couldn't help it. I began to hum "Dreams"  by the Cranberries:

I know I've felt like this before

But now I'm feeling it even more

Because it came from you

The music in me had to come out.

Typically I only sing out loud in the kitchen, or beside somebody with good harmony at church, or in the car (when I'm not at a red light).  I contain myself, fearful that I won't sound good; hesitant that someone might not appreciate my singing. I'm reserved. Other times I'm too tired to sing; too distracted to even listen to the words.

Today the shuffle on my Ipod played some of the best songs.  I realized that though my sound may not always be sweet, there are some songs that are always worth singing.  Somehow I understood that my singing shouldn't be about me being perceived as awkward or off-key, for I am not ashamed.  Some songs are meant to be turned up and sung out.

I sing with Steven Curtis Chapman:

Think about this

If we really have been given the gift of life that will never end

And if we have been filled with living hope,

we're gonna overflow

And if God's love is burning in our hearts, we're gonna glow

There's just no way to keep it in

There's a soul-spilling song within us.  Let's sing it out loud.

But if I say, "I will not remember Him or speak anymore in His name," Then in my heart it becomes like a burning fire shut up in my bones; And I am weary of holding it in, And I can not endure it. Jeremiah 20:9