Music Prompts

11/17/09
Without Music Life Would B♭---that’s what the t-shirt said in my latest “Wireless” catalog. Flat, indeed. It certainly rings true to me, even though I don’t stay “plugged in” like the teens at Houston High. I don’t even have my new iPod Touch (free) synced with my new iMac (not free) computer yet. Both are sources of frustration that could prompt me to tears.
I don’t always have music playing in the car or at home as many folks do. I do have my new "Tenors’ Christmas" CD playing now because this blog “prompted” me to put it in my iTunes. I also have it as loud as it will go because, in my opinion, opera should be played with VOLUME!

Music is a part of the life of the Lord, creator of all music. His delight in me can prompt Him to sing as well. According to Zephaniah 3:15 The LORD thy God in the midst of thee is mighty; he will save, he will rejoice over thee with joy; he will rest in his love, he will joy over thee with singing.

Music often prompts tears for me. “Come Thou Fount of Every Blessing” is my favorite hymn and it always puts a knot in my throat and, more often than not, tears in my eyes. It was “my” song for seating as “mother of the bride”---so I had a special hanky handy. Special church services often include it as well, so I try to “gear up” but…….but if Peggy catches my eye from the choir loft and smiles, I “puddle.”
Music can prompt tears.

Church seems to turn over the Liles “tickle boxes,” as Daddy labeled my giggling fits of childhood, especially if we’re suppose to be quiet and somber. “Hark the Herald Angels Sing” is my favorite Christmas Carol and that causes no problems--- but let us sing “We Three Kings” and we all tend to fall apart. At least, we look askance at Larry who sings it loud and clear and in his “own key,” ---if there is such. It’s our family thing---an inside joke that happened each year during our Advent time (#3). It was shared with friends and even our Jewish neighbors who had heard about it.
Music can prompt laughter.

Whenever the Temptations “Ain’t Too Proud to Beg” plays, Larry and I dance---regardless of where we are! He thinks I’ll probably try to rise up for one last dance, if he has it played at my funeral.
I also admit to doing a little toe tapping in church whenever I hear, "Lord of the Dance.”
Music can prompt dancing.

Whether on a praise walk or cleaning the house, a little music can help me to pick up the pace. Volume seems to help here as well.
Music can prompt energy.

Larry’s new “cash for clunkers” jeep came with a year’s subscription (free) to Sirius XM satellite radio. I don’t have that feature in my “old lady Cadillac,” so if I don’t have an audio book for travel, I choose his car. That way I can select the "60s on 6" channel and listen to music that I know the words to or can at least “understand” the lyrics.
Singing along favorite hymns or praise choruses brings an element of fellowship that is rich. However, I rarely sing out at church because I don’t have that gift. But I’ll “sing in the shower” or sing along with iTunes. I have numerous versions of “Come Thou Fount” and when I get to verse 3, I can belt it out---it rings so true, ..........................

O to grace how great a debtor
daily I'm constrained to be!
Let thy goodness, like a fetter,
bind my wandering heart to thee.
Prone to wander, Lord, I feel it,
prone to leave the God I love;
here's my heart, O take and seal it,
seal it for thy courts above.

Music can prompt singing along.

Everyone knows that a quiet lullaby can help soothe a baby to sleep, unless his name is Josh Liles. With him, Larry turned the car radio on and drove him around (sometimes at midnight) just so I could sleep. I have friends who keep music going at bedtime to dispel the quiet and ease them into slumber.
Music can prompt rest/sleep.

Music is the international language. I have heard the melody of “Old MacDonald Had a Farm” sung by children at a zoo in Venezuela and recognized it even before the E-I—E-I—Os. I heard Silent Night in German and knew the English version because of years of singing it with my family. Music sticks with us and both melody and lyrics can trigger memories.
Music lingers and prompts our thoughts .

My friend, Carol Newman, sent this e-mail message to me. “The God who created music has songs for resting, songs for dancing, and songs of rejoicing over you!"

The Lord will command His lovingkindness in the daytime;
And His song will be with me in the night,
A prayer to the God of my life." Psalm 42

“His song” is music to my ears and prompts praise from my heart.