Music to my Soul

All hail the power of Jesus' name! Let angels prostrate fall,
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all;
Bring forth the royal diadem, and crown him Lord of all!

My fingers pound the exuberant music into the piano keys forcefully, venting all of my frustrations on the song.

In an interview that I had years ago, I was asked what I do to relieve stress. The answer came quickly to my lips, "I play the piano."

My answer was met with surprise. Had they never heard that answer before? Is shopping or drinking a glass of wine or taking a walk all that they expected to hear?

"My husband asked me why I was playing the piano the other day since I had so much to do." I continued.  "I told him that it helps me to calm down and organize my thoughts so that I can get more done." I explained.

Great is Thy faithfulness, Oh God my Father.
There is no shadow of turning with Thee;
Thou changest not, Thy compassions they fail not:
As Thou hast been Thou forever wilt be.

Great is Thy faithfulness! Great is Thy faithfulness!
Morning by morning new mercies I see;
All I have needed Thy hand hath provided -
Great is Thy faithfulness, Lord, unto me.

Still loudly, but not as violently.

There is pardon for sin and a peace that endureth,
Thine own dear presence to cheer and to guide,
Strength for today and bright hope for tomorrow -
Blessings all mine, with ten thousand beside!


It has been a frustrating morning. It's not that I have so much to do today - it's just that I have three tiny children with colds milling about me crying in an unending chorus of nerve-racking whining. How much of this can a mother's ears take!?!

Leaving the door open, I put them out on the deck with toys. My piano is just inside the glass door. I play the piano. They play with toys. We both seem to be soothed by the music.

Jesus, we crown You with Praise,
Jesus, we crown You with praise,
We love and adore You, bow down before You,
Jesus, we crown You with praise!

I sing out loud. The words are starting to penetrate and sooth my soul. The children come and finger the keys with me before going back to their toys.

All to Jesus I surrender, all to Him I freely give.
I will ever love and trust Him, in His presence daily live.
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour, I surrender all.

All to Jesus I surrender. Make me, Saviour, wholly Thine.
Let me feel Thy Holy Spirit, truly know that Thou art mine.
I surrender all, I surrender all.
All to Thee, my blessed Saviour,  I surrender all.

Now the music flows smoothly, my spirit calmed and quieted.

All to Jesus I surrender, Lord, I give myself to Thee;
Fill me with Thy love and power, let Thy blessing fall on me.
I surrender all, I surrender all;
All to Thee, my blessed Savior, I surrender all.