When I was in 2nd grade I was obsessed with the Carpenter's. Don't judge I was seven. I played "Mr. Postman" over and over on my little record player until I literally wore the 45 vinyl record out.
My mother helped me write a letter to Karen Carpenter. You know, because I was a member of the Carpenter's Fan Club. I waited for weeks to hear back from Karen-- while listening to "Stop! Oh wait, Mr. Postman" on the record player and jumping on my bed belting the lyrics out with fervor.
One Saturday morning my mother came into my room, huge smile on her face, and handed me a large envelope addressed to me. It was from the Carpenter's. Inside was a black and white 8 x 10 head-shot of Karen Carpenter. In the bottom right hand corner it was signed "To Elizabeth, sing your praises! Karen Carpenter". I thought my 7 year old heart would explode with joy. I kept that picture on my bulletin board until we moved the summer after 4th grade.
Music has always consumed me. I had a knack in high school for finding albums no one had ever heard of. In college I was obsessed with this underground band called "REM" out of Georgia. They played in the basement of my husband's fraternity. I remember posters being posted all over campus "REM at the KA House Saturday night. Be there ". Robin didn't want to go to his own fraternity event because it was a no name band. Little did he know. I knew, though. They went on to be one of the greatest bands of the 1980's and 90's.
Some people can watch movies and be moved to their core. Me? Music, hands down. Ironically I can't sing at all. {But} that doesn't stop me in the least. I'm that idiot you see belting out songs, off key, in their car at a stop light.
I love the picture the bible paints of heaven. I can literally envision the angels and archangels singing the Lord's praises, worshiping Him, seated at the throne. Being so incredibly filled with love, adoration, amazement that all they are able to do is praise Him. No words available to articulate the pure joy. Only song will convey the majesty of being in His presence.
As a society we worship football and famous artists. We spend millions of dollars a year worshiping our idols in stadiums. Yet as a nation we've forgotten to worship Jesus Christ. We've made athletes and entertainers our Lord. In fact, there's even a music artist named Lorde.
We have forgotten to thank and sing the praises of the very One who created us. We have replaced worshiping Him with worshiping the climate, social justice, animal rights, and the previously mentioned music artists, entertainers, and athletes.
To add insult to injury many of these worship gatherings take place in large stadiums on Saturday nights (the sabbath ) and Sunday's.
I'm not sure how much longer God will continue to allow our total defiance. Just like the days of Noah we are lovers of self. Evil is rampant.
The Lord knew Noah's heart. He called him out. Appointed him to be the Lord's voice. An example. He had Noah build an ark where He protected Noah and his family. All the while the world continued on with its recklessness. When the ark was completed The Lord closed the door on all of the evil in the world. He wipes it out while protecting and honoring Noah ( and his family) for their obedience.
I want to be a Noah. I want my life to reflect my reverence and love for The Lord. I want to be able to stand before the judgement throne knowing everything in me sang His praises. In the midst of a world gone crazy I want my life to witness to others that I am crazy for Him. That I am thankful.
How about you? When was the last time you sang His praises? It doesn't matter if it's off key or awkward. What matters is that He sees the longing, the desire of our hearts.
"every knee shall bow, in heaven and on earth and under the earth, and every tongue confess
that Jesus Christ is Lord."-Philippians 2:10-11
that Jesus Christ is Lord."-Philippians 2:10-11
